QUIZRR 1

BINOMIAL THEOREM

2 .1 B I N OM I A L EX PRESSION :
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 Pro 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 + ... + ar ..... (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 xmă1 a + m
C2 xmă2 a2 + ... m
Cr xmăr ar + ... + am ...... (ii)
Multiplying equation (ii) by (x + a), we have
(x + a)m (x + a) = (x + a) {xm + mC1 xmă1 a + m
C2 xmă2 a2 + ... + m
Cr xmăr ar + ... + am}
i.e. (x + a)m+1= xm+1 + (mC1 + 1) xma + (mC2 + mC1) xmă1 a2 + ... + (mCr + mCră1) xmăr+1 ar + ... am+1
= xm+1 + (m+1)
C1 xm a + (m+1)
C2 xmă1 a2 + ...
m+1
Cr xm+1ăr ar + am+1 ........... (iii)
(using the formula nCr + nCră1 = (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 0 xy0 ă n C 1 xnă1 y+ n C 2 xnă2 y2 ....... + (ă 1) rn
Crxnăryr + .......... (ă 1)n nCnx0yn.
It can be represented as :

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

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

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

(1 + x)n = nC0x0 + nC1x + nC2x2 + .......... + nCrxr + ............. + nCnă1xnă1 + nCnxn.

n
or 1  xn   n Cr xr
r 0

(ii) Replacing ÂxÊ by ÂăxÊ, we have :

(1 ă x)n = nC0x0 ă nC1x1 + nC2x2 ă .............. + (ă 1)r nCrxr + .......... 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 – EX PA 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 = nCnă1
n
C2 = nCnă2 etc.
It follows that the coefficients of terms equidistant from the beginning and the ends are equal.

Ex a m p le 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 + 6C1x5.a + 6C2.x4.a2 + 6C3x3a3 + 6C4x2a4 + 6C5x2a4 + 6C5xa5 + 6C6a6]
= [x6 ă 6C1x5a + 6C2.x4.a2 ă 6C3x3a3 + 6C4x2a4 ă 6C5xa5 + 6C5xa5 + 6C6a6]
= 2 [x6 + 6C2x4a2 + 6C4x2a4 + 6Ca6]
= 2 [x6 + 15x4 (x2 ă 1) + 15x2 (x2 ă 1) + (x2 ă 1)3]
= 2 [x6 + 15x6 ă 15x4 (x2 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

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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 = (x 2 ă a 2)n
(ii) 4PQ = (x + a )2n ă (x ă a )2n
Solution :
(x + a)n = xn + nC1xnă1 a + nC2xnă2a2 + nC3nă3a3 + .......... + nCnan
= (xn + nC2xnă2a2 + .........) + (nC1xnă1a+nC3xnă3a3 + ..........)
(x + a)n = P + Q ...................... (1)
and (x ă a)n = xn ă nC1xnă1 a + nC2xnă2a2 ă nC3xnă3a3 + ....... + (ă 1)n nCnan
= (xn + nC2xnă2a2 + .........) ă (nC1xnă1 a + nC3xnă3a3 + .........)
(x ă a)n = P ă Q ................. (2)
Now we have :
(1) P2ăQ2 = (P + Q) (P ă Q)
= (x + a)n (x ă a)n
= P2 ă Q2 = (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
C2(100)48 + ............ + 1 ................. (i)
(99) 50 = (100 ă 1)50
= (100)50 ă 50
c1(100)49 + 50
c2(100)48 ă ............. + 1 ....................(ii)
eq. (i) ă eq. (ii) :
(101)50 ă (99)50 = 2[50C1(100)49 + 50
C3(100)47 + ............]
= 2 ï (50!/ 1! ï 49!) (100)49 + 2. 50
C3(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

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Tr+1 = nCr xnăryr
Explanation : We know
(x ï y)n = nC0xny0 + nC1 xnă1y1 + nC2xnă2y2 + ......... nCnx0y0
Here :
First term T1 = nC0xny0
T2 = nC1xnă1y1
T3 = nC2xnă2y2
.....................................
.....................................
.....................................
Tr = nCră1 xnă(ră1)yră1
Putting r = r + 1 in this expression, we get;
General term : Tr+1 = nCrxnăryr
Note : ÂTrÊ can be used as general terms also.

