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Introduction To Binomial Theorem

A Binomial Expression

Any algebraic expression consisting of only two terms is known as a binomial expression.
It's expansion in power of x is shown as the binomial expansion.

For example: (i) a+x (ii) a2 + 1/x2 (iii) 4x - 6y

Binomial Theorem

Such formula by which any power of a binomial expression can be expanded in the form of
a series is known as binomial theorem.

It can be easily understood by examples.

(a + x)2 = a2 + 2ax + x2

(a + x)2 = a3 + 3a2x + 3ax2 + x3

Here, we see that the expression of (a + x)2 is simple, we just multiply (a + x) by (a + x).
Expansion of (a + x)3 is little tougher, but what happens when the expansion is raised to
the power of ten or more? So, we have to establish the formula for (a + x)n, where n is any
integer. Let us define 'a' as the first term, 'x' as the second term and 'n' as the exponent.

The total terms in the expansion of (a + x)2 and (a + x)3 are 3 and 4 respectively, which
means that the number of terms in the expansion is one more than the exponent. So total
number of terms in the expansion (a + x)n is (n + 1).

Now, for n = 2

(a + x)2 = a2x0 + 2a1x1/1 + (2(2-1)/1*2)a0x2

= (F.T.)n (S.T.)0 + n/1! (F.T.)(n-1) (S.T.)1 + (n(n-1)/2!) (F.T.)(n-2) (S.T.)2

= a2 + 2ax + x2

Note: F.T. refers to first term i.e. 'a' and S.T. refers to second term i.e. 'x'

Similarly,

(a + x)3 = a3 + 3a2x + ((3(3-1)/(1*2))a0 x2 + ((3(3-1)(3-2))/(1*2*3))x3

= a3 + 3a2x + 3ax2 + x3

When n is a positive integer, then

(a + x)n = nC0an + nC1an-1x + nC2an-2 x2 +...+ nCran-r xr +...+ nCnxn,

Where nC0 . nC1 . nC2 ... nCn are called Binomial coefficients.

Introduction To Binomial Theorem

Proof of Binomial Theorem

Proof of Binomial Theorem is very simple; we can prove it by using the mathematical
induction.

Proof:

Step I: Let n = 1

L.H.S. = a + x

R.H.S. = a + 1C1 x = a + x

So, theorem is true for n = 1.

Step II:

Let the theorem be true for n = m, than

P(m) : (a + x)m = mC0 am + mC1 am-1 x1 + mC2 am-2 +...+ mCm xm (i)

Step III:

We have to prove for n = m + 1 i.e. we have to prove that

P(m + 1): (a + x)m+1 = m+1

C0 am+1 + m+1
C1 am x1

m+1
+...+ Cm a xm + m+1
Cm+1 xm+1 ....(ii)

Multiplying by (a + x) on both sides in equation (i), we get,

(a + x)m+1 = (mC0 am+1 + mC1 am +...+ mCm-1 a2 xm-1 + mCm a xm)

= (mC0 am x + mC1 mC0) am x +...+ mCm-1 a xm + mCm xm+1)

Or, (a+x)m+1 = mC0 am+1 + (mC1 + mC0) am x +...+ (mCm-1 + mCm-2) a2 xm-1
+ (mCm + mCm-1) a xm + mCm xm+1

m+1
= C0 am+1 + m+1
C1 am x + m+1
C2 am-1 x2 +...+

m+1
Cm-1 a2 xm-1 + m+1
Cm a xm + m+1
Cm+1 xm+1.

Hence, Proved.

Illustration:

Expand (x + 1/x)7 .

Solution:

(x + 1/x)7 = 7C0x7 + 7C1x6 (1/x) + 7C2x5 (1/x2) + 7C3x4 + 1/x3 + 7C4x4

(1/x3) + 7C5x2 + (1/x5) + 7C6x (1/x6) + 7C7 (1/x7)

= x7 + 7x5 + 21x3 + (35 x) + (35/x )+( 21/x3) + (7/x5)+ (1/x7) .

Properties Of Binomial Expansion

1. There are (n + 1) terms in the expansion of (a + b)n, the first and the last term being
an and bn respectively. If nCx = nCy, then either x = y or x + y = n

n
=> Cr = nCn-r = n!/r!(n-r)! .

2. The general term in the expansion of (a + x)n is (r + 1)th term given as Tr+1 =nCran-r +
xr .

Similarly the general term in the expansion of (x + a)n is given as Tr+1 = nCrxn-r ar.
The terms are considered from the beginning.

3. The binomial coefficient in the expansion of (a + x)n which are equidistant from the
beginning and the end are equal i.e. nCr = nCn-r.
 Note: Here we are using nCr + nCr-1 = n+1Cr this concept will be discussed later in this
chapter. Also, we have replace mC0 by m+1C0 because numerical value of both is same i.e.
1. Similarly we replace mCm by m+1Cm+1.

Illustration:

Find the expansion of (a-x)n.

Solution: We know that

(a + x)n = an + na(n-1) x + (n(n-1)/2!) a(n-2) x2 +...+ xn.

putting x = -x in the above expansion, we get,

(a-x)n = [a + (-x)]n = an + na(n-1) (-x) + (n(n-1)/2!) a(n-2) (-x)2 +......+ (-x)n.

= an - na(n-1) x + (n(n-1)/2!) a(n-2) x2 -......+ (-1)n xn.

Illustration:

Find the value of (a+√(a2 -1))7 +(a-√(a2 -1))7.

Solution:

Here, we have to find the sum of two expansions whose terms are numerically the
same, but in the second expansion the second, fourth, sixth and eight terms are negative,
and therefore cancel the corresponding terms of the first expansion. Hence, the given
expression

= 2 {a7 + 21 a5 (a2 - 1)+ 35 a3(a2 - 1)2 + 7a (a2 - 1)3}

= 2a (64 a6 - 112 a4 + 56 a2 - 7)
Binomial Coefficients

We know that,

(a + x)n = nC0 an + nC1 an-1 x + nC2 an-2 x2 +...+ nCn xn ... (i)

Let us write equation (i) in particular form by putting a = 1. Now it becomes,

(1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 x2 +...+ nCr xr +...+ nCn xn ... (ii)

Coefficients attached with different powers of x are called Binomial Coefficients.

