binomial theorum and pascal's triangle – Khan Academy Help Center

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May 01, 2017 14:39

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(-p+q)^5

my answer was -p^5 + 5p^4q - 10p^3q^2 + 10p^2q^3 - 5pq^4 -q^5

but the answer for the question was listed with the last term +q^5

My question is why isn't it -q^5 for the last term? Isn't it really -p^0(q^5)?

Isn't -p^0 = -1?

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Amin

July 04, 2017 14:22

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When you evaluate the binomial using Pascal's triangle, you have to remember to substitute the terms and their signs within parentheses.

So, while the statement -p^0 = -1 is true, it is used incorrectly here. You have to include the "-" sign when raising p to the 0 power, (-p)^0 = 1.

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