Lesson Plan: The Binomial Theorem Mathematics
This lesson plan includes the objectives, prerequisites, and exclusions of the lesson teaching students how to expand any binomial expression of the form (𝑎 + 𝑏)^𝑛 using combinations.
Objectives
Students will be able to
- state the binomial theorem using sigma notation and combination notation (and/or factorials),
- apply the binomial theorem to expand a binomial of any power,
- express a simple expanded binomial as its factorized counterpart,
- manipulate or evaluate expressions and equations involving binomials and combinations (and/or factorials),
- find an approximate value for any power of a numerical value using the binomial theorem.
Prerequisites
Students should already be familiar with
- combinations and associated notation,
- factorials.
Exclusions
Students will not cover
- methods involving Pascal’s triangle,
- use of the formula for a general term in a binomial expansion,
- finding a specific term in a binomial expansion (a term with a specified position, power of , etc.)