Now, again put a = 1 in the expression

(a + x)n = an + n an-1 x + (n(n-1))/2! an-2 x2 + (n(n-1)(n-2))/3! an-3 x3

+...+ (n(n-1)(n-2)....(n-r+1))/r! an-r xr +......+ xn

we get,

(1+x)n = 1 + nx + (n(n-1))/2! x2 +...+ (n(n-1)(n-2)......(n-r+1))/r! xr +...+

n
x ...(iii)

If we compare coefficient of xr in expansions (ii) and (iii), we have,

n
Cr = (n(n-1)(n-2)......(n-r+1))/r! = n!/r!(n-r)!

What does it mean when we compare two expansions?

Since expansion (ii) is valid for any value of x, we can replace x by 1/x , (x ≠ 0) in
it, we get,

(1 + (1/x))n = n
C0 + nC1 1/x + nC2 1/x2 +...+ nCr 1/xr +...+ nCn 1/xn

Multiplying both sides by xn, it becomes,

(1+x)n = nC0 xn + nC1 xn-1 +...+ nCr xn-r +...+ nCn ... (iv)

Compare expansion (ii) and (iv). It will give us, that

n
Cr = nCn-r, this is a beautiful result, which says that in the expansion of the
equations of the like of (ii) the rth coefficient from the beginning is equal to the
rthcoefficient from the end.

Sum Of Binomial Coefficients

Putting x = 1 in the expansion (1+x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 x2 +...+ nCx xn, we get,

2n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 +...+ nCn.

We kept x = 1, and got the desired result i.e. ∑nr=0 Cr = 2n.

Note: This one is very simple illustration of how we put some value of x and get the
solution of the problem. It is very important how judiciously you exploit this property of
binomial expansion.

Illustration:

Find the value of C0 + C2 + C4 +... in the expansion of (1+x)n.

Solution:

We have,

(1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 x2 +... nCn xn.

Now put x = -x; (1-x)n = nC0 - nC1 x + nC2 x2 -...+ (-1)n nCn xn.

Now, adding both expansions, we get,

 (1 + x)n + (1-x)n = 2[nC0 + nC2 x2 + nC4 x4 +.........]

Put x=1

=> (2n+0)/2 = C0 + C2 + C4 +......

or C0 + C2 + C4 +......= 2n-1

We have found the sum of binomial coefficients. But if these coefficients are
multiplied by some factors can we find the sum for such expressions?

Yes, we can often find it by creatively applying what we have learnt. Let us see how
differentiation and integration are useful in these situations.

Suppose we want to calculate the value of

∑nr=0 Cr i.e. 0.C0 + 1 C1 + 2C2 +...+ n nCn

If we take a close look to the sum to be found, we find that coefficients are
multiplied with respective powers of x.

If we want to multiply the coefficient of x by its power differentiation is of help. Hence

differentiate both sides of

(1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 x2 + nC3 x3 +...+ nCn xn, with respect to x we get

n(1 + x)n-1 = 1 C1 x1-1 + 2 C2 x2-1 +...+ n Cn xn-1

Put x = 1, we get, n 2n-1 = + 1 C1 + 2 C2 +...+ n Cn.

Or, ∑nr=0 r Cr = n 2n-1, which is the answer.

Now, think how to find the following sum

C0/1 + C1/2 + C2/3 +......+ Cn/n+1 = ?

In this sum coefficients are divided by the respective power of x + 1. This expression
can be achieved by Integrating the expansion of (1 + x)n under proper limits.
 Important: It has said earlier in this chapter that we should use and exploit the
property that x can take any value in the expansion of (1 + x)n.

Now, let us try to find the value of

C0 - C2 + C4-C6 +.........

Analysing the above, expression, we find that C0, C2, C4 are all coefficients of even
powers of x.

Had it been like C0 + C2 + C4 +...... we could have evaluated simply by the method
described earlier or had it been like C0-C1 + C2-C3 +... we could have put x = -1 in the
expansion of (1 + x)n and find the sum.

But here the case is different. The expression consists of coefficients of only even powers.
In such cases when there is alternative sign charge for the coefficient, of same nature of
powers (even or odd) use of I (iota) comes to our rescue.

(1 + x)n = C0 + C1 x + C2 x2 +......

(1 - x)n = C0 - C1 x + C2 x2 +......

By adding (1 + x)n + (1 - x)n = 2[C0 + C2 x2 + C4 x4 +......].

Clearly use of √-1 (iota) will generate the given expression.

((1+i)n + (1-i)n)/2 ] [C0 - C2 + C4 + ......]

Coefficient Of A Particular Term

In the expression of (a + x)n, the coefficient of second term is nC1, of the third term
is nC2, of he fourth term is nC3 and so on. The suffix in each term being one less than the
number of the term to which it applies; hence nCr is the coefficient of the (r+1)th term.
This is called the General Term, because by giving different numerical values to r any of
the coefficients may be found. Also, the indices of a and x in the (r + 1)th term are
expressable in terms of r.

Thus, General term of the expansion (a + x)n is dented as

Tr+1 = nCr an-r xr = ((n(n-1)(n-2)....(n-r+1))/r!) an-r xr.

Note :General term is useful in finding the following in Binomial expression.

(a) Particular term.

(b) Middle term

(c) Term independent of x.

(d) Term containing the greatest coefficient of x.

Illustration:

Find the fifth term in the expansion of (a + 2x3)17.

Solution:

General term of the expansion (a + x)n is

Tr+1 = nCr an-r xr.

Now, for the given expression, required term is

17
T5 = C4 a13 (2x3)4.

= 38080 a13 x12.

Illustration:

Find the term independent of x in (1 + x + 2x3) ((3/2)x2 - (1/3x))9.

