Advanced MathVery hardMiddle coefficients of a cubed binomial
Advanced Math practice question
For all values of x, (x + 2)³ = x³ + ax² + bx + 8, where a and b are constants. What is the value of a + b?
Answer: 18
(x + 2)³ = x³ + 6x² + 12x + 8, so a + b = 18.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 4
- 4 uses a = 2 and b = 2.
- If you answered 8
- 8 is the constant term.
- If you answered 12
- 12 is b alone.
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