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 MARKS 1

B I N O M IA L T HE O R E M

2 .1 B I N OM I A L EX PRESSI ON :
An algebraic expression consisting of two terms with a positive or negative sign between them is
called a binomial expression.
Example : (a + b), (P / x2) ă (Q / x4) etc.

2 .1 .1 B i n o m i a l T h e o r e m :
When a binomial expression is raised to a power ÂnÊ we would like to be able to expand it. The
binomial theorem assists us in doing this. It converts such an expression into a series.
Binomial Theorem for positive integral index :
(x + y)n = xn + nC1xnă1y+nC2xnă2y2 + ......... nCr xnăryr + ......... + ......... + nCnă1xynă1 + ncnyn.

2 .1 .2 Pr o o f o f B i n o m i a l T h e o r e m :
The Binomial theorem can be proved by mathematical induction
Let P(n) stands for the mathematical statement
(x + a)n = xn + nC1 xnă1 a + nC2 xnă2 a2 + ... nCr xnăr ar + ... + a r ..... (i)
Note that there are (n + 1) terms in R.H.S. and all the terms are of the same degree in x and a
together
 P (1) is verified to be true
Assume P (m) to be true
i.e., (x + a) m = xm + m
C1 x mă1 a + m
C2 xmă2 a 2 + ... m
Cr xmăr ar + ... + a m ...... (ii)
Multiplying equation (ii) by (x + a), we have
(x + a)m (x + a) = (x + a) {x m + mC1 xmă1 a + m
C2 xmă2 a 2 + ... + m
C r xmăr ar + ... + a m}
i.e. (x + a) m+1= xm+1 + (mC1 + 1) xma + ( mC2 + mC1) x mă1 a2 + ... + (mCr + mCră1) xmăr+1 a r + ... am+1
= xm+1 + (m+1)
C 1 xm a + (m+1)
C2 x mă1 a 2 + ...
m+1
Cr xm+1ăr a r + am+1 ........... (iii)
(using the formula nCr + nC ră1 = (n+1)
Cr )
Equation (iii) implies that P (m + 1) is true and hence by induction P (n) is true.

2 .2 .3 Pa r t i c u l a r – Ca s e s :
(i) Replacing ÂyÊ by Âă yÊ, we have :
(x ă y)n = n
C 0xy 0ă nC1 xnă1 y+nC 2xnă2 y 2 ....... + (ă 1) rn C năr r
r
x y + .......... (ă 1) n nC nx0 yn.
It can be represented as :

n
 x  y n     1
r n
Cr x n r y r
r0

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 2 MARKS

(ii) Replacing ÂxÊ by Â1Ê and ÂyÊ by ÂxÊ, we have :

(1 + x) n = nC0 x 0 + nC1x + nC 2x2 + .......... + nCr x r + ............. + nCnă1 xnă1 + nCnxn .

n
or 1  x n   n Cr xr
r 0

(ii) Replacing ÂxÊ by ÂăxÊ, we have :

(1 ă x) n = nC0x0 ă n C1x1 + nC 2x2 ă .............. + (ă 1) r nCr xr + .......... nCnă1 (ă 1) nă1
+ (ă 1)n nCnxn

n
or (1 ă x) =n
 (1)r n
Cr xr
r 0

2 .2 PROPERT I ES OF B I N OM I A L – EXPA N SI ON (x + y ) n :
(i) There are (n + 1) terms in the expansion.
(ii) In each term, sum of the indices of ÂxÊ and ÂyÊ is equal to ÂnÊ.
(iii) In any term, the lower suffix of ÂCÊ is equal to the index of ÂyÊ, and the index of x = n ă (lower
suffix of C).
(iv) Because nCr = nCnăr,
so we have :
n
C0 = nCn
n
C1 = nC nă1
n
C2 = nCnă2 etc.
It follows that the coefficients of terms equidistant from the beginning and the ends are equal.

Ex a m p l e s 1

x   x  
6 6
(1) Simplify x2  1 x2  1

Solution : Let x 2
1  = a, so we have :

(x + a)6 + (x ă a)6
= [x6 + 6 C1x 5.a + 6C2.x4 .a2 + 6C3x 3a3 + 6 C4x2 a4 + 6C5x2a4 + 6C5xa5 + 6C 6a6 ]
= [x6 ă 6C 1x 5a + 6C2.x4 .a2 ă 6C3x3 a3 + 6 C4x2a4 ă 6 C 5xa5 + 6 C5xa 5 + 6C6a6 ]
= 2 [x6 + 6 C2x4a2 + 6C4x2a 4 + 6Ca6]
= 2 [x6 + 15x4 (x2 ă 1) + 15x 2 (x2 ă 1) + (x2 ă 1) 3]
= 2 [x6 + 15x6 ă 15x 4 (x 2 ă 1) + 15x2 (x2 ă 1) + (x2 ă 1) 3]
= 2 [x6 + 15x6 ă 15x4 + 15x6 + 15x2 ă 30x4 + x6 ă 1 ă 3x4 + 3x3]
= 2 [32x6 ă 48x4 + 18x2 ă 1]

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 3

Ex a m p l e 2
In this expansion of (x + a)n, if the sum of odd-terms be ÂPÊ and sum of even be ÂQÊ Prove
that :
(i) P2 ă Q2 = (x2 ă a 2 )n
(ii) 4PQ = (x + a )2n ă (x ă a )2n
Solution :
(x + a)n = xn + n C1xnă1 a + nC2x nă2a2 + nC3nă3 a3 + .......... + nC nan
= (xn + n
C2xnă2a 2 + .........) + (n C1 xnă1 a+nC3x nă3a3 + ..........)
(x + a)n = P + Q ...................... (1)
and (x ă a)n = xn ă nC1 xnă1 a + n C2 xnă2a 2 ă nC 3 xnă3a3 + ....... + (ă 1) n nC nan
= (xn + n
C2xnă2a2 + .........) ă (n C1x nă1 a + nC 3 xnă3a3 + .........)
(x ă a)n = P ă Q ................. (2)
Now we have :
(1) P2 ăQ2 = (P + Q) (P ă Q)
= (x + a) n (x ă a)n
= P2 ă Q 2 = (x2 ă a2 )n
(2) 4PQ = (P + Q)2 ă (P ă Q)2
= (x + a) 2n ă (x ă a)2n

Ex a m p l e 3
Prove that (101)50 > (100)50 + (99) 50
Solution :
(101)50 = (100 + 1) 50
= (100)50 + 50
C1(100)49 + 50
C 2(100)48 + ............ + 1 ................. (i)
(99) 50 = (100 ă 1) 50
= (100)50 ă 50
c 1(100)49 + 50
c2(100) 48 ă ............. + 1 ....................(ii)
eq. (i) ă eq. (ii) :
(101)50 ă (99)50 = 2[ 50 C1(100) 49 + 50C (100)47
3
+ ............]
49 50
= 2 ï (50!/ 1! ï 49!) (100) + 2. C 3(100) 47 + ..............
= 100 ï (100)49 + (A positive number)
= (100)50 + (A positive number)
(101)50 ă (99)50 > (100)50
or (101)50 > (101)50 + (99)50

2 . 2 . 1 Ge n e r a l t e r m s :
(r + 1)th term from beginning in (x + y)n is called general ă term, and it is denoted by

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 4 MARKS
Tr+1 = nCr xnăryr
Explanation : We know
(x ï y)n = nC0 xny0 + n C1 xnă1y 1 + nC2xnă2 y2 + ......... nCnx0 y0
Here :
First term T1 = nC 0xny0
T2 = nC 1xnă1 y1
T3 = nC 2xnă2 y2
.....................................
.....................................
.....................................
Tr = nC ră1 xnă (ră1) yră1
Putting r = r + 1 in this expression, we get;
General term : Tr+1 = nCr xnăr yr
Note : ÂTrÊ can be used as general terms also.

