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2 x 2 + 5 x − 10 B C
1. ≡A+ +
(x − 1)(x + 2) x −1 x + 2

(a) Find the values of the constants A, B and C.

(4)

2 x 2 + 5 x − 10
(b) Hence, or otherwise, expand in ascending powers of x, as far as the term
(x − 1)(x + 2)
in x2. Give each coefficient as a simplified fraction.
(7)
(Total 11 marks)

2. (a) Find the binomial expansion of

1
(1 − 8 x) , x < ,
8

in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x3, simplifying each term.
(4)

1 23
(b) Show that, when x = , the exact value of √(1 – 8x) is .
100 5
(2)

1
(c) Substitute x = into the binomial expansion in part (a) and hence obtain an
100
approximation to √23. Give your answer to 5 decimal places.
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Edexcel 1
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1
3. f(x) = , │x│ < 4
(4 + x)

Find the binomial expansion of f (x) in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in
x3. Give each coefficient as a simplified fraction.
(Total 6 marks)

27 x 2 + 32 x + 16 2
4. f ( x) = ,x<
(3 x + 2) (1 − x)
2
3

Given that f(x) can be expressed in the form

A B C
f ( x) = + + ,
(3 x + 2) (3 x + 2) 2
(1 − x)

(a) find the values of B and C and show that A = 0.

(4)

(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the series expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x2. Simplify each term.
(6)

(c) Find the percentage error made in using the series expansion in part (b) to estimate the
value of f (0.2). Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
(4)
(Total 14 marks)

1 4
5. (a) Expand , where x < , in ascending powers of x up to and including the term
(4 − 3 x) 3
in x . Simplify each term.
2

(5)

Edexcel 2
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x+8
(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the first 3 terms in the expansion of as a series in
(4 − 3 x)
ascending powers of x.
(4)
(Total 9 marks)

6. (a) Use the binomial theorem to expand

1
8
(8 − 3 x) 3 , x < ,
3

in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in x3, giving each term as a
simplified fraction.
(5)

(b) Use your expansion, with a suitable value of x, to obtain an approximation to 3 (7.7)
Give your answers to 7 decimal places.
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

3
7. f ( x) = (3 + 2 x) −3 , x< .
2

Find the binomial expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, as far as the term in x3.

Give each coefficient as a simplified fraction.

(Total 5 marks)

2
8. f(x) = (2 – 5x)–2, |x| < .
5

Find the binomial expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, as far as the term in x3, giving
each coefficient as a simplified fraction.
(Total 5 marks)

Edexcel 3
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3x − 1
9. f ( x) = x < 12 .
(1 − 2 x) 2

3x − 1 A B
Given that, for x ≠ 12 , = + , where A and B are constants,
(1 − 2 x) 2
(1 − 2 x) (1 − 2 x) 2

(a) find the values of A and B.

(3)

(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the series expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x3, simplifying each term.
(6)
(Total 9 marks)

10. (a) Find the first four terms in the expansion, in ascending powers of x, of

(1 − 2 x )−
1
2 2 x < 1,

giving each term in its simplest form.

(4)

(b) Hence write down the first four terms in the expansion, in ascending powers of x, of

(100 − 200 x )−
1
2 , 2 x < 1.
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

11.

3 x 2 + 16 A B C
f ( x) = = + + , x < 13
(1 − 3x)(2 + x) 2
(1 − 3x) (2 + x) (2 + x) 2

(a) Find the values of A and C and show that B = 0.

(4)

Edexcel 4
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(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the series expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x3. Simplify each term.
(7)
(Total 11 marks)

12. Use the binomial theorem to expand

4
√(4 – 9x), x < ,
9

in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in x3, simplifying each term.
(Total 5 marks)

1
13. f(x) = – √(1 + x), –1 < x < 1.
√ (1 − x)

(a) Find the series expansion of f(x), in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term
in x3.
(6)

(b) Hence, or otherwise, prove that the function f has a minimum at the origin.
(4)
(Total 10 marks)

14. Given that

3 + 5x A B
≡ + ,
(1 + 3 x)(1 − x) 1 + 3 x 1 − x

(a) find the values of the constants A and B.