PROB L EM S B A SED ON GEN ERA L T ERM 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
T7 = T6+1 = 13
C6(4x)13 ă 6
ă 1/2 x

= 13 6 3
C6.47x7. 1 / 2 .x  
13 8 4
= C6.2 .x
= 13!/ (6! ï 7!) . 28 . x4
= T7 = 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3 r
 Tr+1 = 11
Cr  r  x ................ (i)
 b 
Since we want to find the coefficient of xă7
Putting 11 ă 3r = ă 7
 r= 6
BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE
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From (i) to T7 = (ă 1)6 11

C6. (a5 / b6) xă7 .................. (i)
Hence, the coefficient of xă7 is 11
C6a5bă6.

Ex a m p l e 6
Type III : Find the term independent of ÂxÊ in [(3 x 2/2) 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 . 9C6 . (3ă3 /23) x0
= 9! /(6! ï 3!) . 1 / (33 ï 23)
= 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 4th term from the end in the expansion of [(x 3/2) ă (2/x 2)]7
Solution :
4th term from end = (7 ă 4 + 2)th or 5th term from beginning.
T5 = T4+1 = 7C4 (x3/2)7ă4 . (ă 2/x4)4
= 7C4 (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.

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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 ÂT6Ê.
T5 = T4+1 = 9C4(3x)9ă4 (ă x3 / 6)4
= 9! / (4! ï 5!) . 35 x5 (x12 / 64)
= ([Link] / [Link].) 35 (24 ï 34) x17
T5 = (189 / 8) x17
T6 = T5+1 = 9C5(3x)9ă5 (ăx3 /6)5
= 9! / (5! ï 4!) . 34 x4 (x15 / 65)
= ă ([Link] / [Link]) 34(25 ï 35) x19
T6 = ă (21 / 16)x19

2 .2 .3 Gre a t e s t t e rm i n (1 + x ) n
If ÂTr Ê and ÂTr+1Ê be the ÂrÊ th and (r + 1) the terms in the expansion of (1 + x)n , then :
Tr+1 = nCr(1)năr xr = nCrxr
And Tr = nCră1 . xră1
So Tr+1 / Tr = (nCr xr / nCră1 xră1) = (n ă r + 1)/r |x|
If ÂTr+1 be the greatest term, then Tr+1 / Tr
Or Tr+1/Tr = 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

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

Tr+1/Tr = [(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/Tr = (90 ă 9r) / 4r
Putting Tr+1/Tr > 1
 (90 ă 9r) / 4r > 1
or 90  13 r
or r  90 / 13
or r  6 + 12 / 13
 T6+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 / 46)
= (3 × 7 × 96) / 45 = (3 × 7 × 312) / 210
= 7 . (313 / 210)
So greatest term in (2 + 3x)9 is :
= 29 . 7 . (313 / 210)
= (7 × 313)/2
II. Method :
(2 + 3x)9 = 29 [(1 + 3x) / 2]9
= 29 [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 = T7
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 = nCn/2
(ii) If ÂnÊ is odd, then greatest coefficients are nC(n+1)/2 and nC (nă1)/2

FORM S OF B I N OM I A L T H EOREM
(1) (1 + x)n = C0 + C1 x + C2x2 + C3x3 + ....... Cnxn

n
=  n Cr xr
r 0

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(2) (x + 1)n = C0xn + C1xn–1 + C2xnă2 + Cnxnăn

n
=  n Cr xnr
r 0

(3) (1 ă x)n = C0 ă C1x + C2x2 ă C3x3 + C4x4 ........ + (ă 1)n cnxn

1  x n  1  x n
(4)  C0  C2 x2  C4 x4  ....... 
2

1  x n  1  x n
(5)  C1 x  C3 x3  C5 x5
2

1  xi n  1  xi n
(6)  C0  C2 x2  C4 x4  C6 x6  ......
2

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

(8) n (1 + x)nă1 = C1 + 2C2x + 3C3 x2 + ...........