PROB L EM S B A SED ON GEN ERA L TERM S

Ex a m p l e 4
Type : 1

 
13
Find the 7th term in expansion of  4 x  1 / 2 x 
 
Solution : We know the general term is Tr + 1 & we want to find the 7th term.  r + 1 = 7  r = 6

 
6
13 C
T7 = T 6+1 = 6
(4x) 13 ă 6 ă 1/2 x

= 13 6 3
C6.47 x7. 1 / 2 .x  
= 13 C6.2 8.x4
= 13!/ (6! ï 7!) . 2 8 . x4
= T 7 = 439296x4

Ex a m p l e 5
Type II. Find the coefficient of Xă 7 in the expansion of (a x ă 1/bx 2) 11
Solution
r
11 11 ă r  1 
General term, Tr = Cr (ax) ă  2
+ 1  bx 
 a11 r  x11 r
Tr = (ă 1) r 11
Cr  r  2 r
+ 1  b  x
 a11 r  11 3r
 T r+1 = 11C  r  x ................ (i)
r  b 
Since we want to find the coefficient of xă7
Putting 11 ă 3r = ă 7
 r= 6
BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE
 MARKS 5

From (i) to T7 = (ă 1)6 11C

6
. (a5 / b 6 ) xă7 .................. (i)
11
Hence, the coefficient of x ă7
is C6a5bă6.

Ex a m p l e 6
Type III : Find the term independent of ÂxÊ in [(3 x2 /2) ă (1/3x)]9
Solution : General term, Tr+1 = 9Cr (3 x2 /2)9 ă r ă (1/3x) r
= (ă 1)r 9Cr (3/2) 9ăr x18ă2r (1/[Link] )
Tr + 1
= (ă 1)r9 Cr (39ă2r / 29ăr ) . x18ă3r .................. (i)
Putting 18 ă 3r = 0
 r= 6
So, from (i), 7th term is independent of ÂxÊ and its value is :
T7 = (ă 1) 6 . 9C 6 . (3ă3 /23 ) x 0
= 9! /(6! ï 3!) . 1 / (33 ï 2 3 )
= T7 = (7/18)
pth term form end :
ÂpÊth term from end in the expansion of (x + y)n is (n ă p + 2)th term from beginning.

Ex a m p l e 7

Find the 4 th term from the end in the expansion of [(x3 /2) ă (2/x2)]7
Solution :
4th term from end = (7 ă 4 + 2) th or 5th term from beginning.
T5 = T 4+1 = 7C4 (x3 /2)7ă4 . (ă 2/x4)4
= 7 C4 (x3 /2)3 (ă 2/x2)4
= 7! / (4! ï 3!) . (x9/8). (16/x8)
= (7.6.5 / 3.2.1) . 2x
T5 = 70x
Hence Â4Ê term, from the end = 70x.

2 . 2 .2 M i d d l e t e r m s :
It depends upon the value of ÂnÊ
Case 1 : When ÂnÊ is even, then total number of terms in (x + y)n is odd. so there is only one middle
term i.e. [(n/2) + 1]th them in the middle term.
So we find (Tn+1/2). th term is this case, if ÂnÊ is even.
Case II : When ÂnÊ is odd, then the total number of terms in (x + y) n is even. So there are two middle
 n  3  th
terms i.e. (n + 1) 1/2 th and   are true middle terms.
 2 
So we find T (n+1)/2 th and T(n+3)/2 th in this case if ÂnÊ is odd.

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 6 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 8

Find the middle term in the expansion of [3x ă (x 3 / 6)] 9

Solution :
Here total no. of terms are 10 (even). So there re true middle terms.
i.e. (9 + 1) /2 th and (9 + 3) /2 th. So we have to find out ÂT5Ê and ÂT 6 Ê.
T5 = T4+1 = 9 C4(3x) 9ă4 (ă x3 / 6)4
= 9! / (4! ï 5!) . 35 x5 (x12 / 6 4)
= ([Link] / [Link].) 35 (2 4 ï 3 4) x17
T5 = (189 / 8) x17
T6 = T5+1 = 9 C5(3x) 9ă5 (ăx3 /6)5
= 9! / (5! ï 4!) . 34 x4 (x15 / 6 5)
= ă ([Link] / [Link]) 34(2 5 ï 3 5) x19
T6 = ă (21 / 16)x19

2 . 2 . 3 Gre a t es t t erm i n (1 + x ) n
If ÂTr Ê and ÂTr+1 Ê be the Âr Ê th and (r + 1) the terms in the expansion of (1 + x) n , then :
Tr+1 = nC r(1)năr x r = nCr xr
And Tr = nC ră1 . x ră1
So T r+1 / Tr = (nCr xr / nC ră1 xră1) = (n ă r + 1)/r |x|
If ÂT r+1 be the greatest term, then Tr+1 / Tr
Or T r+1/T r = 1
Since (n ă r + 1) / r . |x| > 1, where ÂrÊ is a Â+Ê ve integer.
This inequality, changes either to the form r < m + f pr r < m, where ÂmÊ is a Â+Ê ve integer and
ÂfÊ is a fraction. So we get :
r < m + f ....................... (i)
or r < m .......................... (ii)
In case (i), ÂTÊ m+1
is the greatest term, and in case (i) ÂTÊ m and ÂTÊ m+1
are the greatest terms, and
both re equal.
Short-cut : First calculate m = |x (n + 1) / (x + 1)|
Case (1) if ÂmÊ is an integer, then ÂTÊ m
and ÂTÊ m+1
are the greatest terms and both are equal.
Case (2) if ÂmÊ is not an integer, then T[m]+1 will be the greatest term, where [.] denotes greatest
integer function.