(3)

Edexcel 5
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(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the series expansion in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x2, of

3 + 5x
.
(1 + 3x)(1 − x)
(5)

(c) State, with a reason, whether your series expansion in part (b) is valid for x = 12 .
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

25
15. f(x) = , x < 1.
(3 + 2 x) 2 (1 − x)

(a) Express f(x) as a sum of partial fractions.

(4)

(b) Hence find ∫ f ( x) dx .

(5)

(c) Find the series expansion of f(x) in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in
x2. Give each coefficient as a simplified fraction.
(7)
(Total 16 marks)

16. (a) Expand (1 + 3x)–2, x < 1

3
, in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x3,
simplifying each term.
(4)

x+4
(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the first three terms in the expansion of as a series
(1 + 3x) 2
in ascending powers of x.
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

Edexcel 6
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17. The binomial expansion of (1 + 12 x) 4 in ascending powers of x up to and including the

term in x3 is

1 + 9x + px2 + qx3, 12x< 1.

(a) Find the value of p and the value of q.

(4)

(b) Use this expansion with your values of p and q together with an appropriate value of x
3

to obtain an estimate of (1.6) 4 .

(2)

(c) Obtain (1.6) 4 from your calculator and hence make a comment on the accuracy of the
estimate you obtained in part (b).
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

1 + 14 x 1
18. f(x) = , x < .
(1 − x)(1 + 2 x) 2

(a) Express f(x) in partial fractions.

(3)

1
⌠3
(b) Hence find the exact value of  f ( x) dx , giving your answer in the form ln p, where
⌡ 16
p is rational.
(5)

(c) Use the binomial theorem to expand f(x) in ascending powers of x, up to and including
the term in x3, simplifying each term.
(5)
(Total 13 marks)

Edexcel 7
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1. (a) A=2 B1
2 x 2 + 5 x − 10= A ( x − 1)( x + 2 ) + B ( x + 2 ) + C ( x − 1)

x →1 −3 =3B ⇒ B =−1 A1

x → −2 −12 =−3C ⇒ C =4 A1 4

−1
2 x 2 + 5 x − 10  x
= 2 + (1 − x ) + 2 1 + 
−1
(b)
( x − 1)( x + 2 )  2

(1 − x )
−1
=1 + x + x 2 + ... B1
−1
 x x x2
 1 +  =1 − + + ... B1
 2 2 4

2 x 2 + 5 x − 10
( 2 + 1 + 2 ) + (1 − 1) x + 1 +
1 2
=  x + ...
( x − 1)( x + 2 )  2

= 5 + ... ft their A − B + 12 C A1 ft

3 2
= ... + x + ... 0x stated or implied A1 A1 7
2
[11]

(12 )(– 12 )
(1 – 8 x ) = 1 + ( 12 )(– 8 x ) + (– 8 x )2
1
2. (a) 2

2
+
( 12 )(– 12 )(– 32 ) (– 8 x )3 + .... A1
3!
=1–4x –8x2;–32x3– … A1 A1 4

 8 
(b) (1 – 8 x ) = 1 – 
 100 

92 23 23
= = = * cso A1 2
100 25 5

Edexcel 8
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(c) 1–4x–8x2–32x3=1–4(0.01)–8(0.01)2 – 32(0.01)3

=1– 0.04– 0.0008–0.000 032 =
0.959168
23 = 5×0.959168
= 4.795 84 cao A1 3
[9]

1
1 –
3. f (x) = = (4 + x) 2
(4 + x)
1
– 1 1
= (4) 2 (1 + ....) ... (1 + ....) ... or B1
2 2 (1 + ...)