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

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

n n n
(b) (i)  C  0r Cr  0 (ii)  (1)r Cr  0 (iii)  (1)r r 2 Cr  0
r 0 r 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 + 5C3 + ... (n terms)
Solution : Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)2] Cr = (2r ă 1) Cr
n n
 Tr   (2r  1) Cr
r 1 r 1

n n
= 2  rCr   Cr
r 1 r 1
nă1
= 2n2 ă 2n + 1
= n2n ă 2n + 1 = 2n (n ă 1) + 1

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

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Proofs of formule (1)

(1)  r  1n1 Cr 1   n  1 nCr
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 + nC2 x2 + ....... + nCn xn
put x = 1  n  1  n!
=  r  1 
2n = nC0 + nC1 ă 1 ........ nCn  r  1 r ! n  r !
n
n!
n
2 =  n Cr =  n  1
r 0 r! n  r!

n  r  1  n 1 C r 1   n  1  n C r
(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
Cr 1  C r 1
(2) r  1  n  1

n n
 r n Cr n n 1
C r 1 Cr
r 0 r 0
Proof : RHS

= r 1

= n . 2n ă 1
n!
n 
= r! n  r! r  1

Ex. : Find the value of  n2
Cr  2
r 0
 n  1  n!
=
n  n  1 r  1! n  r !
Ans.  n 2
Cr  2  n 2
C2  n 2
C3 ...... n 2Cr 2
r 0
n  1!
Always try to expand the series.     
= r1  1 r  1 ! n  r !

Now in this case we will have to add and

1 n 1
subtract n 2
C0 & n 2
C1 Cr 1

= n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
= 2n + 2 ă 1 ă (n + 2)  Cr  2
 r  1 r  1  n  1 n  1
Two very important formulas which, we will be
using in questions frequently

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Ex a m p l e 1 1
Find Sn ?
Sn = 12C0 + 12C1 + 72C2 + 102C3 + .... (n + 1) terms
Solution : (1 + (r ă 1)3)2 Cr + 1
= (3r + 1)2 Cr

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

n n n
= 9  r Cr   Cr  6  r Cr
2

r 0 r 0 r 0

= 9 n (n + 1) 2n ă 2 + 2n + 6n ă 1

Ex a m p l e 1 2

Find Sn ?
Sn = 22C2 + 52C3 + 82C4 + ...... (n ă 1) terms)
Solution : [2 + (r ă 1)3]2 Cr + 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 (2n ă 1) ă 24 (n)2n ă 1

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

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

n
(iii)  r 2C2r  n2 2n-2
Cn1 (iv)   C0Cr  C1 Cr 1  C2Cr 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 io 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
= C1 + 2C2 x + 3C3x2 + 4C4x3 + ....
(n + 1)n = C0xn + C1xn + C2 xn ă 1
+ ... Crxnăr + Cr + 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 ?
1C12 + 3C22 + 5C32 + .... (n terms)
Solution :

Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)2] ï C2r  (2r  1) C2r

n n n
S =  Tr   (2r  1) C2r  2 rCr2   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 C12 + 72 C22 + .... (n + 1) terms
Solution :
2
Tr = [1 + (r ă 1)3]2 Cr1

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

n
Sn =  (9r 2  1  6r)C2r
r 0

n n n
= 9  r 2 C2   C2r  6  rCr
r
r 0 r 0 r 0

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

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 12 QUIZRR

Ex a m p l e 1 6

Find Sn ?
22 C22 + 52C32 + 82C42 + ... (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
  3r  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 ?