Ex a m p l e 9
Find numerically the greatest term in the expansion of (2 + 3x), when x = (3/2)
Solution : I. Method
(2 + 3x)9 = 29 [1 + 3x / 2]9

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 7

In the expansion of [(1 + 3x) / 2]9, we have :

Tr+1 /T r = [(9 ă r + 1)/r] |3x / 2
= ((10 ă r)/r) |(3/2) x(3/2)| 3
= (10 ă r) / r x 9/4
Tr+1 /T r = (90 ă 9r) / 4r
Putting Tr+1/T r > 1
 (90 ă 9r) / 4r > 1
or 90  13 r
or r  90 / 13
or r  6 + 12 / 13
 T 6+1 or ÂT7Ê is the greatest term.
ÂT7Ê in [1 + (3x/2)]9
T7 = T6+1 = 9C6 (3x/6) 6
= 9! / (3! ï 6!) . [(3/2) × (3/2)]6
= (9.8.7 / 3.2.1) × (96 / 4 6)
= (3 × 7 × 96) / 45 = (3 × 7 × 3 12) / 2 10
= 7 . (313 / 210 )
So greatest term in (2 + 3x)9 is :
= 29 . 7 . (313 / 210)
= (7 × 3 13)/2
II. Method :
(2 + 3x)9 = 2 9 [(1 + 3x) / 2]9
= 2 9 [1 + 9 / 4] 9
since x = 3 /2
Here m = |x (n + 1) / (x + 1)| = (9/4 (9 + 1) / 9/4 + 1|
= 90/13
So greatest term in the expansion is T[m]+1 = T3+1 = T 7
Now the method is same as in method (1)
Greatest Coefficient : In any binomial expansion middle-term has the greatest Coefficient. So
(i) If ÂnÊ is even, then greatest coefficient = nC n/2
(ii) If ÂnÊ is odd, then greatest coefficients are nC(n+1)/2 and n C (nă1)/2

FORM S OF B I N OM I A L T H EOREM
(1) (1 + x)n = C 0 + C1 x + C 2x2 + C3x3 + ....... C nxn

n
=  n Cr xr
r 0

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 8 MARKS

(2) (x + 1)n = C 0xn + C1xn–1 + C2xnă2 + C nxnăn

n
=  n C rx n r
r 0

(3) (1 ă x)n = C0 ă C 1x + C 2 x2 ă C 3 x3 + C 4 x4 ........ + (ă 1) n cn xn

1  x   1  x 
n n

(4)  C0  C 2 x 2  C 4 x 4  ....... 
2

1  x  n  1  x  n
(5)  C1 x  C 3 x3  C5 x5
2

1  xi   1  xi 
n n

(6)  C0  C2 x 2  C4 x 4  C6 x 6  ......
2

1  xi n  1  xi n
(7)  C1  C3 x3  C5 x5  C7 x7
2i

(8) n (1 + x)nă1 = C1 + 2C2x + 3C 3 x2 + ...........

2 .3 .1 Fo r m u l a e –I Su m o f f i r s t n t e r m s

n n n
 Cr  2n  rCr  n2  r 2 Cr
n 1
(a) (i) (ii ) (iii )  n (n  1)2n 2
r 0 r 1 r 1

n n n
(b) (i)  C  0 r Cr  0
r 0
(ii )  (1) rCr  0
r0
(iii ) 

(1)r r 2 Cr  0
r 0

( B a s e d o f f o r m u l a s e t -I ) [ R e m e m b e r t h e s e f o r m u l a e c a r e f u l l y ]

Ex a m p l e 1 0
Find Sn
Sn = 1C1 + 3C2 + 5C 3 + ... (n terms)
Solution : Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)2] C r = (2r ă 1) C r
n n
 Tr   (2 r  1) Cr
r 1 r 1

n n
= 2  rCr  Cr
r 1 r 1

= 2n2nă1
ă 2n + 1
= n2n ă 2n + 1 = 2n (n ă 1) + 1

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 9

Proofs of formule (1) n 1

(1) r  1 Cr 1  n  1 n Cr
n
 n
Cr  2 n n  1!
Proof :  r  1  C r 1   r  1 
n1
r 0
r  1! n  r !
Proof (1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + n C2 x2 + ....... + nCn xn
put x = 1  n  1  n!
=  r  1  r
2n = n C0 + n C1 ă 1 ........ nC n   1 r ! n  r !
n
n!
n
2 =  n Cr =  n  1 r ! n  r !
r 0

n  r  1 n 1
Cr 1   n  1  nCr
(2) r n
Cr  n2 n 1

r 0  We always try to produce this form so that

we could convert (r + 1) into (n + 1).
Proof L.H.S. = r nCr
Cr 1
 
n 1
= n
n 1
C r 1 (2)  Cr 1
r  1  n  1

n n
Cr
 r nCr n  n1 Cr 1 Proof : RHS = r 1
r 0 r 0  
= n . 2n ă 1
n!
= r! n  r! r  1
n  
Ex. : Find the value of  n  2 C r 2
r 
0
 n  1 n !
= n  1 r  1! n  r!
n  
Ans.  n 2
Cr 2 
n 2
C2 
n 2
C3 ......
n 2
Cr 2
r0
n  1!
= r1  1 r  1 ! n  r !
Always try to expand the series.     
Now in this case we will have to add and
1 n 1
subtract n 2
C0 & n2
C1 = n1 Cr 1
 
=  n 2
C0  n 2
C1  ..... n 2
Cn 2   n 2
C0  n 2
C1 So whenever you get r term in denominator
always try to convert it in given form.
n 2

=  n 2 Cr  1  n  2  In the same fashion we can write

r  0

Cr 1 n 2
= 2 n + 2 ă 1 ă (n + 2)  C r 2
 r  1 r  1  n  1n  1
Two very important formulas which, we will be
using in questions frequently

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 10 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 1 1
Find Sn ?
Sn = 1 2 C0 + 1 2C1 + 72 C2 + 10 2C3 + .... (n + 1) terms
Solution : (1 + (r ă 1)3)2 C r + 1
= (3r + 1) 2 Cr

n n
=  Tr 1   (3r  1) C r
2
Sn
r 0 r 0

n n n
= 9 r C r   C r  6  rC r
2

r0 r0 r0

= 9 n (n + 1) 2n ă 2 + 2n + 6 n ă 1

Ex a m p l e 1 2

Find Sn ?
Sn = 2 2 C2 + 5 2C3 + 82 C4 + ...... (n ă 1) terms)
Solution : [2 + (r ă 1)3]2 C r + 1
 Tr ă 1
= (2 + (r ă 2) 3) 2 Cr
Tr ă 1
= (3r ă 4)2 Cr

n n
Sn =  (3r  4)2 Cr   (3r  4)2 Cr  C1
r 2 r =1

n n n
= 9  r Cr  16  Cr  24  r Cr  C1
2

r 1 r 1 r 1

n ă 2
= 9 n (n + 1)2 + 16 (2 n ă 1) ă 24 (n)2 n ă 1

2 .3 .2 Fo r m u l a e -I I

n n
(i)  Cr2  2n
Cn (ii )  r C2r  n2n 1 Cn1
r0 r 1

n
(iii ) r2 C2r  n2 2 n-2 Cn1 (iv)  C0 C r  C1 Cr1  C2 C r 2 
r 1

2n
...  Cn r Cn  Cn 5

Remember these formulaes.

You can directly use these formulaes in question.

