Impress Your Math Teacher With Calculus

In this video we use Rolle’s Theorem to demonstrate that the common mistake with the binomial expansion is correct under certain common conditions. This is from an exercise in Spivak’s Calculus, but is a fantastic problem for less rigorous calculus too. It’s also a well known trick to make long and hard algebra feel quick and dirty (usually when n’s odd).

[NicolasCloutier-ux]

I love the format. Didactic and quick.

[Ingbrg]

At 00:15 are you setting up the equation where the answer is y^2 + x^2 because you know either x or y has to be zero. Or do you know it has to be zero because you set up the equation?

[Janeator-qmsb]

wouldn't it be easier to jusy expand the newtons binomial and use combinatoric number properties?