Course Description

Instructor: Stephen Cole

Explore the fascinating connection between the Binomial Theorem and Pascal’s Triangle in this approachable and enjoyable math course! No advanced background required—just high-school–level math and a bit of curiosity. We’ll start with a clever puzzle that will keep you guessing for several weeks before the solution is revealed. Along the way, we’ll review key terminology, discuss the patterns and beauty found within Pascal’s Triangle, and uncover how the Binomial Theorem provides powerful tools for expanding expressions and solving problems. A helpful handout will be provided to make it easy to follow along.

Bio: Stephen Cole earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard College, and his PhD degree in applied mathematics from Harvard Graduate School. In the early part of his career, Dr. Cole was employed by IBM, Electronic Data Systems, and Georgia Tech Research Institute. In more recent years he was self-employed as a computer software analyst, and his clients during this latter period included Ashland Oil, CBS, Panasonic, Scientific Atlanta, Siemens, and Southern Company.