 (– 12 )(– 32 )  x  2 (– 12 )(– 32 )(– 52 )  x  3 

 1  x
= ... 1 + (– 2 )  +   +   + ...  A1ft
 4 2 4 3! 4 
 

 x
ft their  
4
1 1 3 2 5
= – x, + x – x 3 + ... A1, A1 6
2 16 256 2048
Alternative
1
1 –
f (x) = = (4 + x) 2
(4 + x)

–
1
–
3
(– 12 )(– 32 ) –
5
(– 12 )(– 32 )(– 52 ) –
7
= 4 2 + (– 1
2
)4 2 x+ 4 2 x +
2
4 2 x 3 + .... B1 A1
1.2 1.2.3
1 1 3 2 5
= – x, + x – x 3 + ... A1, A1 6
2 16 256 2048
[6]

Edexcel 9
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4. (a) 27x2 + 32x + 16 ≡ A(3x + 2)(1 – x) + B(1 – x) + C(3x + 2)2Forming

this identity Substitutes either x = – 23 or

x = – 23 , 12 – 643 + 16 = (53 ) B ⇒ 203 = (53 ) B ⇒ B = 4 x = 1 into

their identity or equates 3 terms or
substitutes in values to write down three
x = 1, 27 + 32 + 16 = 25C ⇒ 75 = 25C ⇒ C =3 simultaneous
equations. Both B = 4 and C = 3 A1
(Note the A1 is dependent on both method marks in
this part.)
27 = – 3A + 9C ⇒ 27 = – 3A + 27 ⇒ 0 = –3A
Equate x : 2

⇒ A=0 Compares coefficients

or substitutes in a third x-value or uses simultaneous
x = 0, 16 = 2A + B + 4C equations to show A = 0. B1 4
⇒ 16 = 2A + 4 + 12 ⇒ 0 = 2A ⇒ A = 0

4 3
(b) f(x) = +
(3 x + 2) 2
(1 – x)

= 4(3x + 2)–2 + 3(1 – x)–1 Moving powers to

top on any one of the two expressions
[ ]
= 4 2(1 + 32 x) –2 + 3(1 – x) –1

= (1 + 32 x ) + 3(1 – x) –1
–2

 (–2)(–3) 3 x 2 
= 1 1 + (–2)( 32x ); + ( 2 ) + ... Either 1 ± (–2)( 3x2 ); or
 2! 
1 ± (–1)(–x) from either first or second expansions
respectively
Ignoring 1 and 3, any one
 (–1)(–2) 
+ 3 1 + (–1)(– x); + (– x) 2 + ... correct {............} A1
 2! 
expansion. Both {............} correct. A1
{ } { }
= 1 – 3 x + 274 x 2 + ... + 3 1 + x + x 2 + ...

= 4 + 0 x ; + 394 x 2 4 + (0x) ; 39
4
x2 A1; A1 6

Edexcel 10
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1.08 + 6.4 + 16
(c) Actual = f (0.2) = Attempt to find the
(6.76)(0.8)
actual value of f(0.2)
23.48 2935
= = 4.341715976 ... = or seeing awrt
5.408 676
4.3 and believing it is candidate’s actual f(0.2).

Or
4 3
Actual = f (0.2) = +
(3(0.2) + 2) 2
(1 – 0.2)
Candidates can also attempt to
find the actual value by using
A B C
+ +
(3 x + 2) (3 x + 2) 2
(1 – x)

4 2935
= + 3.75 = 4.341715976 ... = with their
6.76 676
A, B and C.

Estimate = f(0.2) = 4 + 394 (0.2) 2 Attempt to find an estimate for M1ft

f(0.2) using their answer to (b)
= 4 + 0.39 = 4.39
4.39 – 4.341715976...
%age error = ×100
4.341715976...
their estimate - actual
×100
actual
= 1.112095408... = 1.1%(2sf) 1.1% A1 cao 4
[14]

5. ** represents a constant (which must be consistent for first accuracy mark)

1 1
1 1 − −
1 − −  3x  2 1  3x  2
(a) = (4 − 3x) 2 = (4) 2
1 −  = 1 − 
(4 − 3x)  4  2 4 

