Question

P2 + 2pq + q2 = 1

In the Hardy Weinberg formula, what algebraic term is used to find the number of HETEROZYGOUS individuals in a population?

Answer 1

Answer: The answer is: " 2pq " .

_____________________________________

Note: (p+q) (p+q) = ?

______________________________________

Note the following "distributive property" of multiplication:

______________________________________

(a + b) (c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd ;

______________________________________

As such:

______________________________________

(p + q) (p + q) = pp + pq + qp + qq ;

→ = pp + pq + pq + qq ;

Combine the "like terms:

pq + pq = 2pq ; Note there these are the "heterozygous" individuals in the population; since these represent "2 different alleles" ;

= p² + 2pq + q² ;

_________________________________________________

Since: "pp" ; or: "p² " is: "homozygous" (the same 2 alleles)" ;

and since: "qq" ; or: "q² " is: "homozygous (the same 2 alleles)" .

_________________________________________________