Solution:

We want to find the term independent of x in product of (1 + x + 2x3) and

((3/2)x2 - (1/3x))9 . So, we should find the terms containing x0, x-1 and x-3 in the
expansion ((3/2)x2 - (1/3x))9 and multiply them respectively with the appropriate term
from (1 + x + 2x3) i.e. constant term i.e. 1, term containing x i.e. 1 and the term
containing x3 i.e. 2.

Now, Tr+1 = nCr an-r xr [this is general term in (a+x)n]

= 9Cr ((3/2)x2)9-r (-(1/3x))r

This is general term in [((3/2)x2 - (1/3x))9]

(i) to find the term containing x0 we use 18 - 3r = 0, i.e. r = 6

so coefficient of x0 we use (-1)6 9C6 3-3 2-3 = 9C6 (1/22.33).

(ii) to find the term containing x-1 we use 18-3r = -1 i.e. r = 19/3 ( I) which is
impossible.

(iii) to find the term containing x-3 we put 18-3r = -3 i.e. r = 7. So, coefficient of x-3 in
((3/2)x2 - (1/3x))9 = (-1)7 9C7 3-5 2-2 = -9C7 (1/23.35) .

Therefore, required coefficient = 9C6 (1/23.33)× 1-2 × 9C7 (1/23.35) = 17/54.

Illustration:

Find the coefficient of x24 in (x2 +3a/x)15.

Solution:

The general term ((r + 1)th term) is

(x2 +3a/x)15 = 15
Cr(x2)15-r (3a/x)r = 15
Cr x30-2r (3rar/xr) = 15
Cr 3r ar x30-3r

If this term contains x24, then 30-3r = 24

=> 3r = 6 => r = 2.

Therefore, the coefficient of x24 = 15

C2 9a2.

Illustration:

If the binomial co-efficient of the (2r + 4)th term and the (r - 2)th term in the
expansion of (1 + x)18 are equal, find the value r.

Solution:

The coefficient of (2r + 4)th term in (1 + x)18 = 18

C2r+3 and the coefficient of (r-
2)th term = 18
Cr-3, so that 18
C2r+3 = 18
Cr-3.

Either 2r + 3 = r - 3, => r = -6,

Or 2r + 3 + r - 3 = 18 => 3r = 18 => r = 6. (Since r ε N)

Illustration:

If the 4th term in the expansion (px + 1/x)n is independent of x, find the value of n.
Also calculate p if the 4th term is 5/2.

Solution:

Here T4 = T3+1 = nC3(px)3 (1/x)n-3 = nC3 p3 x6-n.

T4 is independent of x => 6 - n = 0 or n = 6.

Now given T4 = 5/2 => 6C3. p3 = 5/2 => p3 = 5/2 . = 1/8 => p = 1/2.

Illustration:

If the expansion of (1 + x)43 the coefficient of (2r + 1)th term is equal to the
coefficient of (r + 2)th term find r.

Solution:

Given in the expansion of (1 + x)43 the coefficient of (2r + 1)th term = the coefficient of (r
+ 1)th term.

43 43
C2r = Cr+1. Either 2r = r + 1 => r = 1,

or 2r + r + 1 = 43 => r = 14.

Hence r =1, 14

Illustration:

Find the coefficient of x3 in the expansion of (1 + x + 2x2) (2x2 - (1/3x))9.

Solution:

Tr+1 in (2x2 - (1/3x))9 is 9Cr (2x2)9-r (-1/3x)r = 9Cr29-r (-1/3)r x18-3r

=> coefficient of x3 is 9C5.24 (-1/3)5 = -224/7.

Middle Term

(i) When n is even

Middle term of the expansion is the (n/2 + 1)th term

i.e. nCn/2 an/2 in the expansion of (a + b)n.

(ii) When n is odd

Middle terms of the expansion are the (n/2 + 1)th term and the ((n+3)/2)th term.

These are given by,nC((n-1)/2) a((n+1)/2) a((n-1)/2) and nC((n+1)/2) a((n-1)/2)a((n+1)/2) in the
expansion of (a + b)n.

e.g. middle term in the expansion of (1+x)4 and (1+x)5.

Expansion of (1+x)4 have 5 terms, so third term is the middle term which is the
((4/2)+1)th term.

Expansion of (1+x)5 have 6 terms, so 3rd and 4th both are the middle terms, which are
the ((5+1)/2)th and ((5+3)/2)th terms.

Note:
* rth term from the end = (n - r + 2)th term from the beginning.
* If there are two middle terms, then the binomial co-efficients of two middle terms will
be equal and those two co-efficients will be greatest.

Illustration:

Find the middle term in the expansion of (1 - 2x + x2)n.

Solution:

We have (1 - 2x + x2)n = [(1 -x)2]n = (1 - x)2n.

Here 2n is an even integer =>((2n/2) + 1)th i.e. (n+1)th term will be the middle term.

Now (n+1)th term in (1-x)2n = 2n

Cn (1)2n-n(-x)n = 2n
Cn(-x)n = (2n)!/n!n!
(-x)n.

Greatest Binomial Coefficient

To determine the greatest coefficient in the binomial expansion, (1+x)n, when n is a
positive integer. Coefficient of

(Tr+1/Tr) = Cr/Cr-1 = (n-r+1)/r = ((n+1)/r) - 1.

Now the (r+1)th binomial coefficient will be greater than the rth binomial coefficient
when, Tr+1 > Tr

=> ((n+1)/r)-1 > 1 => (n+1)/2 >r. ....... (1)

But r must be an integer, and therefore when n is even, the greatest binomial coefficient
is given by the greatest value of r, consistent with (1) i.e., r = n/2 and hence the
greatest binomial coefficient is nCn/2.

Similarly in n be odd, the greatest binomial coefficient is given when,

r = (n-1)/2 or (n+1)/2 and the coefficient itself will be nC(n+1)/2 or nC(n-1)/2, both being are
equal

Note: The greatest binomial coefficient is the binomial coefficient of the middle term.

Illustration:

Show that the greatest the coefficient in the expansion of (x + 1/x)2n is

(1.3.5...(2n-1).2n)/n! .

