16Hit1600
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.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.