1   1 (− 12 )(− 32 ) 
−  
1 + −  (* * x ); + (* * x) 2 + ...
2   2  2! 
with ** ≠ 1
1   1  3x  (− 2 )(− 2 )  3x  
1 3 2
= 1 +  −  −  +  −  + ...
2   2  4  2!  4  
1 3 27 2 
= 1 + x;+ x + ...
2 8 128 

Edexcel 11
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 1 3 27 2 
= + x;+ x + ... Ignore subsequent working
 2 16 256 

1
− 1
( 4) 2 or outside brackets B1
2
1
−
Expands (1 + * * x) 2 to give a simplified or an un-simplified
 1
1 +  − (* * x) ;
 2
A correct simplified or an un-simplified [...........] expansion
with candidate’s followed through (**x) A1ft

 1 (− 12 )(− 32 )
Award SC if you see  − (* * x) + (* * x) 2
 2 2!

1 3 
1 + x;...
2  8 
 3 27 2 
SC: K 1 + x + x + ... A1 isw
 8 128 
1 27 2 
.............; x A1 isw 5
2 128 

1 3 27 2 
(b) (x + 8)  + x + x + ...
 2 16 256 
1 3 2
= x + x + ....
2 16
3 27 2
+4+ x+ x + ...
2 32
33 2
= 4 + 2 x;+ x + ...
32

Writing (x + 8) multiplied by candidate’s part (a) expansion.

Multiply out brackets to find a constant term, two x terms and
two x2 terms.
33 2
Anything that cancels to 4 + 2x; x A1; A1 4
32
[9]

Edexcel 12
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

6. ** represents a constant (which must be consistent for first accuracy mark)

1 1
1 1
 3x  3  3x  3
(a) (8 − 3x) 3= 1 −  = 21 − 
(8) 3
 8   8 
  1  2   1  2  5  
   −    −  −  
 1  3  3   3  3  3  
= 21 +  (* * x);+ (* * x) 2 + (* * x) 3 + ...
  3 2! 3! 
 
with ** ≠ 1
 1  2   1  2  5 
  −    −  − 
 3  3   3  3  3 
Award SC if you see (* * x) +
2
(* * x) 3
2! 3!
  1  2   1  2  5  
   −  2   −  −  3 
  1  3 x   3  3   3 x   3  3  3   3 x  
= 21 +   − ;+ −  +  −  + ...
  3  8  2!  8  3!  8  
 
 1 1 2 5 
= 21 − x;− x − x 3 − ...
 8 64 1536 
1 1 2 5 3
= 2 − x;− x − x − ...
4 32 768

1
Takes 8 outside the bracket to give any of (8) 3 or 2. B1
1
Expands (1 + * * x) 3 to give a simplified or an un-simplified
1
1 +  (* * x) ;
3
A correct simplified or an un-simplified {............} expansion with
candidate’s followed through (**x) A1ft
 1  1
Either 21 − x............... or anything that cancels to 2 − x ; A1; 5
 8  4

1
1 1 5
(b) (7.7) 3 ≈ 2 − (0.1) − (0.1) 2 − (0.1) 3 − ...
4 32 768
= 2 – 0.025 – 0.0003125 – 0.0000065104166...
= 1.97468099...
Attempt to substitute x = 0.1 into a candidate’s binomial expansion.
awrt 1.9746810 A1 2

You would award B1M1A0 for

Edexcel 13
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  1  2   1  2  5  
   −  2   −  −  
  1  3x   3  3   3x   3  3  3  
= 2!+  −  + −  + (−3 x) 3 + ...
  3  8  2!  8  3! 
 
because ** is not consistent.
If you see the constant term “2” in a candidate’s final binomial expansion,
then you can award B1.
1
Be wary of calculator value of (7.7) 3 = 1.974680822...