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

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Qu e s t i o n s B a s e d o n Fo r m u l a e Se t -I I

Ex a m p l e 1 3
Find Sn ?
Sn = C1Cr + 2C2 Cr + 1 + 3C3 Cr+ 2 + 4 C4 Cr + 3 + ...
Solution :

n(1 + x)n ă 1
= C 1 + 2C2 x + 3C3x2 + 4C 4x3 + ....
(n + 1) n = C 0xn + C1xn + C2 xn ă 1
+ ... C r xnăr + C r + 1
x n ă r ă 1

n (1 + x)2n ă 1 Coeffi. of xn ă r

n (2n ă 1
Cn ă r
)

Ex a m p l e 1 4
Find Sn ?
1C1 2 + 3C 22 + 5C3 2 + .... (n terms)
Solution :

Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)2] ï C 2r  (2 r  1) Cr2

n n n
S =  Tr   (2r  1) C2r  2 rC2r   C2r
r 1 r 1 r 1

2nă1 2n
= 2n Cnă1 ă Cn +1

Ex a m p l e 1 5
Find Sn ?
12 C02 + 42 C 12 + 72 C22 + .... (n + 1) terms
Solution :
2
Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)3]2 Cr 1

Tr+1 = (3r + 1)2 C2r

n
Sn =  (9r2  1  6 r) Cr2
r 0

n n n
= 9  r2 C2  Cr2  6  rCr
r
r 0 r 0 r 0

= 9n2 2nă2
Cnă1 + 2n
Cn + 6n 2 n ă 1
Cn ă 1

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 12 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 1 6

Find Sn ?
22 C22 + 52C32 + 82C 42 + ... (n + 1) terms
Solution :

Tr = [2 + (r ă 1)3] 2 C2r  1

Tr ă 1
= (2 + 3r ă 6)2 C2r = (3r ă 4) 2 C2r

n
 3 r  4 
2
Sn  C2r
r= 2

n
Sn =  (3r  4)2 C2r  n2
r 1

n n n
= 9 r 2Cr2  16 Cr2  24 r Cr2  n2
r 1 r 1 r1

Ex a m p l e 1 7
Find Sn ?

C 0 C1 C 2 C
   ...  n
1 2 3 n
Solution :
(Here in this series there are total (n + 1) forms).
In Tr + 1 th term if we vary value of r from 0 to n we will get summation of all terms.
Cr1 Cr
Tr =  Tr1 
r r 1

n n
Cr 1
Sn =   
r  1 n  1 r 0
n 1
C r1
r 0

 2n 1  1 
=  n  1 
 

Ex a m p l e 1 8
Find Sn ?
C0 C C
 1  2
1.2 2.3 3.4
Solution :
Cr 1 Cr
Tr = r r  1  Tr 1  (r  1) r  2
   
BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE
 MARKS 13

n n
C 1
Sn =  (r 1) (rr  2)  (n  1) (n 2)  n2 Cr 2 
r 0 r 0 
 (here we apply the formula (2)


2 n 2  1   n 2  
=
(n  1) n  2

Ex a m p l e 1 9
Find Sn ?

C 0 C1 C 2
Sn     ....
2 3 4

Solution :

C r1 Cr
Tr = r  1  Tr 1  ( r  2)

here we multiplied (r + 1) both in denominator and nominator to convert it into formula 2.

n
1 n 2
= n 1 n  2
     r  2  1 C r2
r 0

1  n n 
=  
 n  1 n  2  r0
( r  2) n2
Cr2   n2
Cr  2 
r 0 


1
= n  1 n  2  n  2 2
 
 n 1

  n  2  2n 2  1   n  2 
 

n 2n 1  1
= n 1 n  2
  

2 .4 I M P. RESU L T S
(1) The sum of binomial coefficient in (1 + x)n is 2n.
Proof (1 + x)n = C 0 + C 1x + C 2x2 + ....... + C nxn ................. (i)
Putting x = 1
2n = C0 + C1 + C2 + ............... + Cn .................................... (ii)

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Ex a m p l e 2 0
Prove that the sum of the coefficients in the expression (1 + x ă 3x 2 )2163 is Âă 1Ê.
Solution :
Putting x = 1 in (1 + x ă 3x2)2163
Sum of the coefficients
= (1 + 1 ă 3)2163
= (ă 1)2163 = ă 1
(2) The sum of the coefficients of the odd-terms in (1 + x)n is equal to the sum of coefficients of the
even terms and each is equal to 2n ă 1 .
Proof : Putting x = ă 1, in eg. (1) :
O = C0 ă C 1 + C2 ă C3 + ......... + (ă 1)nC n
and from (ii) : 2n = C 0 + C 1 + C 2 + .............. + Cn
Adding these egn :
2n = 2 (C0 + C2 + C 4 + ...............)
or C 0 + C 2 + C 4 + ....................... = 2 nă1 ................... (ii)
Subtracting these egn :
2n = 2 (C1 + C3 + C 5 + ............. )
or C 1 + C 3 + C5 + ................. = 2n ă 1
........................ (iv)
From (iii) and (iv) :
C0 + C2 + C4 + ............... = C 1 + C 3 + C 5 + .............. = 2n ă 1

2 .5 SOM E T I PS ON T H E SOL U T I ON OF T H E B I N OM I A L COEFFI CI EN T S :

(a) If the difference of the lower suffixes of binomial cofficient in each term is same.
For eg : C1C 3 + C2C 4 + C 3C 5 + ..... etc.
Then
Case-1 : If each term is positive, then
(1 + x)n = C0 + C1 x + C2x2 + .............. C nx n ................. (i)
Interchanging Â1Ê and ÂxÊ :
(x + 1)n = C0 xn + C 1 xn ă 1
+ C2 xn ă 2
+ ............... C n ....... (ii)
Then multiplying (i) and (ii), and equate the coefficient to suitable power of ÂxÊ on both sides.
Case-II : If terms are alternately positive and negative
Then :
(1 ă x)n = C 0 ă C 1 x + C2 x2 .............. + (ă 1)n C n xn ................ (1)
and (x + 1)n = C0 xn + C1 xn ă 1
+ C2 xn ă 2
+ .............. + Cn ...............(2)
The multiplying (1) and (2), and equate the coefficient of suitable power of ÂxÊ on both sides.
Note : [(Odd ă number) / 2] = 8

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(2) If the sum of the lower suffixes of binomial ă coefficients in each term is same.
For Ex :
C0 Cn + C1 Cn ă 1
+ C2 Cn ă2
+ ............. + Cn C0
Then :
Case-I : If each term is positive, then
(1 + x)n = C 0 + C 1 x + C2 x2 ă ................ + Cnx n ............... (1)
and (1 + x)n = C 0 xn + C 1 x + C2 x2 + ............. + Cn xn ...............(2)
Then multiplying (i) and (ii), and equate the coefficient of suitable power of ÂxÊ on both sides.
Case-II : If terms are alternately positive and negative,
The (1 + x)n = C 0 + C 1 x + C2 x 2 ă ........... + Cn xn ................ (1)
and (1 ă x)n = C0 ă C1 x + C2 x2 + ........... + (ă 1) n Cn xn ................ (2)
Then multiplying (i) and (ii), and equating the coefficient of suitable power of ÂxÊ on both sides.