Solution:

Since middle term has the greatest coefficient.

So, greatest coefficient = coefficient of middle term

2n
= Cn = (1.2.3...2n)/n!n! = (1.3.5...(2n-1).2n)/n!.

Numerically greatest term

To determine the numerically greatest term in the expansion of (a + x)n, where n is a

positive integer.
Consider

Thus

Note : {((n+1)/r) - 1} must be positive since n > r. Thus Tr+1 will be the greatest
term if, r has the greatest value as per the equation (1).

Illustration:

Find the greatest term in the expansion of (3-2x)9 when x = 1.

Solution:

Tr+1/Tr = ((9-r+1)/r) . (2x/3) >1

i.e. 20 > 5r

If r = 4, then Tr+1 = Tr and these are the greatest terms. Thus 4th and 5thterms are
numerically equal and greater than any other term and their value is equal 39 × 9C3 ×
(2/3)3 = 489888.

Illustration:

Find the greatest term in the expansion of (2 + 3x)9 if x = 3/2.

Solution:

Here Tr+1/Tr = ((n-r+1)/r)(3x/2) = ((10-r)/r)(3x/2), (where x = 3/2)

= ((10-r)/r)(3x/2)(3/2) = ((10-r)/r).9/4 = (90-9r)/4r

Therefore Tr+1 > Tr, if 90 - 9r > 4r.

 => 90 > 13r => r < 90/13 and r being an integer, r = 6.

Hence Tr+1 = T7 = T6+1 = 9C6 (2)3 (3x)6 = 313.7/2.

Illustration:

Given that the 4th term in the expansion of (2 + (3/8)x)10 has the maximum numerical
value, find the range of values of x for which this will be true.

Solution:

Given 4th term in (2 + (3/8)x)10 = 210 (1 + (3/16)x)10, is numerically greatest

=>|T4/T3| > 1 and |T5/T4| < 1

=>

=>|x| > 2 and |x| < 64/21

=> x ε [-(64/21),-2]U[2,(64/21)].

Illustration:

Find the greatest term in the expansion of √3(1 + (1/√3))20.

Solution:

Let rth term be the greatest

Since Tr/Tr+1 = (r/(21-r)).√3.

Now Tr/Tr+1 > 1 => r > 21/(√3+1) ...... (1)

Now again Tr/Tr+1 = (r/(21-r)) √3 < 1 => r < (22+√3)/(√3+1) ...... (2)

from (1) and (2)

22/(√3+1) < r < (22+√3)/(√3+1)

20
=> r = 8 is the greatest term and its value is √3 . C7 (1/√3)7 = 20
C7 (1/27).
Particular Cases

We have (a + x)n = an + nC1 an-1 x + nC2 an-2 xr +...+ xn. ...... (1)

(i) Putting x = -x in (1), we get

(a-x)n = an - nC1 an-1x + nC2 an-2 x2 - nC2 an-3 x3 +...+ (-1)r nCr an-r xr+...+ (-1)n xn.

(ii) Putting a = 1 in (1), we get,

(1+x)n = nC0 + nC1x + nC2x2 +...+ nCr xr +...+ nCnxn. ... (A)

(iii) Putting a = 1, x = -x in (1), we get

(1-x)n=nC0-nC1 x + nC2 x2-nC3x3 +... (-1)r nCr xr +... (-1)n nCnxn ... (B)

Tips to Remember

(a) Tr/Tr+1 = ((n-r+1)/r ).(x/a) for the binomial expansion of (a + x)n.

(n+1)
(b) Cr = nCr + nCr-1.

(c) r nCr = n n-1

Cr-1

(d)

(e) When n is even,

(x + a)n + (x - a)n = 2(xn + nC2 xn-2 a2 + nC4 xn-4 a4 +...+ nCn an).

When n is odd,

(x + a)n + (x - a)n = 2(xn + nC2 xn-2 a2 +...+ nCn-1 x an-1).

When n is even

(x + a)n - (x - a)n = 2(nC1 xn-1 a + nC3 xn-3 a3 +...+ nCn-1 x an-1).

When n is odd

(x + a)n - (x - a)n = 2(nC1 xn-1 a + nC3 xn-3 a3 +...+ nCn an).

Properties of Binomial Coefficients

For the sake of convenience, the coefficients nCo, nC1, ..., nCr, ..., nCn are usually denoted
by Co, C1,..., Cr, ..., Cn respectively

Put x = 1 in (A) and get, 2n = Co + C1 + ... + Cn ... (D)

Also putting x = -1 in (A) we get,

0 = Co - C1 + C2 - C3 + ......

=> C0 + C2 + C4 + ...... + C1 + C3 + C5 +...... = 2n.

Hence Co + C2 + C4 +...... = C1 + C3 + C5 +...... = 2n-1.

Illustration:

If (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn, then prove that C0 + (Co + C1) + (C0 + C1+ C2)
+ ... (C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn-1) = n2n-1 (where n is an even integer.

Solution:

C0 + (C0 + C1) + (C0 + C1 + C2) +... (C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn-1)

= C0+(C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn-1)+(C0 + C1)+(C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn-2)+...

= (C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn)+ (C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn)+... n/2 times

= (n/2)2n = n . 2n-1

Some Important Results

1. Differentiating (1+x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn of both sides we have,

n(1 + x)n-1 = C1 + 2C2x + 3C3x2 +...+ nCnxn-1. ... (E)

Put x = 1 in (E) so that n2n+1 = C1 + 2C2 + 3C3 + ...+ nCn.

Put x = -1 in (E) so that 0 = C1 - 2C2 +...+ (-1)n-1 nCn.

Differentiating (E) again and again we will have different results.

2. Integrating (1 + x)n, we have,

((1+x)n+1)/(n+1) + C = C0x + C1x2/2 + C2x3/3 +.....+Cnxn+1/(n+1) (where C

is a constant)
 For x = 0, we get C = -1/(n+1) .

Therefore ((1+x)n+1 - 1)/(n+1) = C0x + C1x2/2 + C2x3/3 +.....+Cnxn+1/(n+1) .....

