Advanced MathMediumConstant term of an expanded square with a reciprocal
Advanced Math practice question
When (x + 1/x)² is expanded for x ≠ 0, what is its constant term?
Answer: 2
(x + 1/x)² = x² + 2(x)(1/x) + 1/x² = x² + 2 + 1/x². The constant term is 2.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 0
- 0 assumes the middle term vanishes.
- If you answered 1
- 1 counts the cross term once.
- If you answered 4
- 4 doubles the constant.
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