Aliter
(a) Way 2
1
(8 − 3 x) 3
  1  2  
 1 2   −  5 
(8) 3 +  1 (8) − 3 (* * x);+  3  3  (8) − 3 (* * x) 2 
  3 2! 
= 
  1  2  5  
   −  −  8 
 3  3  3  −
 + (8) 3 (* * x) 3 + ...
 3! 
with ** ≠ 1
  1  2  
 1 2   −  5 
(8) 3 +  1 (8) − 3 (−3x);+  3  3  (8) − 3 (−3 x) 2 
  3 2! 
= 
  1  2  5  
   −  −  8 
 
3 3  3  −
 + (8) 3 (−3 x) 3 + ...
 3! 
 1  2   1  2  5 
  −  5   −  −  8
 3  3  −  3  3  3  − 3
Award SC if you see (8) 3 (* * x) +2
(8) (* * x) 3
2! 3!
  1  1   1  1   5  1  
= 2 +   (−3 x) +  −  (9 x 2 ) +   (−27 x ) + ...
3

  3  4   9  32   81  256  
1 1 2 5 3
= 2 − x;− x − x − ...
4 32 768

1
2 or (8) 3 (See note ↓) B1
1
Expands (8 − 3 x) 3 to give an un-simplified or simplified
1 2
1 −
(8) 3 +  (8) 3 (* * x) ;
 3

Edexcel 14
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

A correct un-simplified or simplified {.........} expansion with

candidate’s followed through (** x) A1ft
1
Anything that cancels to 2 − x; A1;
4
 1 
or 21 − x..........
 8 
1 2 5 3
Simplified − x − x A1 5
32 768

1
Be wary of calculator value of (7.7) 3 = 1.974680822...
If you see the constant term “2” in a candidate’s final binomial expansion,
then you can award B1.
[7]

−3 −3
 2x  1  2x 
7. f(x) = (3 + 2x)–3 = (3) −3 1 +  = 1 + 
 3  27  3 
1  (−3)(−4) (−3)(−4)(−5) 
= 1 + (−3)(* * x); (* * x) 2 + (* * x) 3 + ...
27  2! 3! 
with ** ≠ 1 5
1
B1 Takes 3 outside the bracket to give any of (3)–3 or .
27
See note below.
Expands (1 + **x)–3 to give a simplified or an un-simplified
1 + (–3)(**x);
A1ft A correct simplified or an un-simplified{..........} expansion
with candidate’s followed thro’ (**x)

1  2 x (−3)(−4) 2 x 2 (−3)(−4)(−5) 2 x 3 
= 1 + (−3)( ); ( ) + ( ) + ...
27  3 2! 3 3! 3 
1  8x 2
80 3 
= 1 − 2 x + − x + ...
27  3 27 
1 2 x 8x 2
80 x 3
= − ;+ − + ...
27 27 81 729
1 2x
A1; Anything that cancels to − ;
27 27
8 x 2 80 x 3
A1 Simplified −
81 729

Edexcel 15
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

Way 2
f(x) = (3 + 2x)–3
 −3 −4 (−3)(−4) −5 
(3) + (−3)(3) (* * x);+ 2!
(3) (* * x) 2 

=  
 (−3)(−4)(−5) − 6
+ (3) (* * x) + ... 
3
 3! 
with ** ≠ 1
1
B1 or (3)–3 (See note below)
27
Expands (3 + 2x)–3 to give and un-simplified (3)–3 + (–3)(3)–4 (**x);
A1ft A correct un-simplified or simplified {..........} expansion with candidate’s
followed thro’ (**x)

 −3 −4 (−3)(−4) −5 
(3) + (−3)(3) (2 x);+ 2!
(3) (2 x) 2 

=  
 (−3)(−4)(−5) − 6
+ (3) (2 x) + ... 
3
 3! 
1 1  1  2 
 + (−3) (2 x);+ (6) ( 4 x ) 
 27  81   243  
=  
  1  3 
+ ( −10) (8 x ) + ...
  729  
1 2 x 8 x 2 80 x 3
= − ;+ − + ...
27 27 81 729
1 2x
A1; Anything that cancels to − :
27 27
8 x 2 80 x 3
A1 Simplified −
81 729

Attempts using Maclaurin expansions need to be escalated up to your team leader.