(F)

Put x = 1 in (F) and get

(2n+1 - 1)/n+1= C0 + C1/2 +...Cn/n+1 .

Put x = -1 in (F) and get, 1/n+1 = C0 - C1/2 + C2/3 - ......

Put x = 2 in (F) and get, (3n+1-1)/n+1 = 2 C0 + 22/2 C1 + 22/3 C2 +...+ 2n+1/n+1 =

Cn.

Problems Related to Series of Binomial Coefficients in Which Each Term is a Product of an

Integer and a Binomial Coefficient, i.e. In the Form k.nCr.

Illustration:

If (1+x)n = xr then prove that C1 + 2C2 + 3C3 +...+ nCn = n2n-1.

Solution:

Method (i) : rth term of the given series

rth term of the given series, tr = nCr

n-1 n-1
=> tr = r × n/r × Cr-1 = n × Cr-1 (because nCr =n/r .n-1Cr-1)

Sum of the series =

Put x = 1 in the expansion of (1 + x)n-1, so that

(n-1C0 + n-1
C1 +...+ n-1
Cn-1) = 2n-1

=> = n.2n-1.

Method (ii) : By Calculus

We have (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn. ... (1)

Differentiating (1) w.r.t. x, we get

 n(1 + x)n-1 = C1 + 2C2x + 3C3 x2 +...+ n Cnxn-1. ... (2)

Putting x = 1 in (2), we have, n 2n-1 = C1 + 2C2 +....+ nCn. ... (3)

Illustration:

If (1+ x)n = xr then prove that C0 + 2.C1 + 3.C2+...+(n+1)Cn=2n-1(n+2).

Solution:

Method (i): rth term of the given series

rth term of the given series

tr = nCr-1 = [(r-1) + 1]. nCr-1

= (r-1) nCr-1 + nCr-1 = n. n-1

Cr-2 + nCr-1 (because nCr-1 =n/(r-1) . n-1
Cr-2)

Sum of the series =

= n[n-1C0 + n-1C1 +...+ n-1

Cn-1]+[nC0 + nC1 +...+ nCn] = n.2n-1 + 2n
= 2n-1 (n+2).

Method (ii) by Calculus.

We have (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn. ... (1)

Multiplying (1) with x, we get

x(1+x)n = C0x + C1x2 + C2x3 +...+ Cnxn+1. ... (2)

Differentiating (2) w.r.t. x, we have

(1 + x)n + n(1 + x)n-1 x = C0x + 2C1x2 +...+ (n+1)Cnxn ... (3)

Putting x = 1 in (3), we get

2n + n.2n-1 = C0 + 2C1 + 3C2 +...+ (n+1)Cn

=> C0 + 2C1 + 3C2 +...+ (n+1)Cn = 2n-1 (n+2).

Problems Related to Series of Binomial Coefficient in Which Each Term is
Binomial Coefficient divided by an Integer, i.e. in the Form of nCr/k.

Illustration:

If (1+x)n =

Solution:

Method (i) : rth term of the given series

Method (ii): By Calculus

(1+x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn ... (1)

Integrating both the sides of (1) w.r.t. x between the limits 0 to x, we get

... (2)

Substituting x = 1 in (2), we get 2n+1/n+1 = C0 + c1/2 + c2/3 +.....+ cn/n+1 .

Illustration:

If (1+x)n = xr ,show that

Method I : rth term of the given series Tr =

Method II : (By Calculus)

(1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn

=> x(1+x)n = C0x + C1x2 + C2x3 +...+ Cnxn+1 ... (1)

Integrating both the sides of (1) with respect to x

Put x = 0, => k = 1/((n+1)(n+2))

Put x = 1,

Problem Related to Series of Binomial Coefficients in Which Each Term is a

Product of two Binomial Coefficients.

(a) If sum of lower suffices of binomial expansion in each term is the same

i.e. nC0 nCn + nC1 nCn-1 + nCn-2 +...+ nCn nC0

i.e. 0 + n = 1 + (n-1) = 2 + (n-2) = n + 0.

Then the series represents the coefficients of xn in the multiplication of the following
two series
 (1+x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn

and (1+x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn.

Illustration:

Prove that C0Cr + C1Cr+1 + C2Cr+2 +...+ Cn-r Cn = (2n)!/((n-r)!(n+r)!) .

Solution:

We have,

C0 + C1x + C2x2 + ... + Cnxn = (1+x)n ... (1)

Also C0xn + C2xn-2 +...+ Cn = (x+1)n ... (2)

Multiplying (1) and (2), we get

(C0 + C1x2 +...+ Cnxn)(C0xn + C1xn-2 + C2xn-2 +...+ Cn) = (1+x)2n ... (3)

Equating coefficient of xn-r from both sides of (3), we get

C0Cr + C1Cr+1 + C2Cr+2 +...+ Cn-rCn = 2nCn-r = (2n)/((n-r)!(n+r)!) .

Illustration:

Prove that Co2 + C12 +...+ Cn2 = (2n)!/n!n! .

Solution:

Since

(1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn, ... (1)

(x + 1)n = C0xn + C1xn-2 +...+ Cn, ... (2)

(C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn)(C0xn + C1xn-1 + C2xn-2 +...+ Cn)=(1+x)2n.

Equating coefficient of xn, we get

C02 + C12 + C22 +...+ Cn2 = 2n

Cn = (2n)!/n!n! .
Illustration:

If (1+x)n = , then prove that

m
Cr nC0 + mCr-1 nC1 + mCr-2 nC2 +...+ mC1 nCr-1 + mC0 nCr = m+n
Cr

where m, n, r are positive integers and r < m and r < n.

