Two figures in, a clear answer out. The multiplying binomials calculator uses a₀, a₁, b₀ and b₁ to produce c₂, c₁ and c₀, applying the standard relationship for this problem in the order the calculation actually needs it.
What Is the Multiplying Binomials Calculator?
The multiplying binomials calculator works through a₀, a₁, b₀ and b₁ to give you c₂, c₁ and c₀.
It is aimed at the case where you know the method but not the arithmetic: schoolwork, a quick check on a worked example, or a figure that needs to be right first time.
How the Multiplying Binomials Works
Each step is applied in order and depends only on the values before it, which makes it possible to follow the calculation rather than take it on trust.
If you are working through the same problem by hand afterwards, compare the intermediate values. That is where a mistake usually shows itself.
Checking Your Own Working
Round sensibly as you go and keep the full precision in the calculator. Rounding too early is the most common way of getting a right method to give a wrong answer.
Where a result should be a whole number, such as a count, check it against the constraint that produced it. A fraction of a person is a sign that something upstream needs revisiting.
A Worked Example
Working through an example, with a₀ set to 10, a₁ set to 5, b₀ set to 2, the calculator returns c₂ of 500, and c₁ of 1,010, and c₀ of 20. Substitute your own figures and the same steps produce the same kind of answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to work out c₂?
Enter a₀, a₁, b₀ and b₁. The calculator then works through the relationship and reports c₂, c₁ and c₀.
What does the multiplying binomials actually calculate?
It takes a₀, a₁, b₀ and b₁ and converts them into c₂, c₁ and c₀ using the standard relationship for this problem. Each step is applied in turn, so every output is traceable back to the numbers you typed in.
How should I enter a₀?
Use the value you actually have, in the unit shown next to the field. Enter every value in the same unit system. The calculator assumes the figures you supply are consistent, so it cannot correct a mistake that happens before the calculation starts.
Does anything you type get stored?
No. The whole calculation runs inside your browser, and nothing you enter is uploaded, logged or sent anywhere.
Do I have to fill in every field?
Only the fields a particular result depends on. If you leave one blank, the results that need it simply show a note instead of a number, and everything else still works.