Problem:
Which of the following expressions is equivalent to ?
, 2006
Pick one
Solution
Solution:
The answer is . Expanding the cube, we get
SECOND SOLUTION
The expression contains the monomial . This rules out answers (A) and (D) because that monomial does not appear there, in answer (B) appears, in answer (E) appears (moreover this polynomial is not homogeneous). The answer is therefore (C).
THIRD SOLUTION
The expression is made up of monomials (without combining like terms), all having coefficient 1. Of the 5 proposed expressions, (A), (B), (D) and (E) are made up of monomials (even if some are like terms) all having coefficient 1, only is made up of monomials all having coefficient 1.
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