Solution:

(1+x)n = nC0 + nC1x + nC2x2 +...+ nCrxr +...+ nCnxn ... (1)

and also

(1+x)m = mC0 + mC1x + mC2x2 +...+ mCrxr +...+ mCmxm ... (2)

Multiplying (1) and (2), we get

(nC0 + nC1x + nC2x2 +...+ nCrxr +...+ nCnxn)x

(mC0 + mC1x + mC2x2 +...+ mCrxr +...+ mCmxm) = (1+x)m+n

m+n m+2 m+n

= C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ m+n
Crxr +...+ m+n
Cm+nxm+n

Equating the coefficient of xr, we get

m
Cr nC0 + mCr-1 nC1 + mCr-2 nC2 +...+ mC1 nCr-1 + mC0 nCr = m+n
Cr

(b) If one series has constant lower suffices and other has varying lower suffices

Illustration:

Prove that nC0.2nCn - nC12n-2Cn + nC2/2n-4Cn -...= 2n.

Solution:

n
C0.2nCn - nC12n-2Cn + nC2/2n-4Cn -...

= coefficient of xn in[nC0(1+x)2n - nC1(1+x)2n-2+nC2(1+x)2n-4 - ...]

= coefficient of xn in

[nC0((1+x)2)n - nC1((1+x)2)n-1 + nC2((1+x)2)n-2 - ...]

 = coefficient of xn in [(1+x)2 - 1]n

= coefficient of xn in (2x+x2)n = co-efficient of xn in xn (2+x)n = 2n.

1. Divisibility problems:

Let (1 + x)n = 1 + nC1x + nC2x2 +...+ nCnxn.

In any divisibility problem, we have to identify x and n. The number by which

division is to be made can be, x, x2 or x3, but the number in the base is always expressed
in form of (1+x).

Illustration:

Find the remainder when 7103 is divided by 24.

Solution:

7103 = 7(50 - 1)51 = 7(5051 - 51

C1 5050 + 51
C2 5049 - ... - 1)

= 7(5051 - 51
C15050 +...+ 51
C5050) - 7 - 18 + 18

= 7(5051 - 51
C15050 +...+ 51
C5050) - 25 + 18

=> remainder is 18.

2. Questions involving the greatest integer function.

The questions generally involves working with binomial expression on surds.

Illustration:

If I is the integral part and f is the fraction part of (2 + √3 )n then prove that (l +
f)(1- f) = 1. Also prove that I is an odd integer.

Solution:

(2 + √3)n, l + f where I is an integer and 0 , f < 1. We have to show that I is odd

and that (l + f)(1 - f) = 1

Here note that (2 + √3)n (2 + √3)n =(4 - 3)n = 1

.·.(2 + √3)n(2 + √3)n=1. It is thus required to prove that (2 + √3)n=1-f

But, (2 + √3)n + (2 + √3)n = [2n - C1.2n-1.√3 + C22n-2.(√3)2 - ...]

+ [2n - C1.2n-1.√3 + C22n-2.(√3)2 - ...]

=2[2n - C2.2n-2.3 + C42n-4.32 - ...] = even integer

.·. Now 0 < (2 - √3) < 1

.·. 0 < (2 - √3)n < 1

.·. If (2 - √3)n = f' then l + f + f' = Even

Now ) < f < 1 and 0 < f' < 1 ... (1)

.·. f + f' = integer

(1) and (2) imply that f + f' = 1(·.· 0 < f + f' < 2)

.·. I is odd and f' = 1 - f

=> (I + f)(1 - f) = 1.

Binomial expression with non- positive exponent

The characteristics discussed hitherto were confined to positive integer n. If n takes

any other value, then binomial theorem is written as:

Say, we have to find out (x+a)n n I+

If a > 1 then it is written as an (a + (x/a))n. This is expanded as

an (1+(x/n))n = an[1+n(x/a) + (n(n-1)/a) (x/a)2 + (n(n-1)(n-2))/3! (x/a)3 + ......∞]

Since n is not positive integer therefore the series on the right hand side will
converge only for |x/a| < 1. Moreover, there are infinite terms in the expansion contrary
to the binomial expansion for a positive integer n.

Multinomial Expression

If such a case arises, then it is not called Binomial Expansion, it is called Multinomial
Expansion. If n ε N, then the general term of the multinomial expansion (x1 + x2 +
x3 +...+ xk)n is (n!/a1!a2!...ak!) (x1a1,x2a2,..…xkak ), where a1 + a2 + a3+......+ ak = n and a
< ai < n, I = 1, 2, 3, ...... k and the total number of terms in the expansion is n+k-1Cn-1.
Solved Examples

Example 1:

Find the coefficient of the independent term of x in expansion of (3x - (2/x2))15.

Solution:

The general term of (3x - (2/x2))15 is written, as Tr+1 = 15

Cr (3x)15-r (-2/x2)r. It is
independent of x if,

15 - r - 2r = 0 => r = 5

15
.·. T6 = C5(3)10(-2)5 = - 16
C5 310 25.

Example 2:

If the coefficient of (2r + 4)th and (r - 2)th terms in the expansion of (1+x)18are
equal then find the value of r.

Solution:

The general term of (1 + x)n is Tr+1 = Crxr

Hence coefficient of (2r + 4)th term will be

18
T2r+4 = T2r+3+1 = C2r+3

and coefficient or (r - 2)th term will be

18
Tr-2 = Tr-3+1 = Cr-3.

18 18
=> C2r+3 = Cr-3.

=> (2r + 3) + (r-3) = 18 (·.· nCr = nCK => r = k or r + k = n)

.·. r=6

Example 3:

If a1, a2, a3 and a4 are the coefficients of any four consecutive terms in the
expansion of (1+x)n then prove that:
 a1/(a1+a2) + a2/(a3+a4) = 2a2/(a2+a3)

Solution:

As a1, a2, a3 and a4 are coefficients of consecutive terms, then

Let a1 = nCr

a2 = nCr+1

a3 = nCr+2 and

a4 = nCr+3

Now a1/(a1+a2) = nCr/(nCr+nCr+1) = 1/(1+((n-r)/(r+1))) = (r+1)/(n+1)

Similarly, a2/(a2+a3) = (r+3)/(n+1)

Now a3/(a3+a4) + a1/(a1+a2) = (2r+4)/(n+1)

= 2(r+1)/(n+1) = 2a2/(a2+a3) (Hence, proved)

Example 4:

Find out which one is larger 9950 + 10050 or 10150.

