The binomial theorem is a rule. A binomial is an algebraic expression of two numbers that are connected by a plus or minus sign. Newton’s shortcut made the process of multiplying binomials easier, especially when used with numbers in Pascal's triangle.

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(a + b)⁰ = 1

(a + b)¹ = 1a + 1b

(a + b)² = 1a² + 2ab + 1b²

(a + b)³ = 1a³ + 3a²b + 3ab² + 1b³

Notice that the coefficients (numbers attached to the variables (a and b) are the elements (numbers) in Pascal's triangle.

1.) Which of the following is a binomial?

8xy
4xy / 3z
2x + 10

2.) Which of the following is not a binomial?

5x - 18
7 + 139
6xz³

3.) Who "invented" the Binomial Theorem?

Pascal
Euclid
Newton

4.) What is the Binomial Theorem?

Binomial’s theorem
A rule for multiplying binomials
A theorem about binomials