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Expert: Sherry Wallin - 2/6/2011


Question
Dear Sherry

I hope you can help me with this problem:

Given: (x+1)to the power of 35

What is the degree of the expansion?

Keep up the good work.

Lizzy

Answer
Hi Lizzy~

Hmmm...how can I lead you to the answer without giving you the answer?

What is (x+1)^1? x+1 -> degree is 1
What is (x+1)^2? (x+1)(x+1) (2 times) = x^2+2x+1  -> degree is 2
What is (x+1)^3? (x+1)(x+1)(x+1) (3 times) = (x^2+2x+1)(x+1)
= x^3+3x^2+3x+1 -> degree is 3
...
What is (x+1)^n? (x+1)(x+1)...(x+1) (n times) -> degree is n
thus (x+1)^35 degree is ??

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Sherry Wallin

Expertise

I can answer most questions up through Calculus and some in Number Theory and Abstract Algebra.

Experience

I have had my Bachelor's Degree since 1987 and have been a teacher since 1988. I earned my Masters Degree in Mathematics May 2010. I have been teaching at the same community college since 2002.

Education/Credentials
I have taught 12 years at the community college level, medical college, and technical college as well as a high school instructor and alternative education instructor and charter school instructor.

Awards and Honors
Master's GPA 3.56 Bachelor's GPA 3.34 Post grad work not degree related GPA 4.0

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