Solution:

Let's try to find out 10150 - 9950 in terms of remaining term i.e.

10150 - 9950 = (100+1)50 - (100 - 1)50

= (C0.10050 + C110049 + C2.10048 +......)

= (C010050 - C110049 + C210048 -......)

= 2[C1.10049 + C310047 +.........]

= 2[50.10049 + C310047 +.........]

= 10050 + 2[C310047 +............]

> 10050

=> 10150 > 9950 + 10050

Example 5:

Find the value of the greatest term in the expansion of √3(1+(1/√3))20.

Solution:

Let Tr+1 be the greatest term, then Tr < Tr+1 > Tr+2

Consider : Tr+1 > Tr

20
=> Cr (1/√3)r > 20Cr-1(1/√3)r-1

=> ((20)!/(20-r)!r!) (1/(√3)r) > ((20)!/(21-r)!(r-1)!) (1/(√3)r-1)

=> r < 21/(√3+1)

=> r < 7.686 ......... (i)

Similarly, considering Tr+1 > Tr+2

=> r > 6.69 .......... (ii)

From (i) and (ii), we get

r=7

Hence greatest term = T8 = 25840/9

Example 6:

Find the coefficient of x50 in the expansion of (1+x)1000 + 2x(1+x)999 + 3x2(1+x)998 +...+
1001x1000.

Solution:

Let S = (1 + x)1000 + 2x(1+x)999 +...+ 1000x999 (1+x) + 1001 x1000

This is an Arithmetic Geometric Series with r = x/(1+x) and d = 1.

Now (x/(1+x)) S = x(1 + x)999 + 2x2 (1 + x)998 +...+ 1000x1000 + 1000x1001/(1+x)

Subtracting we get,

(1 - (x/(x+1))) S =(1+x)1000 + x(1+x)999 +...+ x1000 - 1001x1000/(1+x)

 or S = (1+x)1001 + x(1+x)1000 + x2(1+x)999 +...+ x1000 (1+x)-1001x1001

This is G.P. and sum is

S = (1+x)1002 - x1002 - 1002x1001

So the coeff. of x50 is = 1002

C50

Example 7:

n
Show that Ck (sin kx) cos (n-k)x = 2n-1 sin(nx)

Solution:

n
We have Ck sin kx cos (n-k)x

n
=1/2 Ck [sin (k x + nx - kx) + sin (kx - nx + kx)]

n n
=1/2 Ck sin n x + 1/2 Ck sin (2kx - nx)

n
= 1/2 sin n x Ck 1/2 [nC0 sin (-nx) + nC1 sin (2-n)x +...

...+ nCn-1 sin (n-2)x + nCn sin nx]

= 2n-1 sin nx + 0 (as terms in bracket, which are equidistant, from end and beginning will
cancel each other).

(Hence, proved)

Example 8:

If (15+6√6)2n+1 = P, then prove that P(1 - F) = 92n+1 (where F is the fractional part
of P).

Solution:

We can write

P = (15+6√6)2n+1 = I + F (Where I is integral and F is the fractional part of P)

Let F' = (15+6√6)2n+1

 Note: 6√6 = 14.69

=> 0 < 156√6 < 1

=> 0 < (15+6√6)2n+1 < 1

=> 0 < F' < 1

Now, I + F = C0 (15)2n+1 + C1(15)2n 6√6 + C2 (15)2n (6√6 )2 +...

F' = C0 (15)2n+1 - C1(15)2n 6√6 + C2(15)2n-1 (6√6 )2 +...

I + F + F' = 2[C0 (15)2n+1 + C2 (15)2n-1 (6√6 )2 +...]

Term on R.H.S. is an even integer.

=> I + F + F' = Even integer

=> F + F' = Integer

But, 0 < F < 1 and (F is fraction part)

0 < F' < 1

=> 0 < F + F' < 2

Hence F + F' = 1

F' = (1-f)

.·. P(1-F) = (15 + 6√6 )2n+1 (15-6√6 )2n+1

= (9)2n+1 (Hence, proved)

Example 9:

Using ∫01(tx+a-x)n dx,prove that ∫01xk (1-x)(n-k) dx=[ nCk (n+1)](-1)

Solution:

The given integral can easily be evaluated, as follows:

 I = ∫01(tx+a-x)n dx

= ∫01((t-1)x+1)n dx

= [((t-1)x+1)(n+1)/((n+1)(t-1))]01

=(t(n+1)-1)/(n+1)(t-1)=1/(1+n) [1 + t + t2 +...+ tk +...+ tn] ...... (i)

Also, I = ∫01(tx+(1-x))n dx

=∫01 n
Ck (1-x)(n-K) tk xk dx ...... (ii)

Comparing the coefficient of tk from (i) and (ii), we get,

∫01 n
Ck. xk (1-x)n-k dx=1/(n+1)

=> ∫01xk (1-x)n-k dx = 1/( nCk (n+1))

(Hence, proved)

Example 10:

Prove that (-3)r-1 3n

C2r-1= where k = 3n/2 and n is an even positive integer.

Solution:

Since n is even integer, let n = 2m,

k = 3n/2 = 6m/2 =3m

The summation becomes,

S=

Now, (1+x)6m = 6m
C0 + 6m
C1 x + 6m
C2 x2 +...

6m
...+ C6m-1 x6m-1 + 6m
C6m x6m ...... (i)

(1-x)6m = 6m
C0 + 6m
C1 (-x) + 6m
C2 (-x)2 +...

6m
...+ C6m-1 (-x)6m-1 + 6m
C6m (-x)6m ...... (ii)

=> (1+x)6m - (1-x)6m = 2[6mC1x + 6m

C3x2 +...+ 6m
C6m-1x6m-2]
 ((1+x)6m - (1-x)6m)/2x = 6m
C1 + 6m
C3 x2 +......+ 6m
C6m-1 x6m - 2

Let x2 = y

=>((1 + √y)6m-(1-√y)6m)/2√y=6mC1+6mC3y + 6mC3 y+......6mC6m-1 y3m-1

With y = -3, RHS becomes = S.