C0 C1 C2 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
 n1 Cr1
r 0 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

 QUIZRR 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)


2n  2  1   n  2  
=
(n  1)  n  2 

Ex a m p l e 1 9
Find Sn ?

C0 C1 C2
Sn     ....
2 3 4

Solution :

Cr 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 Cr  2
r 0

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

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

n 2n1  1
=
 n  1 n  2 

2 .4 I MP. RESU L T S
(1) The sum of binomial coefficient in (1 + x)n is 2n.
Proof (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 + ....... + Cnxn ................. (i)
Putting x = 1
2n = C0 + C1 + C2 + ............... + Cn .................................... (ii)

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 14 QUIZRR

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 C1 + C2 ă C3 + ......... + (ă 1)nCn
and from (ii) : 2n = C0 + C1 + C2 + .............. + Cn
Adding these egn :
2n = 2 (C0 + C2 + C4 + ...............)
or C0 + C2 + C4 + ....................... = 2nă1 ................... (ii)
Subtracting these egn :
2n = 2 (C1 + C3 + C5 + ............. )
or C1 + C3 + C5 + ................. = 2n ă 1
........................ (iv)
From (iii) and (iv) :
C0 + C2 + C4 + ............... = C1 + C3 + C5 + .............. = 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 COEFFICI EN T S :

(a) If the difference of the lower suffixes of binomial cofficient in each term is same.
For eg : C1C3 + C2C4 + C3C5 + ..... etc.
Then
Case-1 : If each term is positive, then
(1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 + .............. Cnxn ................. (i)
Interchanging Â1Ê and ÂxÊ :
(x + 1)n = C0xn + C1xn ă 1
+ C2 xn ă 2
+ ............... Cn ....... (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 = C0 ă C1 x + C2 x2 .............. + (ă 1)n Cn 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

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 15

(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 ă 2 + ............. + Cn C0
Then :
Case-I : If each term is positive, then
(1 + x)n = C0 + C1 x + C2 x2 ă ................ + Cnxn ............... (1)
and (1 + x)n = C0 xn + C1 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 = C0 + C1 x + C2 x2 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 x n , 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
= 2nCn xn
= 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!) . xn
= 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 x 2 / 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 + .......... + 9C6 [(3/2)x2]3 (1/3x)6 ă 9C7 [(3/2)x2]
2
(1/3x)7 ..........}
= (1 + x + 2x3) {(3/2)x2]9 ă 9C1 (37/28)x15 + ........... + 9C6 (1 × 1/23 × 33) ă

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 16 QUIZRR
9
C7 1/(22 x 35) 1/x3 + ......... }
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 + x ă1/5]8

Solution :
General term Tr + 1
= nCr [(1/2) x1/3]năr . (xă1/5)r
n r
1 n  r 
n
Cr   .  3 x  r /5 
=  2  x 

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

40ă8r

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

Putting (40 ă 8r)/15 = 0, we have r = 5
 From (i), Term independent of ÂxÊ :
T6 = 8C5 (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 2x 3 + x 5) [1 + (1/x)]8

Solution :
(1 ă 2x3 + 3x5) [1 + (1/x)]8
= (1 ă 2x3 + 3x5) [1 + 8C1 (1/x) + 8C2 (1/x2) + 8C3 (1/x3) + 8C4 (1/x4) + 8C5 (1/x5) + .....+ 8C8 (1/x8)
coefficient of x = ă 2. 8C2 + 3 8C4
= 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 x 10 in (1 ă x 2)10 and the term independent of ÂxÊ in
[x ă (2/x)]10 is 1 : 32.

