Binomial Expansion Part I: Find Formula for 8th Power - 65 chars

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    Binomial Expansion
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the binomial expansion of various binomials raised to the 8th power, specifically focusing on the expressions (x + y), (w + z), (x - y), and (2a + 3b). Participants explore how the expansion of one binomial can inform the expansions of the others, as well as the proper substitution of values into these expansions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Participants are tasked with writing out the binomial expansion for each specified binomial raised to the 8th power.
  • Some participants express that while the expansions are straightforward, they seek clarification on how to determine specific values from these expansions.
  • One participant references the need to apply powers correctly when substituting values into the expansion, emphasizing the importance of treating the entire term appropriately.
  • Another participant suggests specific substitutions for x and y in the context of the expansions, indicating how to relate the expansions of different binomials to the first one.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on how to find values from the expansions, as participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the application of the binomial theorem and substitution methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved how to approach the determination of values from the expansions, and there may be assumptions about familiarity with binomial coefficients and substitution techniques that are not explicitly stated.

toyjoha
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Part I. Write out the binomial expansion for each binomial raised to the 8th power.
1. (x + y) 2. (w + z) 3. (x - y) 4. (2a + 3b)
Part II. Now explain how your answer for #1 could be used as a formula to help you answer each of the other items. In each case, for #2, 3 and 4, tell what would x equal and what would y equal.

I did the binomial expansions. Those are easy, but how can you find the value?
 
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toyjoha said:
Part I. Write out the binomial expansion for each binomial raised to the 8th power.
1. (x + y) 2. (w + z) 3. (x - y) 4. (2a + 3b)
Part II. Now explain how your answer for #1 could be used as a formula to help you answer each of the other items. In each case, for #2, 3 and 4, tell what would x equal and what would y equal.

I did the binomial expansions. Those are easy, but how can you find the value?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=binomial+coefficient
 
What did you get for the expansion of (x+y)^5? What happens when you substitute another term for x and y, say x=3c and y=2d into the expansion of (x+y)^5? Remember when you substitute you must pay close attention to apply any powers to the whole term, not just the variable. So if you see x^5 and you substitute x=3c, then the substituted expression would be (3c)^5, NOT 3(c^5).
 
toyjoha said:
Part I. Write out the binomial expansion for each binomial raised to the 8th power.
1. (x + y) 2. (w + z) 3. (x - y) 4. (2a + 3b)
Part II. Now explain how your answer for #1 could be used as a formula to help you answer each of the other items. In each case, for #2, 3 and 4, tell what would x equal and what would y equal.

I did the binomial expansions. Those are easy, but how can you find the value?
They are not asking for "values". To use your answer to (1) to get (2) let x= w and let y= z. Similarly for (3) x stays x but y becomes -y. Finally, for (4) let x= 2a, y= 3b.
 

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