C1 easy little maths question :)

when it asks 'use the binomial theorem to work out....' in C1, does it want me to use the binomial formula (1+nx+....) or pascals triangle??? help! would be very much appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

Old_Simon

Original post by MNem

when it asks 'use the binomial theorem to work out....' in C1, does it want me to use the binomial formula (1+nx+....) or pascals triangle??? help! would be very much appreciated :smile:

Binomial Formula is similar in effect to Pascal Triangle but it is not the same thing.

Reply 2

MNem

Original post by Old_Simon

Binomial Formula is similar in effect to Pascal Triangle but it is not the same thing.

I know what each of them do, i completely understand how to use them etc, its just the wording of questions i dont know (when both could be used to obtain the answer) :redface:

Reply 3

easyastau

What needs working out?

Reply 4

rayquaza17

If it says use binomial theorem, then you need to use the binomial theorem.

Pascal's triangle calculates the coefficients used in the binomial theorem.

Reply 5

zed963

I normally use the nCr method.

Reply 6

Old_Simon

Original post by MNem

I know what each of them do, i completely understand how to use them etc, its just the wording of questions i dont know (when both could be used to obtain the answer) :redface:

If they wanted us to use Pascal's Triangle presumably they would say so ?

Reply 7

kara1

(in MEI - because thats what I know, i wouldn't be confident about the other boards because i don't teach them..) If it says "use binomial theorem" the mark schemes allow you to use pascal's triangle to work out the coefficients because mostly it is test that you know the rest of the theorem (the "power on one bit goes up and the power on the other goes down" bit)