Ex a m p l e 2 1
Show that the middle term in the expansion of (1 + x) 2n is 1.3.5 ...... (2n ă 1) / (n !) . 2n xn, ÂnÊ
being a positive integer.
Solution :
The no. of terms in (1 + x)2n
= 2n + 1 (odd).
ItÊs middle term = (2n + 1) / 2
= (n + 1)th term.
 Tn + 1
= 2n Cn x n
= 2n! / (n! x n!). xn
= 2n (2n ă 1) ......... [Link] / (n! x n!). xn
= [{(2n ă 1) (2n ă 3) .......... 3.1.} {2n (2n ă 2) ....... 4.2}] / (n! x n!). xn
= [{1.3.5 .......... (2n ă 1)} 2n {1.2 ........ n}] / (n! x n!) . xn
= [{1.3.5 ........... (2n ă 1)} . 2n] / (n! x n!) . x n
= Tn + 1 = 1.3.5 ă (2n ă 1) / (n!). 2n xn

Ex a m p l e 2 2
Find the term independent of ÂxÊ in the expansion of
(i) (1 + x + 2x3) [(3 x2 / 2) ă (1/3x)]9
(ii) [(x 1/3 ï 2) + x ă1/5] 8
Solution :
(i) (1 + x + 2x3) {[(3/2)x2 ă (1/3x)] 9
= (1 + x + 2x3) {[(3/2)x2 ]9 ă 9C1 [(3/2)x2]8 1/3x + .......... + 9C 6 [(3/2)x2 ]3 (1/3x) 6 ă 9C 7 [(3/2)x2]
2
(1/3x)7 ..........}
= (1 + x + 2x3 ) {(3/2)x2 ] 9 ă 9C1 (37/2 8)x15 + ........... + 9C6 (1 × 1/23 × 3 3) ă

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 16 MARKS
9C 1/(22 x 35) 1/x3 + ......... }
7
Term independent of ÂxÊ :
9
C6 × 1/(23 × 33) ă 9C7 2/ (22 × 35)
= 9! / (6! × 3!) . 1/ (8 × 27) ă 9!(7! × 2!) . 1/(2 × 243)
= ([Link]!) / (6!.3.2.1) × 1/(8.27) ă (9.8.7!) / (7! . 2). 1/(2.243)
= 7/18 ă 2/27 = 17/54

(ii) [(1/2) x1/3 + xă1/5]8

Solution :
General term Tr + 1
= n
Cr [(1/2) x 1/3]năr . (xă1/5) r
n r
1  n  r 
n
Cr   .  3 x r /5 
= 2   x 

Here n = 8
= 8 C r (1/2) 8ăr x (8ăr)/3 ăr/5

40ă8r

Tr+1 = 8 Cr (1/2)8ăr x 15 ................. (i)

Putting (40 ă 8r)/15 = 0, we have r = 5
 From (i), Term independent of ÂxÊ :
T6 = 8 C 5 (1/2)8ă5
= 8! (5! ï 3!). 1/23
= (8.7.6. !5) / (5!. 3.2.1) . 1/8
= T6 = 7

Ex a m p l e 2 3

Find the coefficient of ÂxÊ in the expansion of (1 ă 2x3 + x5 ) [1 + (1/x)]8

Solution :
(1 ă 2x3 + 3x5 ) [1 + (1/x)]8
= (1 ă 2x3 + 3x5) [1 + 8 C1 (1/x) + 8C 2 (1/x2 ) + 8C3 (1/x3) + 8C4 (1/x4) + 8 C5 (1/x 5) + .....+ 8 C8 (1/x8)
coefficient of x = ă 2. 8C2 + 3 8C 4
= ă 2. 8! /(2! × 6!) + 3. 8! / (4! × 4!)
= ă 2. (8.7)/2 + 3 ([Link]) / ([Link])
= ă 56 + 210
= 154

Ex a m p l e 2 4
Prove that the ratio of the coefficient of x10 in (1 ă x2 ) 10 and the term independent of ÂxÊ in
[x ă (2/x)]10 is 1 : 32.

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Solution :
In (1 ă x2)10 : T r+1 = 10C
r
(ă 1)r (x2) r
Putting r = 5
10
T6 = ă C 5 x10
 Coefficient of x10 = ă 10 C5
In [x ă (2/x)]10 : Tr + 1
= 10C r (ă 1) r (x)10ăr (2/x)r
10
= (ă 1)r r 10ă2r
Cr .2 .x
Putting 10 ă 2r = 0
 r= 5
So term independent of x : T6 = (ă 1) 5 10
C 5.25
10 10
Hence their ratio = (ă C5) : (ă 32. C 5)
= 1 : 32

Ex a m p l e 2 5

If third term in the expansion of (x + x logx)5 is 10,00,000. Find the value of ÂxÊ.
Solution :
Putting log 10 = z in the given expression
We have : (x + xz)5
T3 = T 2+1 = 5C 2(x)5ă2 (xz) 2
= 5C 2 x3 . x2z
= [5! (2! × 3!)] x2z + 3

= (5 x 4) / 2! x2z+3
= T 3 = 10x2z+3
If (log x) = It means we are taking base 10
If (
 10,00,000 = 10.x2z+3
Or x2z+3 = 105
 (10z)2z+3 = 10 5
or 102z2+3z = 10 5
 2z 2 + 3z = 5
[Log 10x = z]
or (z ă 1) (2z + 5) = 0
 z = 1, ă 5/2
or log10 x = 1 or log 10x = ă 5/2
since x = 10 or 10ă5/2

Ex a m p l e 2 6
If in the expansion of (1 + x) m (1 ă x) n, the coefficients of ÂxÊ and Âx2 Ê are Â3Ê and Âă 6Ê res. Find
the value of ÂmÊ.

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 18 MARKS

Solution :
(1 + x)m (1 ă x)n = [ mC0 + m
C1x + m
C2x2 + ........... m
C mxm]
[nC0 ă nC1x + nC 2x2 + .......... + (ă 1)n n
Cn xn]
Coefficient of x = mC 1x nC0 ă m
C0. n
C1
= [m! / (1! × m ă 1!)] × 1 ă 1 × [n! / (1! × n ă 1!)]
= m ă n = 3 ................ (i)
Coefficient of x2
= ă mC 1 × n C1 + n C0 × m
C2 + mC0 × nC2
= ă m!/ (1! × m ă 1!) × n! / (1! × n ă 1!) + 1 × m! / (2! × m ă 2!)
+ 1 × n! / (2! × n ă 2!)
= ă mn + m (m ă 1) / 2 + n(n ă 1)/2 = ă 6
or ă 2mn + m(m ă 1) + n(n ă 1) = ă 12
or ă 2mn + m2 ă m + n 2 ă n 2 ă n = 12
or (m ă n)2 ă (m + n) = ă 12
From (i), putting the value of (m ă n) :
ă 9 + (m + n) = 12
or m + n = 21 ............ (ii)
egn (i) + eg n (ii) = 2m = 24
m = 12

Ex a m p l e 2 7
If the coefficients of (2r + 1)th term is (r + 2) th in the expansion of (1 + x) 43 are equal, find
ÂrÊ.
Solution :
In (1 + x)43  T2r + 1
= 43
C2r . x2r
43
Coefficient = C2r
43
And T r+2 = Cr+1 x r+1
43
Coefficient = Cr+1
According to the questions :
43 43
C2r = Cr+1
2r + r + 1 = 43
or 3r = 42
r = 14

Ex a m p l e 2 8
If the coefficients of Â4Êth and Â13Ê th terms in the expansion of [x2 + (1/x)] n be equal, then
find the term which independent of ÂxÊ.
Solution :
T4 = T3+1 = nC3 (x2)nă3 . 1/x3

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 MARKS 19
Coefficient = nC 3
T13 = T12+1 = n C12 (x2)nă12 1/x12
Coefficient = nC12
According to the question :
n
C3 = nC 12
 n = 12 + 3
n = 15
 Expansion = [x2 + (1/x)] 15
Now Tr+1 = 15Cr . (x2) 15ăr. 1/x r
15
Tr+1 = Cr . x30ă3r ................. (i)
Putting
30 ă 3r = 0
 r = 10
15
From (i) T11 = C10 = 15!/(10! × 5!) = (15 × 14 × 13 × 12 × 11)/ (5 × 4 × 3 × 2 ×)
= 3003.

