Binomial theorem Example 1

Pascal’s triangle Use Pascal’s triangle to expand

The Pascal’s triangle below and its further (a) (p + q)4

extension is used to determine the The coefficients are 1 4 6 4 1
coefficients of the expansion of (p + q)n
Terms are 1p4q0 + 4p3q1 + 6p2q2 + 4p1q3 + 1q4

= p4 +4p3q + 6p2q2 + 4pq3 + q4

(b) (2x + 3y)3

The coefficients are 1 3 3 1

Terms are
3 0 2 1 1 2 0 3
1(2x) (3y) + 3(2x) (3y) + 3(2x) (3y) + 1(2x) (3y)
Observations
= 8x3+ 36x2y + 54xy2 + 27y3
- The coefficients are symmetrical; they are
the same irrespective of which side they (c) (a + b + c)2
are read from, for instance the The terms can be grouped into two ways:
coefficients of (p + q)6 are
1 6 15 20 15 6 1 Either a and (b + c) or (a + b) and c
- The coefficient of the 2nd term in the The coefficients are 1 2 1
expansion is the index of a given
expansion. E.g. in the expansion of Either
(p + q)6, the coefficient of the 2nd term is
Terms are: 1a2(b + c)0 + 2a1(b + c)1 + 1a0(b + c)2
6.
- The number of terms in the expansion = a2 + 2a(b + c) + (b + c) 2
exceeds the index by one, e.g. (p + q)4
= a2 + 2ab + 2ac + b2 + 2bc + c2
with index 4, has 5 terms
- The index of the first term of the Or
expansion decreases by one, from the
index given till zero, whereas, the index of (a + b + c)2
the second term increases by one from = 1(a + b)2c0 + 2(a + b)1c1 + 1c2
zero to the given index
For (p + q)3 = 1p3q0 + 3p2q1 + 3p1q2 + 1p0q3 = (a + b)2 + 2c(a + b) + c2
=p3 + 3p2q + 3pq2 + q3 =a2 + 2ab + b2 + 2ac + 2bc + c2
- The sum of indices in each term s constant
and equal to the index of the expansion.

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Example 2 = 1.0612 (5 significant figures)

Expand (a + b)4 using Pascal’s triangle. Hence The idea of factorial and combination can also
find (1.996)4 correct to 3 decimal places be used to determine the coefficients of the
expansions
Solution
Example 3
From Pascal’s triangle the coefficients are
1 4 6 4 1 Expand

(a + b)4 = a4 + 4a3b + 6a2b2 + 4ab3 + b4 (a) (p + 3q)3

(1.996)4 = (2- 0.004)4 Solution

Substituting a = 2 and b = -0.004 The coefficients are 3C0 3C1 3

C2 3
C3

24 + 4(2)3(-0.004) + 6(2)2(-0.004)2 + Terms are p3 p2(3q) p(3q)2 (3q)3

4(2)(-0.004)3 + (-0.004)4
(p + 3q)3 = 3C0p3 + 3C1p2(3q) + 3C2p(3q)2 +
16 – 0.128 + 0.000384 = 15.872 (3D) 3
C3(3q)3
Example 3
= P3 + 9P23q + 27pq2 + 27q3
(a) Expand (2 – 3x)4 using Pascal’s triangle.
(b) (1 – x)4. Hence evaluate (0.99)4 correct to
Hence evaluate (1.97)4 correct to 3
four decimal places
decimal places.
Solution
Solution
Coefficients are 4C0 4C1 4C2 4C3 4C4
Coefficients: 1 4 6 4 1

(2 – 3x)4 = 1 (2)4(-3x)0 + 4(2)3(-3x)1 + 6(2)2(-3x)2 Or simply ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