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 17

Solution :
In (1 ă x2)10 : Tr+1 = Cr (ă 1)r (x2)r
10

Putting r = 5
10
T6 = ă C5 x10
 Coefficient of x10 = ă 10
C5
In [x ă (2/x)] 10
: Tr + 1
= 10Cr (ă 1)r (x)10ăr (2/x)r
= (ă 1)r 10
Cr.2r.x 10ă2r

Putting 10 ă 2r = 0
 r= 5
So term independent of x : T6 = (ă 1)5 10
C5.25
10 10
Hence their ratio = (ă C5) : (ă 32. C5)
= 1 : 32

Ex a m p l e 2 5
logx 5
If third term in the expansion of (x + x ) is 10,00,000. Find the value of ÂxÊ.
Solution :
Putting log10 = z in the given expression
We have : (x + xz)5
T3 = T2+1 = 5C2(x)5ă2 (xz)2
= 5C2 x3 . x2z
= [5! (2! × 3!)] x2z + 3

= (5 x 4) / 2! x2z+3
= T3 = 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 = 105
or 102z2+3z = 105
 2z2 + 3z = 5
[Log10x = z]
or (z ă 1) (2z + 5) = 0
 z = 1, ă 5/2
or log10x = 1 or log10x = 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 Âx 2Ê are Â3Ê and Âă 6Ê res. Find
the value of ÂmÊ.

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 18 QUIZRR

Solution :
(1 + x)m (1 ă x)n = [mC0 + m
C1x + m
C2x2 + ........... m
Cmxm]
[nC0 ă nC1x + nC2x2 + .......... + (ă 1)n nCnxn]
Coefficient of x = mC1x nC0 ă m
C0. nC1
= [m! / (1! × m ă 1!)] × 1 ă 1 × [n! / (1! × n ă 1!)]
= m ă n = 3 ................ (i)
Coefficient of x2
= ă mC1 × nC1 + nC0 × 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 + n2 ă n2 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) + egn (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
And Tr+2 = 43
Cr+1 xr+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 [x 2 + (1/x)]n be equal, then
find the term which independent of ÂxÊ.
Solution :
T4 = T3+1 = nC3 (x2)nă3. 1/x3

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 19

Coefficient = nC3
T13 = T12+1 = nC12 (x2)nă12 1/x12
Coefficient = nC12
According to the question :
n
C 3 = nC12
 n = 12 + 3
n = 15
 Expansion = [x2 + (1/x)]15
Now Tr+1 = 15Cr. (x2)15ăr. 1/xr
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 = nC4(a)nă4 (ă b)4
T5 = nC4 ană4 b4
T6 = T5+1 = nC5(a)nă5 (ă b)5 = ă nC5 ană5 b5
T5 + T6 = 0
 nC4 ană4 b4 ă nC5 ană5 b5 = 0
or nC4 ană4 b4 = nC5ană5 b5

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

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

or a n4 /  n  4   n  5    a n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 x r in the expansion of [x + (1/x)]n , if it occurs.
Solution :
General term : Tp+1 = nCp (x)năp (1/x)p
Tp+1 = nCp xnă2p .............. (i)

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 20 QUIZRR
Putting n ă 2p = r
 p = (n ă r)/2
From (i) T (năr)/2 + 1
= nC(năr)/2 xr
Coefficient of x = nC
r
(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) = y1/3 + 1
and putting y = a2 in (y ă 1) / (y ă y1/2) :
= (a2 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
2/3 1/3
 [(y + 1) / (y ă y + 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 ) ,
Tr+1 = Cr (y1/3)10ăr (ă yă1/2)r
10

 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/x 2)]4n , prove that its coefficients is :
 4 
= 4n ! /  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 x4nă 3p
............... (i)
Putting : 4n ă 3p = 4r

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 21

or 4 (n ă r) / 3 = p
4n
From (i) Tp + 1
= C4(n ă r)
x4r
4r 4n
Cofficient of x = C4(năr)/3

 4  n  r   4 
= 4 n ! /   !   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) [40Cr (x3)r]
40
= Cr (1 + x) x3r
40
= Cr (x3r + x3r + 1
)
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!)]2n
Solution :
General Term Tr+1 = 2n
Cr(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, Âa Ê and ÂnÊ.

