Math II & Binominal Theorem, etc

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1

<p>I just ordered Barron's guide, but I decided to go on to sparknotes, and do a little studying, while I was waiting for the book. I've forgotten how to do a lot of the algebra, and so I was reviewing sparknotes' section.... I actually understand most of it now, but I was dumbfounded when I got to the section on the Binominal Theorem and Pascal's Triangle. I mean you only have (on average) a little more than 1 minute to answer each question on the test, so how do they expect you to use the Binomial Theorem? (I haven't used it in a while, but I know it takes forever) Similarly, are you expected to use the quadratic equation on the test? </p>

<p>Lastly, I'm currently in a Pre-Cal class (we have block scheduling), and we haven't gotten to some of the topics covered on the Math II test (mostly solid geometry, and logs). Anyways, I was wondering if anybody else has been in the same situation. Right now I'm reviewing the algebra and geometry (a lot of which I've forgotten), but I can't really study what I haven't yet learned. So would you suggest doing practice tests and just skipping those questions?</p>

2

<p>I don’t think you need to use the Binomial Theorem. As for the quadratic equation, you don’t need to use it either. You can just graph the quadratic function and trace for the zeroes.</p>

3

<p>You can also program the formula into your calculator, if you don’t want to bother graphing it.</p>

4

<p>Can you program both the quadratic formula and the Binominal theorem into your calculator? </p>

<p>So how would you solve a problem like
“What is the fifth term of the expansion of (a + b)8?”</p>

<p>Also do they expect you to distribute long problems?</p>

5

<p>No; They expect you to be able to use pascals triangle and write down the leading coefficients and then add the a+b with the powers decreasing for a and increasing for b.</p>

6

<p>Okay, well that’s Greek to me. Are you suppose to cover Pascal’s triangle in Alg II, or Pre-Cal?</p>

7

<p>We did it in precalc…but it’s not exactly like a “standard” thing that is supposed to be taught in some math class…just ask your teacher/look it up…it’s pretty simple.</p>