Variables

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PSAT Math › Variables

Questions 1 - 10
1

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

:

2

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

3

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

:

4

Give the coefficient of in the product

.

Explanation

While this problem can be answered by multiplying the three binomials, it is not necessary. There are three ways to multiply one term from each binomial such that two terms and one constant are multiplied; find the three products and add them, as follows:

Add: .

The correct response is .

5

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

6

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

7

Give the coefficient of in the product

.

Explanation

While this problem can be answered by multiplying the three binomials, it is not necessary. There are three ways to multiply one term from each binomial such that two terms and one constant are multiplied; find the three products and add them, as follows:

Add:

The correct response is -122.

8

Multiply the binomial.

Explanation

By multiplying with the foil method, we multiply our first values giving , our outside values giving . our inside values which gives , and out last values giving .

9

Give the coefficient of in the product

.

Explanation

While this problem can be answered by multiplying the three binomials, it is not necessary. There are three ways to multiply one term from each binomial such that two terms and one constant are multiplied; find the three products and add them, as follows:

Add: .

The correct response is .

10

Give the coefficient of in the binomial expansion of .

Explanation

If the expression is expanded, then by the binomial theorem, the term is

or, equivalently, the coefficient of is

Therefore, the coefficient can be determined by setting

:

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