LHS =

(Hence, proved)

Example 11:

If k and n are two positive integers and

Sk = 1k + 2k +.........+ nk

Then show that

m+1C1S1 + m+1C2S2 +......+ m+1CmSm = (1+n)m+1 - (1+n)

Solution:

We have,

(1 + p)m+1 = m+1
C0 + m+1
C1 p + m+1
C2 p2 + m+1
Cm+1 pm+1

Putting p = 1, 2, 3, ........., n

=>2m+1 - 1 = m+1
C0 + m+1
C1(1) + m+1
C2(1)2 +...+ m+1
Cm(1)m

3m+1 - 2m+1 = m+1

C0 + m+1
C1(2) + m+1
C2(2)2 +...+ m+1
Cm(2)m

4m+1 - 3m+1 = m+1

C0 + m+1
C1(3) + m+1
C2(3)2 +...+ m+1
Cm(3)m
 (1+n)m+1-nm+1 = m+1
C0(n) + m+1
C2 Σn + m+1
C2 Σ(n)2 +...+ m+1
Cm∑(n)m.

Adding all these terms, we get

(1+n)m+1 -1 = m+1
C0(n) + m+1
C1S1 + m+1
C2S2 +...+ m+1
CmSm

=>m+1C1S1 + m+1
C2S2 +...+ m+1
CmSm = (1+n)m+1 - (1+n)

(Hence, proved)

Example 12:

Given that Sn = 1 + q + q2 +....+ qn

and Pn = 1 + ((q+1)/2) + ((q+1)/2)2 + ....+((q+1)/2)n

n+1 n+1 n+1 n+1

show that C1 + C2S1 + C2S2 +...+ Cn+1 Sn = 2n pn.

Solution:

Both Sn and Pn are geometric series

Sn = 1 + q + q2 +......qn = 1-qn-1/1-q ...... (i)

Pn = 1 + ((q+1)/2) + ((q+1)/2)2 +.....+((q+1)/2)n

=(1-((q+1)/2)n+1)/(1-(q+1)/2)=1/2n(2n+1-(q+1)n+1)/(1-q) ...... (ii)

n+1 n+1
Cr+1Sr = Cr+1 ((1-qr+1)/(1-q)) = n+1
Cr+1 ((1/(1-q)) - (qr+1/(1-q)))

= (1/(1-q))n+1Cr+1 - (1/(1-q)) n+1

Cr+1 qr+1

n+1 n+1 n+1

=> Cr+1 Sr=(1/(1-q)) Cr+1- (1/(1-q)) Cr+1qr+1

=> ∑n+1Cr+1Sr = 2npn (Hence, proved)

Example 13:

Show that if Cr is the coefficient of xr in (1+x)n, then

Cr3 = Coefficient of xn yn in the expression of ((1+x)(1+y)(x+y))n

Solution:

(1+x)n = nC0 + nC1 x + nC2 x2 +...+ nCn xn ...... (1)

(1+y)n = nC0 + nC1 y + nC2 y2 +...+ nCn yn ...... (2)

(x+y)n = nC0 xn + nC1 xn-1 y + nC2 xn-2 +...+ nCn yn ....... (3)

writing (1+y)n as (y+1)n and expanding it in decreasing powers of y.

(y+1)n = nC0yn + nC1yn-1 + nC2yn-2 +...+ nCn ....... (4)

multiplying (1), (3) and (4) we get,

(1+x)n (y+1)n (x+y)n

= (nC0 + nC1x + nC2x2 +...+ nCnxn) × (nC0yn + nC1yn-1 +...+ nCn)

× (nC0xn + nC1xn-1y +...+ nCnyn)

Now, coefficient of xnyn in RHS = nC03 + nC13 + nC23 +... nCn3

= coefficient of xnyn in LHS

= coefficient of xnyn in {(1+x)(1+y)(x+y)}n

(Hence, proved)

Example 14:

If (1+x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +...+ Cnxn (nεN)

Then show that k3 [Ck/Ck-1] = 1/12 (n)(n+1)2(n+2)

Solution:

Cr/Cr-1 = (n!/(n-r)!r!) (((r-1)!(n-r+1)!)/n!) = (((n+1)/r)-1)

r3(Cr/Cr-1) = ((n+1)/r-1) r3 = (n+1)r2 - r3

(n+1)n(n+1)(2n+1)/6-(n2 (n+1)2)/4
 = n(n+1)/12 [4n2 + 6n + 2 - 3n2 - 3n] = n(n+1)(n2+3n+2)/12

n(n+1)(n+1)(n+2)/12=(n(n+1)2 (n+2))/12

(Hence, proved)

Example 15:

If (1+x)n = C0 + C1 x + C2 x2 +...+ Cn xn then show that

(i) ∑0≤i<j≤n Ci Cj = 22n-1 -

(ii) ∑0≤i<j≤n (Ci + Cj)2 = (n - 1) 2n

Cn + 22n

(iii) ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj = n (22n-1 - 1/2 2n

Cn)

Solution:

(i) We have

(C0 + C1 + C2 +...+ Cn)2 = C02 + C12 +...+ Cn2 + 2 ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj

we get, (2n)2 = 2n
Cn + 2 ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj

therefore ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj = 22n-1 - (2n)!/2(n!)2

(Hence, proved)

(ii) ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj n(C02 + C12 + C22 +...+ Cn2) + 2∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj

2n
=n Cn + 2{22n-1 - (2n)!/2(n!)2} [from part (i)]

2n
=n Cn + 22n - 2n
Cn

2n
= (n-1) Cn + 22n

(Hence, proved)

(iii) Let ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj

replace i by (n - i) and j by (n - j), we have

P = ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑(2n-i0j) Cn-i Cn-j

= ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑(2n-(i+j)) Ci Cj [·.· nCn = nCn-r]

 = 2n ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑Ci Cj - P

.·. ∑0≤i<j≤n ∑(i+j) Ci Cj = n[22n-1 - (2n)!/2(n!)2]

(Hence, proved)