Ex a m p l e 2 9
In the expansion of (a ă b )n , n  5, if the sum of the 5th and 6th terms is zero. Find (a / b)
in terms of ÂnÊ.
Solution :
T5 = T4+1 = nC 4(a)nă4 (ă b) 4
T5 = nC 4 ană4 b4
T6 = T5+1 = nC 5(a)nă5 (ă b) 5 = ă n C5 a nă5 b 5
T5 + T 6 = 0
 nC4 ană4 b4 ă nC 5 a nă5 b5 = 0
or nC4 ană4 b4 = nC5a nă5 b5

or   n! / 4!   n  4 !  a n 4

or =  n ! / 5!   n  5  a n 5b

or an4 /  n  4   n  5   an5 b / 5  n  5

or a(n ă 4) / ă ană5 = b (n ă 4)/5
or a[n ă 4) ă (n ă 5)] = b (n ă 4)/5
or a = [(n ă 4)/5].b
or a/b = (n ă 4)/5

Ex a m p l e 3 0
Find the coefficient of xr in the expansion of [x + (1/x)]n , if it occurs.
Solution :
General term : Tp+1 = nC p (x)năp (1/x)p
Tp+1 = nC p x nă2p .............. (i)

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Putting n ă 2p = r
 p = (n ă r)/2
From (i) T (năr)/2 + 1
= nC(năr)/2 xr
Coefficient of xr = nC (năr)/2

Ex a m p l e 3 1
Prove that the coefficient of the term independent of ÂyÊ in the expansion of
[(y + 1)/(y2/3 ă y1/3 + 1) ă (y ă 1) / (y ă y1/2)]10 is 210.
Solution :
We have (y + 1) / (y2/3 ă y1/3 + 1)
Putting y = t3, we have
= (t3 + 13) / (t2 ă t + 1) = (t + 1) (t2 ă t + 1) / (t2 ă t + 1)
= t+ 1
(y + 1) / (y2/3 ă y1/3 + 1) = y 1/3 + 1
and putting y = a2 in (y ă 1) / (y ă y1/2) :
= (a 2 ă 1) / (a2 ă a) = (a + 1) (a ă 1) / [a (a ă 1)]
= (a + 1) / a = 1 + 1 / a
 (y ă 1) / (y ă y1/2) = 1 + 1 / 4
 [(y + 1) / (y2/3 ă y 1/3
+ 1) ă (y ă 1) / (y ă y1/2)]10
= (y1/3 ă yă 1/2 10
)
1/3 ă1/2 10
In (y ă y ) ,
10
Tr+1 = Cr (y1/3) 10ăr (ă y ă1/2) r
10  r r 
=  1 Cr  y  
r 10
 
 3 2
r10 (20 ă 5r) / 6
Tr+1 = (ă 1) Cr . y
Putting (20 ă 5r) / 6 = 0
or r = 4
Putting this value in (1) T5 = (ă 1)4 10
C4
= 10! / (6! × 4!) = (10 × 9 × 8 × 7) / (4 × 3 × 2 × 1)
T5 = 210

Ex a m p l e 3 2
x 4r occurs in the expansion of [x + (1/x2 )]4n , prove that its coefficients is :
 4 
= 4 n ! /  4  n  r  / 3)!   2 n  r  !
 3 
Solution :
p
2 4n 4n 4năp 1 
In [x + (1/x )] , Tp+1 = Cp (x)  2
x 
4n
Tp+1 = Cp x 4nă 3p
............... (i)
Putting : 4n ă 3p = 4r

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or 4 (n ă r) / 3 = p
4n
From (i) Tp + 1
= C4(n ă r)
x 4r
4r 4n
Cofficient of x = C 4(năr)/3

 4  n  r   4 
= 4n ! /   !  2n  r !
 3  3 

Ex a m p l e 3 3
Find the coefficient of x 50 in (1 + x) 41 (1 ă x + x 2)40
Solution :
(1 + x)41 (1 ă x + x2) 40 = (1 + x) (1 + x)40 (1 ă x + x2) 40
= (1 + x) [(1 + x) (1 ă x + x2)]40
= (1 + x) (1 + x3)40
General Term = Tr+1 = (1 + x) [ 40 Cr (x3 ) r]
40
= Cr (1 + x) x 3r
40 + 1
= Cr (x 3r + x3r )
Here either 3r = 50 or 3r + 1 = 50
 r = (50 / 3) or (49 / 3)
The value of ÂrÊ is a fraction, so it doesnÊt contain the term x50. So coefficient of x50 is Â0Ê.

Ex a m p l e 3 4
Show that the term independent of ÂxÊ in the expansion of
[x + (1/x)]2n is [1.3.5. ..... (2n ă 1) / (n!)]2 n
Solution :
General Term Tr+1 = 2n
C r(x)2năr (1/x) r
= 2n
Cr . x2nă2r ................. (i)
Here 2n ă 2r = 0
or n= r
2n
From (i) Tr + 1
= Cn
= 2n! / (n! × n!)
= [2n (2n ă 1) ........... 3.2.1] / (n! × n!)
= {2n (2n ă 2) ........... 4.2} {(2n ă 1) (2n ă 3) ......... 3.1.} / (n! × n!)
= [2n {n (n ă 1) ........ 2.1.}] {(2n ă 1) ........... 5.3.1.} / (n! × n!)
= 2n. n! {(2n ă 1) ........ 5.3.1.} / (n! × n!)
= {1.3.5. .......... (2n ă 1)} 2n / n!

Ex a m p l e 3 5
The 3rd, 4th and 5th terms in the expansion of (x + a) n are respectively Â84Ê, Â280Ê and Â560Ê,
find the value of ÂxÊ, ÂaÊ and ÂnÊ.

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 22 MARKS
Solution :
Tr+1 = n Cr xnăr . ar
Putting r = 2, 3 and 4 respectively
T3 = nC 2 x nă2.a2 = 84 ................. (i)
T4 = nC 3 x nă3 a3 = 280 .................(ii)
and T5 = nC 4 x nă4 a4 = 560 ................. (iii)
egn (i) egn (iii) : [n C2 x nă2 a2 ] [ nC 4 xnă4 a4 ] = 84 × 560
= {n!/[2! × (n ă 2)!]} × {n! / [4! × (n ă 4)!]} . x2nă6 a6 = 84 × 560
or [n (n ă 1) / 2] × [n(n ă 1) (n ă 2) (n ă 3) / 4!] x2nă6 a6 = 84 × 560 ............. (iv)
Squaring of egn (ii), we have :
(nC3 xnă3 a 3)2 = 280 2
 n
C3 nC 3 × x2nă6 × a6 = 2802
 = {n! / [3! × (n ă 3)!]} x n! / [3! × (n ă 3!] × x2nă6 a6 = 2802
or [n (n ă 1)(n ă 2) / 6] × [n(n ă 1) (n ă 2) (n ă 3) / 3!] x x2nă6 a6 = 280 × 280 ................ (v)
egn (v)  egn (iv)
or 4 (n ă 2) / 3 (n ă 3) = 5/3
or 4n ă 8 = 5n ă 15
n = 7
Putting this value in (i), (ii) and (iii) :
7
C2 x5 a 2 = 84 ................ (vi)
7
C3 x4 a 3 = 280 ................ (vii)
7C
4
x3 a 4 = 560 ................ (viii)
eg (vii)  eg n (vi) :
n