+ 4(2)1(-3x)3 + 1(2)0(-3x)4 1 – x)4 = 4C014(-x)0 + 4C113(-x)1 + 4C212(-x)2 +

= 16 – 96x + 216x2 – 216x3 + 81x4 4
C311(-x)3 +4C410(-x)40
Now (1.97)4 = (2 – 0.03)4 = (2 – 3(0.01))4 = 1 – 4x + 6x2 – 4x3 + x4
 x = 0.01 Now 0.99 = 1 – 0.01) = x = 0.01
(1.97)4 = 16 – 96 (0.01) + 216(0.01)2 - (0.99)4
216(0.01)3 + 81(0.01)4 = 15.0613848 = 1 – 4(0.01) + 6(0.01)2 – 4(0.01)3 + (0.01)4
= 15.061 (3d.p) = 0.96059601
(b) Use Pascal’s triangle to evaluate (1.02)3 = 0.9606 (4d.p)
correct 5 significant figures
The binomial theorem for positive
Solutions integral index
(1.02)3 = (1 + 02)3 Consider the expansion of (1 + x)4, the result is
Coefficients are : 1 3 3 1 (1 + x)4 = 1 + 4x + 6x2 + 4x3 + x4
(1 + 02)3 = 13 + 3(1)2(0.02) + 3(1)(0.02)2 + Observations
3
(0.02) = 1.061208

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(i) The indices of x increase by 1 from term Expand (3 – 2x) 12 in ascending powers of x up
to term to and including the term x3. Hence evaluate
(ii) The index of the last term being the same (2.998)12 correct to the nearest whole
as the power to which (1 + x) s raised number.
(iii) The coefficients of the terms of expansion
Solution
are 4C0 4C1 4C2 4C3 4C4

Hence the expansion of (1 + x)n is (3 – 2x) 12 = 312 + ( )

(1 + x)n = 1 + ( ) ( ) +( ) + …. xn ( ) +…

The expansion of (a + x)n is = 531441 – 4251528x + 1588936x2

Now (2.998)12 = (3 – 0.002)12 => x = 0.001

( )
(2.998)12 =531441 – 4251528(0.001) +
= [ ( )( ) ( )( ) ( ) ] 1588936(0.001)2

= ( ) ( ) = 527205.0609

=527205 (nearest whole number)

Example 4

Expand (1 + 4x)14 in ascending power of x up Particular terms of binomial expansion

to and include the 4th term. Hence evaluate As earlier seen, the expansion of
(1.0004)14 correct to four decimal places
(a + x)5 = a5x0 + 5a4x1 + 10a3x2 + 10a2x3 + 5ax4 +
Solution
x5
14
(1 + 4x)
In general if r is the power of x in the
=1+( ) ( ) ( ) expansion (a + x)n, then

the Ur+1 term of x = nCran-rxr

= 1 + 56x + 1456x2 + 23296x3

Now (1.0004)14 = (1 + 0004)14 => x = 0.0001 Example 6

Find the term of x4 in the expression of

(1 + 4x)14

= 1 + 56(0.0001) + 1456(0.0001) 2 + (i) (1 + x)9

23296(0.0001) 3 By using Un+1; term of x = nCran-rxr

n = 9, r = 4, a = 1
= 1.005614583

= 1.0056 (4d.p) U5 = 9C419-4x4 = 9C4x4 = 126x4

(ii) (3 + x)7
Note the next term in the expansion is
n = 7, a = 3, r = 4
( ) = 256256x4
U5 = 7C437-4x4 = 7C4(3)3x4 = 945x4
4 -11
Its value = 256256(0.0001) = 2.56256 x 10
(iii) ( )
Which when added to the above answer there
will negligible change in value

Example 5

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 By using Ur+1 = nCran-rxr
U5 = 12C4212-4( ) = 12C4(2)8( ) =7920x4
The term independent of x is got by equating
Example 7
the index of x to zero
Find the term indicated in expansion of the
following expression Ur +1 = 12Cr(2x)12-r( )

= 12Cr(2x)12-rx-2r
(i) ( ) [x3]
= 12Cr. 212-r .x12-3r
( ) ( )
Equating the x12-3r = 1