IITJEE BINOMIAL THEOREM

 22 QUIZRR

Solution :
Tr+1 = nCr xnăr . ar
Putting r = 2, 3 and 4 respectively
T3 = nC2 xnă2.a2 = 84 ................. (i)
T4 = nC3 xnă3 a3 = 280 .................(ii)
and T5 = nC4 xnă4 a4 = 560 ................. (iii)
egn (i) egn (iii) : [nC2 xnă2 a2] [ nC4 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 a3)2 = 2802
n
 C3 nC3 × 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 a2 = 84 ................ (vi)
7
C3 x4 a3 = 280 ................ (vii)
7
C4 x3 a4 = 560 ................ (viii)
egn (vii)  egn (vi) :
(7C3 x4 a3) / (7C2 x5 a2) = 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

 QUIZRR 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 : Tr+1 = nCr xr
 2nd Term : T2 = nC1 x
Coefficient = nC1
 3rd Term : T3 = nC2 x2
Coefficient = nC2
Similarly coefficient of 4th term = nC3
These are in A.P., so.
2 nC2 = nC1 + 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 / x 8/3) + x 2 log10x]8 is 5600. Prove that x = 10.
Solution :
T6 = T5+1 = 8C5 (1/x8/3)8ă5 (x2 log10x)5
or C5 × (1/x8) × x10 (log10x)5 = 5600
8

 [8! / (5! × 3!)] × x2 × (log10x)5 = 5600

 [8.7.6. / 6] × x2 × (log10x)5 = 5600
or x2 (log10x)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 Q2 = 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.

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 24 QUIZRR

 
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 + nC42nă4 ( 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

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

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 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

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


= 2 (2n  1)C1 5 5  
2n
. 111 
 2n  1
C3 5 5 
2n  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
= 42n + 1

2 .6 M U L T IN OM IA L T H EOREM
For any positive integer n,

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

For example,

10!
in the same expansion of (x + y + z)10 coefficient of x3y2z5 will be 2!3!5! since while multiplying

x + y + z ten times one will get x3y2z5, 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.

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 26 QUIZRR

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 n2! ï n3!) . (2x)n1 . (ă 3y)n2 . (4z)n3
= 9! / (n1! ï n2! ï n3!). 2n1 (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 z2
 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 x 7 in the expansion of (1 + 3x ă 2x 3)10.
Solution :
General Term in (1 + 3x ă 2x3)10
= 10! / (n1! ï n2! n3!) (1)n1 (3x)n2 (ă 2x3)n3
= 10! / (n1 ï n2! ï n3!). 3n3n2(ă 2)n3 xn2+3n3
Where n1 + n2 + n3 = 10 ...................... (i)
For coefficient of x7 : n2 + 3n3 = 7 ............. (ii)
From (ii), possible non-negative integral values of Ân2Ê and Ân3Ê are :
n2 = 7, n3 = 0 since from (i) : n1 = 3
n2 = 1, n3 = 2 since from (i) : n1 = 7
or n2 = 4, n3 = 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

 QUIZRR 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 × 33 × 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) + nC2 (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   r 2
r 0 r 0 r 0

n  n  1 n  n  1  2n  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 ION 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

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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 1nx0 + nC1 1nă1 x1 + nC2 1nă3 x3 + ....... + nCn10 xn + 0 + 0 ...

= nC0 1nx0 + nC1 1nă1 x1 + nC2 1nă2 x2 + nC31nă3 x3 + ..... + nCn10xn
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 va 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 SERI ES
The series which arises in the binomial theorem for negative integer (ă n.)

BINOMIAL THEOREM IITJEE

 QUIZRR 29

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

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

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)x3 + ....
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
x
1  x1   1  
1 1
 Given expression =
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
+    x  .......    r  x  ............
 2 54   2 6.3 

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 30 QUIZRR

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

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

Since (1 ă x)ă1 is valid for x  (ă 1, 1) and 1  x / 3 

1
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