1 Number and algebra

Activity: Pascal’s triangle and binomial

expressions
This diagram shows the first five lines of Pascal’s triangle.

1 Write down as many patterns as can you see in the triangle.

Explain each pattern in your own words, using algebra where possible.
2 Write down the numbers in the 6th line. Explain how you calculated these numbers.

3 Are there any new patterns that you have noticed?

4 Expand and simplify each of the following.
2
a) ( x +2)
2
b) (x + y )
3
c) (x + y ) Hint: Take your answer from (x + y )2 and multiply it by ( x + y )
.

Mathematics for the IB Diploma: Analysis and approaches 1

© Huw Jones 2019
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d) Hint: Take your answer from (x + y ) and multiply it by
( x + y ).

5 Complete the missing lines of Pascal’s triangle.

Here are some results from the expansions in Q4.

(x + y )2 =x2 +2 xy + y 2
(x + y )3 =x3 +3 x 2 y +3 x xy 2+ y 3
(x + y )4=x 4 + 4 x 3 y +6 x 2 y 2+ 4 x y3 + y 4.
6 What do you notice about the coefficients of x and y in your answers?
7 Use your pattern to expand:
a) (x + y )5
b) (x + y )6 .
8 How can you use Pascal’s triangle to help you expand brackets?
Do the patterns in the numbers help you?
How could you use the pattern to expand (2 x−3 y)5 ?


If you are unsure about the meaning of this word then please ask your teacher.

Mathematics for the IB Diploma: Analysis and approaches 2

© Huw Jones 2019