Question

Which statement best describes the purpose of Pascal's triangle?

Option 1: It is a geometric pattern used in art.
Option 2: It is a mathematical tool for solving linear equations.
Option 3: It is a way to visualize prime numbers.
Option 4: It is a mathematical array used to expand binomials and calculate combinations.

Answer 1

The purpose of Pascal's triangle is to expand binomials and calculate combinations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of Pascal's triangle is to expand binomials and calculate combinations.

Pascal's triangle is a mathematical array that lists the coefficients of each term in the expansion of (a + b)^n, where n is a positive integer.

For example, in the fifth row of Pascal's triangle, we have the coefficients 1 5 10 10 5 1, which are the coefficients of the terms in the expansion of (a + b)^5.