(7C3 x 4 a3 ) / (7 C2 x5 a 2) = 280 / 84
a. [7! / (3! × 4!)] / [7! / (2! × 5!)] × = 10 / 3

2! 5! a 10
or 
3! 4! x 3

or (5 / 3) × a / x = 10 /3
or a = 2x
Putting this value in egn (vi) :
7
C2 . x5 . 4x2 = 84
7! 7
or x  21
2!5!
42 7
 x  21
2
x7 = 1
 x= 1
Putting this value in (ix) = a = 2

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 23

Ex a m p l e 3 6
Let ÂnÊ be a positive integer. If the coefficients of second, third and fourth terms in (1 + x)2
are in arithmetic progression, then find the value of ÂnÊ.
Solution :
General Term : T r+1 = nCr xr
 2nd Term : T2 = nC1 x
Coefficient = n C1
 3rd Term : T 3 = nC2 x2
Coefficient = n C2
Similarly coefficient of 4th term = nC3
These are in A.P., so.
2 nC2 = n C1 + nC3
 2 [n! / {2! × (n ă 2)!}] = n! / {1! × (n ă 1)!} + n! / {3! × (n ă 3)!}
or n! / (n ă 2)! = n! [1 / (n ă 1)! + 1/6 (n ă 3)!]
or 1/ [(n ă 2) × (n ă 3)! = 1 / [n ă 1) × (n ă 2) × (n ă 3)!] + 1/6 (n ă 3)!
or 1/(n ă 2) ă 1 / [(n ă 1) (n ă 2)] = 1/6
or (n ă 1 ă 1) / [(n ă 1) (n ă 2)] = 1/6
or (n ă 2) / [(n ă 1) (n ă 2)] = 1/6
or n ă 1 = 6
 n = 7

Ex a m p l e 3 7
(a) The 6th term in the expansion of [(1 / x8/3) + x 2 log10 x] 8 is 5600. Prove that x = 10.
Solution :
T6 = T5+1 = 8 C 5 (1/x8/3 )8ă5 (x 2 log 10x)5
8
or C5 × (1/x8) × x10 (log 10x) 5 = 5600
 [8! / (5! × 3!)] × x 2 × (log10 x)5 = 5600
 [8.7.6. / 6] × x2 × (log 10x) 5 = 5600
or x2 (log10 x) 5 = 100 = 102
Clearly x = 10 satisfied as log1010 = 1
if x > 10 or < 10, the result will change in inequality.

 
n
(b) If P Q  l  f where l and n are positive integers, n being odd, and 0  f < 1, then

show that (l + f ) f = k n where P ă Q 2 = k > 0 and P ă Q < 1.

Proof :
Given P ă Q < 1

 P Q  
P  Q  0 (given)

  
P  Q  0 l and t both are  +ve no. 

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 24 MARKS

 
n
 0< P Q 1

 
n
Now let PQ f'

   
n n
 l + f ă f´ = P Q P Q

 RHS contains even powers of P ( n is odd)

 RHS is an integer
Since RHS and I are integers
 f ă f´ is also integer
  f ă f´ = 0  1 < f ă f´ < 1
or f = f´

   
n n
 (l + f) f = (l + f) f´ = P Q P Q = (P ă Q2) n = kn .

Ex a m p l e 3 8

 
n
If 2 + 3  I  f where I and n are positive integers and 0 < f < 1, show that (i) I is an odd

integer and (ii) (l + f) (1 ă f) = 1.

Solution :

(i) Now 0 < 2 ă 3 < 1, since 2 ă 3 = 0.268 (approx.)

n n
 0 < (2 ă 3 ) < 1; we can take (2 ă 3) as f´.
n n
Now (2 + 3 ) + (2 ă 3 ) = l + f + f´

But L.H.S. = 2 {2n + nC2n ă 2

( 3 ) 2 + nC 42nă4 ( 3 ) 4 + ...} = an integer

(in fact an even integer)

 RHS = I + f + f´ = an even integer
Also f + f´ = 1, since f and f´ are both positive proper fractions.
 I = an even integer ă 1 = an odd integer.
n n
(ii) (l + f) (l ă f) = (l + f) (f´) = (2 + 3 ) . (2 ă 3)
= (4 ă 3) n = 1n = 1

Ex a m p l e 3 9

 
1
2 n
Let R = 5 5  11 and f = R ă [R], where [ ] denotes the greatest integer function. Prove
that Rf = 42n +1 .

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 25

Solution :
Greatest integer function is defined as follows :
[ x] = greatest integer  x
In the case of positive number, x
[x] = integral part of x
 f = R ă [R] implies that f is the fractional part of R.
 0< f < 1

Since 144 > 125 > 121, 125 = 5 5 lies between 11 and 12.

 
2 n1
 0 < 5 5 ă 11 < 1 and hence 5 5  11 will also be a proper fraction.

 
2 n 1
Let g = 5 5  11

Now [R] + f ă g = R ă g

  5   
2n 1 2 n 1 2 n 1
= 5 5  11 ă 5 11  5 5  11


= 2 (2n  1)C1 5 5  
2n
. 111  
2 n 1 
C3 5 5  
2 n 2
. 112  ... 
= an even integer.
Since [R] is an integer, the above implies f ă g = 0 (i.e.) f = g

   
2 n 1 2 n 1
Hence Rf = Rg = 5 5  11 . 5 5  11

= (125 ă 121) 2n + 1
= 4 2n + 1

2 .6 M U L T I N OM I A L T H EOREM
For any positive integer n,

n!
 x4  x2  ... xr  
n
 x11 x22 ... xr r
 1   2... r n  ! 2 ! 3 ! ...  r !

For example,

10!
in the same expansion of (x + y + z)10 coefficient of x3y 2z5 will be
2!3!5! since while multiplying

x + y + z ten times one will get x3y2 z5, as many number of times as is the number of ways of arraging
xxxyyzzzzz in a line.
Note : Binomial Theorem follows from multipnomial theorem by putting n = 2.

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 26 MARKS

Ex a m p l e 4 0
Find the coefficient of x 3 y4 z 2 in the expansion of (2x ă 3y + 4z)9.
Solution :
General Term in (2x ă 3y + 4z)9
= 9! / (n1! ï n 2! ï n 3!) . (2x)n1 . (ă 3y) n2 . (4z) n3
= 9! / (n1! ï n 2! ï n 3!). 2 n1 (ă 3)n2 (ă 3)n2 . (4) n3 . xn1 . yn2 . zn3
Putting n1 = 3, n2 = 4, n3 = 2
= 9! / (3! ï 4! ï 2!) . 23 (ă 3) 4 . (4) 2 . x3 y4 z2
= [[Link].5.4! / (3.2.1. 4!.2)] / (3.2.1. 4!.2)] ï 8 ï 81 ï 16 x3 y4 z 2
 Coefficient of x3 y4 z2 = 9 ï 8 ï 7 ï 5 ï 8 ï 81 ï 8
= 13063600
Greatest coefficient in the expansion of (x1 + x2 + ........... + xm )n
= n! / (q!)măr [(q + 1)!] r
where ÂqÊ is the quotient and ÂrÊ is the remainder, when ÂnÊ is divided by ÂmÊ.
Ex : Find the greatest coefficient in the expansion of (a + b + c + d )15
Sol. : Here n = 15, m = 4
15/4 is quotient 3 and remainder 3.
since q = 3 and r = 3
Hence greatest ă coefficient = 15! / [(3!)4ă3 x (3 + 1)!)3
= 15! / [3!) x (4!)3]
= 15! / (3! ï 4! ï 4! ï 4!)

