Binomial theorem

(a+b)n=∑k=0n(nk)an−kbk(a+b)^n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k}a^{n-k}b^{k}

Result unit: — (expression)

What it describes

Expansion of the n-th power of a binomial using binomial coefficients.

Symbols

a,ba, b
terms of the binomial
nn
exponent
kk
summation index

Where it comes from

The coefficients in the expansion of (a+b)n(a+b)^n are binomial coefficients (Pascal's triangle). Each term has the form (nk)an−kbk\binom{n}{k}a^{n-k}b^k.

When to use it

Expanding powers of a binomial, finding a specific term of the expansion.

Example

Expand (a+b)2(a+b)^2 using the binomial theorem.
Substitutionn=2n=2.
Resulta2+2ab+b2a^2+2ab+b^2.

Related formulas

Found this formula useful? Share it.

It's free — send it to a friend who's revising.

Teaching? Embed this formula on your site.

Free widget — paste it on your school site, blog or notes. It links to the full version.

Teaching a class or tutoring? Guide students in NexTutor →