The term in x3 = .5C114( )  12 – 3r = 0

r=4
= .5C1( ) =-810x3 Term independent of x = 12C4. 212-4

(ii) ( ) [x4] =12C4. 28

= 126720
( ) ( )
(b) ( )
The term in x3 = .6C115( ) Solution

= .6C1( ) 960x4 ( ) ( )
Finding terms independent of x Un+ r = 12Cr(2x2)12-r(3x-1)r
The term is said to be independent of x if the = 12Cr(2x2)12-r(3r)x-r
power of x is zero
= 12Cr. 212-r(3r)x24-3r
Example 8
Equating the x12-3r = 1
Find the term independent of x in the
following expansion  24 – 3r = 0
r=8
(a) ( )
Term independent of x = 12C8. 212-4.38
Solution
=12C8. 24.38
( ) ( ) = 51, 963,120
The term independent of x = 212x12 multiplied Binomial expansion of terms with
by the term in x-12 in the expansion fractional or negative powers
( )
As noted earlier
 The term independent of x
(1 + x)n = 1 + ( ) ( ) +( ) + …. xn
= 212x12.12C4( ) = 212x12 x 12C4 x The following is noted
=28 x 495 = 126720 (i) For positive integral value of n, i.e. n ≥ 1,
the series above terminates at the term xn
Alternatively
and its sum is (1 + x)n.

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(ii) For fractional or negative values of n, the
√( )( ) √
series above does not terminate but
instead converges to (1 + x)n as the limit of
its sum only -1 < x< 1 or | |

Example 9 But =1+( ) + …..

Expand √ up to the term x3. Hence

evaluate √ correct to four decimal places.

Solution √( ) ( )

Using
Putting x =
n n
(1 + x) = 1 + ( ) ( ) +( ) + …. x
√( ) ( )
Comparing with => x ≡ -2x and
n=½
√
( )
√
√
√
( )( )

Example 11
=1 – x -
Expand √( ) up to the term x3
Now √ √
Use your expansion to evaluate √ correct
Comparing with √ ; x = 0.01 to 3 decimal places taking x = .
Substituting
Solution
√ 1 – (0.01) - By rationalizing the denominator
= 0.9899495
√( )( )
√ (4d.p)
But

Example 10
√( ) ( )
Given that x is very small that its cube and
higher powers can be neglected, show that

√( ) Hence putting x =

By putting x = show that √

√( ) ( ) ( )
Solution

By rationalizing the denominator

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 ( )
√ =1+
√

√ ( )( ) ( )( )( )

√ (4d.p)
=1
Example 12

Use the binomial theorem to expand Now √ √ √ ( )

3
√ up to x . Use your expansion to
evaluate √ correct to four decimal places
( )
Solution

√ Comparing ( ) with

( ) ( )( )
+…  x=

Substituting for x

Hence √ √ √ ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )
( ) => x = 1 ( )

√ * ( ) ( ) ( )+ =

√ (4 S.F)
=1.9130(4d.p)
Not the termx3 has been neglected as it
Example 13
does not affect the answer to 4 significant
Write down the expansion of √ in figured
ascending powers of x as far as the term
Example 14
x4. Use your expansion to find √ correct
to four significant figures. John operates an account with a certain
bank which pays a compound interest rate
Solution of 13.5% per annum. He opened the
account at the beginning of the year with
√
sh. 500,000 and deposits the same
For binomial expansion amount of money at the beginning of
every year. Calculate how much he will
(1 + x)n = 1 + ( ) ( ) +( ) + …. xn accumulate at the end of 9 years. After
how long will the money have
Comparing with(1 + x)n accumulated to sh. 3.32 millions?
n = and x = -x Solution
The 1st deposit will grow to

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500000( )= 500000 x 1.135 [ ( ) ]

2nd deposit will grow to 500000 x 1.1352

= * +
th n
n deposit will grow to 500000 x 1.135
= [ ]
9th deposit will grow to 500000 x 1.1359
=
The total = 500,000[1.135 +1.1352 + … +
1.1359] If x = 9

(1 + x)-2=
= * ( )+
= (using the first 2 terms)
= * ( )+
=
=8,936,381
-2
The exact value is (1 + 9) =
Finding how long it will take the money to
accumulate to sh. 3,320,000
Error =
* ( )+
%error = = 3.978%(3d.p)
n = 4.6years
Example 16
Example 15
(a) Find the three terms of the expansion (2 –
-2
Expand (1 + x) in descending powers of x x)6 and use it to find (1.998)6 correct to two
including the term x-4. If x = 9 find the decimal places (06 marks)
percentage error in using the first two
(2 – x)6 = ( ) ( )
terms of the expression.
= 64 -192x + 240x2
Solution
From

Now (1 + x)-2 = x-2( )

x-2( )

Example 17

(a) Prove by induction

1.3 + 2.4 + … + n(n + 2) = for all values of n.