Ex a m p l e 4 1
Find the coefficient of x7 in the expansion of (1 + 3x ă 2x3) 10.
Solution :
General Term in (1 + 3x ă 2x3) 10
= 10! / (n1! ï n2! n 3!) (1) n1 (3x)n 2 (ă 2x3 )n3
= 10! / (n1 ï n2! ï n3!). 3n 3n2(ă 2)n3 xn 2+3n 3
Where n 1 + n2 + n3 = 10 ...................... (i)
For coefficient of x7 : n2 + 3n 3 = 7 ............. (ii)
From (ii), possible non-negative integral values of Ân 2Ê and Ân 3Ê are :
n2 = 7, n 3 = 0 since from (i) : n1 = 3
n2 = 1, n 3 = 2 since from (i) : n1 = 7
or n2 = 4, n 3 = 1 since from (i) : n1 = 5
So required coefficient of x7 : (will get it by adding the above 3 cases)
10! / (3! × 7! x 0!) . (3)7 (ă 2)0 + 10! / (7! × 1! × 2!). (3) 1 (ă 2)2 + 10!/(5! × 4! × 1!). 34 (ă 2)1

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 27

(10. 9. 8 7!) / (7!.3.2.1)37 + (10.9.8. 7!) / (7! . 2) x 3 x 4 ă [([Link].6.5!) / (5!. [Link].)].3.2

= 10 × 9 × 4 36 + 10 × 9 × 4 × 3 × 4 ă 10 × 9 × 7 × 6 × 3 3 × 2
= 10 × 9 × 4 (36 + 12 ă 7 × 34)
= 360 × (729 + 12 ă 567)
= 62640

Ex a m p l e 4 2
Find the total number of terms in the expansion of (x + y + z + w)n, n  N
Solution :
The number of terms in the expansion of (x + y + z + w)n is n+4ă1
C4ă1 .
n+3
= C3

 n  3   n  2  n 1
=
6

You can learn this

Alternative method
We know that
(x + y + z + w)n = {(x + y) + (z + w)} n
= (x + y) n + nC1 ((x + y)nă1 (z + w) + nC 2 (x + y)nă2 (z + w)2 + ........nCn (z + w)n
 Number of terms in RHS
= (n + 1) + n.2 + (n ă 1).3 + ......... + 1 (n + 1)
n

=  n r 1   r  1 
r 0

=   n  1  nr  r 2 )
r 0
n n n

=  n  1  1  n  r  r2
r0 r0 r0

n n  1 n  n  1   2 n  1
=  n  1 . n  n . 
2 6

 n  1  n  2   n  3 
=
6

2 .7 B I N OM I A L T H EOREM FOR FRA CT I ON A L I N DEX

For any rational number n,

n  n  1 n n  1  n  2
1  x 
n
 1  nx  x2  x3  ... provided |x| < 1.
1.2 1.2.3

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 28 MARKS

The restriction on x is not required when n is a natural number.

Now, we shall see that when n is a natural number, then the above expansion coincides with that
as given earlier.
Let n  N and |x|< 1, then we have

n  n  1 n n  1 n  2
 1  x  n  1  nx  x2  x3  ......
1.2 1.2.3

n n  1  n  2 ....  n   n  1  n  n 
+ xn 1  ......
1.2.3....  n  1 

= nC0 1nx 0 + nC1 1 nă1 x1 + nC2 1nă3 x 3 + ....... + nCn10 xn + 0 + 0 ...

= nC 0 1nx 0 + nC1 1 nă1 x 1 + n C2 1nă2 x2 + nC 31 nă3 x3 + ..... + nCn10 xn
This is the same expansion as would have given by the binomial theorem for positive integral
index.

2 .7 . 1 So m e Ob s e r v a t i o n s
Ć If n N, then (1 + x) n is defined for all values of x and if n N Q ă N, then (1 + x)n is defined
only when |x| < 1.
Ć If n N, then (1 + x)n contains only n + 1 terms and if n Q ă N, then (1 + x)n contains infinitely
many terms.
Ć In the expansion of (1 + x) n, the exponent of x goes on increasing through 0.
Ć If n N, then the coefficient of any term in (1 + x)n is nCk where k is the exponent of x.
Ć If n N, then the exact value of (1 + x)n can be found by adding all terms (equal to n + 1) in the
expansion of (1 + x) n and if n  Q ă N, then only an approximate value of (1 + x)n can be found
by adding certain finite number of terms in the expansion of (1 + x)n.
Working rules for expanding (1 + x) n, n  Q :
Step 1 : (a)
If n  N, then (1 + x) n can be expanded for all values of x and has (n + 1) terms.

(b) If n Q ă N, then (1 + x)n can be expanded only when |x|< 1 and has infinitely many terms.
Step 2 : The first term in (1 + x)n is always 1.
Step 3 : The second terms is the product ÂnxÊ of n and x.

nn  1
Step 4 : For the third term, take coefficient as increase the power of x by 1. Thus, the
1.2
n n 1
third term is x2 . Repeat this process repeatedly.
1.2

2 .8 N EGA T I V E B I N OM I A L SERIES
The series which arises in the binomial theorem for negative integer (ă n.)

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 MARKS 29


  n  k n k
(x + a)ă n
=   k 
x a (1)
k 0

kn  k  1 k n k
=    1 
 k
x a

(2)

for |x| < a.

For a = 1, the negative binomial series simplifies to

1 1
(x + 1)ăn = 1 ă nx + n (n + 1)x2 ă n (n + 1) (n + 2)x 3 + ....
2 6

Ex a m p l e 4 3

2 x
r
Expand  1  x   3  x  in ascending powers of x and find x . Also state the range of x for
which this expression is valid.
Solution :

2 x
Given expression = 1  x 3  x
  
On expressing RHS in the form of partial fractions, we get

1 1
Given expression = 2 1  x  2 3  x
   

1
1 1 1  x
 Given expression = 1  x  1  
2 6  3

Using the expansions of (1 ă x)ă1, we get

Given expression =
1
2

1  x  x2  x3  ......... 

1 x x2 x3 
+ 6  1  3  9  27  .......... 
 

1 1 1 1 
 Given expression =      2  18  x
2 6  

1 1  2 1 1  r
+  2  54  x  .......   2   x  ............
   6.3r 

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 30 MARKS

2 5 14 2 1  1  r
 Given expression =  x x  ...........   1  r 1  x  ..........
3 9 27 2  3 

1  1  r
Coefficient of xr =  1  r 1  x
2  3 

1
Since (1 ă x)ă1 is valid for x  (ă 1, 1) and  1  x / 3 is valid for x  (ă 3, 3), the given expression
is valid for x  (ă 1, 1) (i.e. take intersection of the two sets)

2 x
Hence 1  x 3  x is valid for ă 1 < x < 1.
  

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

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