The freshman's dream is a name sometimes given to the error (x + y)n = xn + yn, where n is a real number (usually a positive integer greater than 1). Beginning students commonly make this error in computing the power of a sum of real numbers. When n = 2, it is easy to see why this is incorrect: (x + y)2 can be correctly computed as x2 + 2xy + y2 using distributivity (or commonly known as the FOIL method). For larger positive integer values of n, the correct result is given by the binomial theorem.
The name "freshman's dream" also sometimes refers to the theorem that says that for a prime number p, if x and y are members of a commutative ring of characteristic p, then (x + y)p = xp + yp. In this case, the "mistake" actually gives the correct result, due to p dividing all the binomial coefficients save the first and the last.
Read more about Freshman's Dream: Examples, Prime Characteristic, History and Alternate Names
Famous quotes containing the words freshman and/or dream:
“It is well known, that the best productions of the best human intellects, are generally regarded by those intellects as mere immature freshman exercises, wholly worthless in themselves, except as initiatives for entering the great University of God after death.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“On a subconscious level your child experiences separation from you as a “punishment.” And if he is to be “rewarded” with your return, he must be very good.... Eager for you to come back, your finicky son would probably eat liver if your baby-sitter served it, and he wouldn’t dream of resisting her at bathtime.”
—Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)