Suppose n = 1
L.H.S = 1 x 3 = 3
R.H.S =
L.H.S = R.H.S, hence the series holds for n =1

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 Suppose n = 2
L.H.S= 1 x 3 + 2 x 4 = 11
R.H.S =
L.H.S = R.H.S, hence the series holds for n =2
Suppose n = k
1.3 + 2.4 + … + k(k + 2) =
For n = k + 1
1.3 + 2.4 + … + k(k + 2), (k + 1)(k + 3) = +(k +1)(k + 3)
=(k + 1)* +
=
=
=
= [ ]
Which is equal to R.H.S when n = k + 1
It holds for n = 1, 2, 3 …, hence it holds for all integral values of n.

(b) A man deposits Shs. 150,000 at the beginning of every year in a micro finance bank with
the understanding that at the end of the seven years he is paid back his money with 5%
per annum compound interest. How much does he receive?
Using amount, A = P( )

=150000( ) =211,065.06
Alternatively
1st year
P = 150,000
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 150,000( )=157,500
nd
2 year
P = 157, 500
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 157500( )=165375
rd
3 year
P = 165375
Interest =
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 165375 ( )=173643.75
th
4 year
P=173643.75
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 173643.75( )=182325.94
th
5 year
P =182325.94
His paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 182325.94( )=191442.23
th
6 year
P = 191442.23
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 191442.23( )=201014.35

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 7th year
P = 201014.35
He is paid back principal plus interest; P( ) = 201014.35( )=211,065.06
th
by the 7 year he has accumulated shs. 211,065.06

Example 18

Expand√( ) up to the term x2. Hence find the value of √( ) to four significant figures.
(12marks)

√( )

√( ) ( )( )

=1+
=1+ +

√( ) 1+ +

√( ) √

=1+ = 1.030

Revision exercise of √ to 3 significant figures

[1.0202, 7.14]
1. Given that the ratio of the 3rd to the 4th
5. Five millions shillings are invested each
term of the expansion (2+3x)n is 5:14, find
year at a rate of 15%. In how many years
the value of n when x = . [n= 16] will it accumulate to more than
2. Expand (3 – 4x)5 in ascending order of x up 50millions? [6years]
to and including the term x3. Hence
evaluate (4.96)5 correct to 2 d.p. [3001.98] 6. Expand ( ) as far as x3. Hence
3. (a) Find the coefficient of x2 in the evaluate √ correct to 3 decimal places
expansion of (1 – 2x)n is 24 [4] [2.829]
(b) Find the term independent of x in the 7. A man deposits sh. 800,000 into his saving
expansion of ( ) [-496128] account on which interest is 15% per
annum. If he makes no withdraws, after
(c) Use the binomial expansion to expand
how many years will his balance exceed
√ up to the term x3. Hence sh. 8millions? [16.5 years]
evaluate√ correct to three decimal 8. Determine the binomial expansion of
places [3.018]
( ) . Hence evaluate (2.1)4 correct to
4. Expand √( )up to and including the 2 decimal places.[19.45]
9. Determine the binomial expansion of
term x3. Hence find the value of √ to
( ) . Hence evaluate (0.875)5 correct
four significant figures. Deduce the value
to four decimal places [0.5129]

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10. A financial credit society give a compound (b) show that, when x = ;
interest of 2% per annum to its members. √
If Bbosa deposits sh. 10000 at the
beginning of every year. How much would (c) substitute x = into your expansion
he accumulate at the end of the fifth year and hence obtain an approximation of
if no withdraws within this period
√ , give your answer to five decimal
[sh. 530812] places [1.41415]
11. Expand √( ) in ascending powers of x
14. (a) show that ( )
√
2
up to a term x . * + (c) Write the first three terms in the

12. (a) Using the expansion up to binomial expansion of ( ) in

3
the term x , find the value of √ to ascending power of x stating the
four decimal places [1.0392] range for which this expansion is
(b) Express √ in the form √ . Hence
valid. * | | +
evaluate √ correct to 3 significant figure (d) Find the first three terms in the
* √ + expansion of in ascending
√
13. (a) obtain the first four non – zero terms power of x for small values of
of the binomial expansion in ascending
x.* +
powers of x of give
that| | * +
Thank you

Dr. Bbosa Science

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