Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
10. Combinatorics & Probability
Combinatorics
13:49 minutes
Problem 49a
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionIn Exercises 49–52, use the Binomial Theorem to expand each expression and write the result in simplified form. (x^3 +x^-2)^4
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Binomial Theorem
The Binomial Theorem provides a formula for expanding expressions of the form (a + b)^n, where n is a non-negative integer. It states that the expansion can be expressed as a sum of terms involving binomial coefficients, which are calculated using combinations. Each term in the expansion takes the form C(n, k) * a^(n-k) * b^k, where C(n, k) is the binomial coefficient for the k-th term.
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Binomial Coefficients
Binomial coefficients, denoted as C(n, k) or 'n choose k', represent the number of ways to choose k elements from a set of n elements without regard to the order of selection. They are calculated using the formula C(n, k) = n! / (k!(n-k)!), where '!' denotes factorial. These coefficients play a crucial role in determining the coefficients of each term in the expansion of a binomial expression.
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Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions involves combining like terms and reducing expressions to their simplest form. In the context of the Binomial Theorem, this means collecting terms with the same variable powers and ensuring that the final expression is presented in a clear and concise manner. This process often includes applying the laws of exponents, especially when dealing with negative exponents, to ensure all terms are expressed positively where possible.
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