If you feel the mark scheme does not apply fairly to a candidate please escalate
the response up to your team leader.
Special Case:
1
If you see the constant in a candidate’s final binomial expression, then
27
you can award B1
[5]

Edexcel 16
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

8. ** represents a constant
−2 −2
 5x  1  5x 
f( x) = (2 - 5x) - 2 = (2) − 2 1 −  = 1 − 
 2  4 2 
1 (−2)(−3) (−2)(−3)(−4) 
= 1 + (−2)(* * x);+ (* * x) 2 + (* * x) 3 + ...
4 2! 3! 
1
Takes 2 outside the bracket to give any of (2)–2 or B1
4
Expands (1 + * * x)–2 to give an unsimplified 1 + (–2)(**x);
A correct unsimplified {..........} expansion with candidate’s (**x) A1

1  
2 3
 − 5 x  (−2)(−3)  − 5 x  (−2)(−3)(−4)  − 5 x 
= 1 + (−2) ;+   +   + ...
4   2  2!  2  3!  2  
1 75 x 2 125 x 3 
= 1 + 5 x;+ + + ...
4 4 2 
1 5 x 75 x 2 125 x 3
= + ;+ + + ...
4 4 16 8
1 1 11 5
= + 1 x;+4 x 2 + 15 x 3 + ...
4 4 16 8
1 5x
Anything that cancels to + ; A1;
4 4
75 x 2 125 x 3
Simplified + A1
16 8
[5]

Aliter
Way 2
f(x) = (2 – 5x)–2
 −2 −3 (−2)(−3) − 4 
(2) + (−2)(2) (* * x);+ (2) (* * x) 2 
 2! 
= 
 (−2)(−3)(−4) −5 
+ (2) (* * x) + ...
3
 3! 

1
or (2)–2 B1
4
Expands (2 – 5x)–2 to give an unsimplified (2)–2 + (–2)(2)–3(**x);
A correct unsimplified {..........} expansion with candidate’s (**x) A1

Edexcel 17
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

 −2 −3 (−2)(−3) 
(2) + (−2)(2) (−5 x);+ (2) − 4 (−5 x) 2 
2! 
= 
 (−2)(−3)(−4) 
+ (2) −5 (−5 x) 3 + ...
 3! 
1 1 1 2 
 + (−2) (−5 x);+(3) (25 x )
4 8  16  
= 
 1 
+ (−4) (−125 x ) + ...
3
  16  
1 5 x 75 x 2 125 x 3
= + ;+ + + ...
4 4 16 8
1 1 11 5
= + 1 x;+4 x 2 + 15 x 3 + ...
4 4 16 8

1 5x
Anything that cancels to + ; A1;
4 4
75 x 2 125 x 3
Simplified + A1
16 8
Attempts using Maclaurin expansions need to be referred to your team leader.
[5]

9. (a) 3x − 1 ≡ A (1 − 2x) + B
Let x = 1
2
; 3
2
−1 = B ⇒ B − 12
Considers this identity and either substitutes
x = 12 , equates coefficients or solves simultaneous equations

Equate x terms; 3 = −2A ⇒ A = − 3

2
A1;A1 3
A = − ;B=
3
2
1
2

(No working seen, but A and B correctly stated ⇒ award all

three marks. If one of A or B correctly stated give two out of the
three marks available for this part.)

(b) f ( x) = − 32 (1 − 2 x) −1 + 12 (1 − 2 x) −2
Moving powers to top on any one of the two expressions

 (−1)(−2) (−1)(−2)(−3) 
= − 32 1 + (−1) (−2 x); + (−2 x) 2 + (−2 x) 3 + ... dM1
 2! 3! 
Either 1 ± 2x or 1 ± 4x from either first or second expansions
respectively

Edexcel 18
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

 (−2)(−3) (−2)(−3)(−4) 
+ 12 1 + (−2) (−2 x); + (−2 x) 2 + (−2 x) 3 + ...
 2! 3! 
Ignoring − 32 and 12 ,
any one correct
{…………} expansion. A1
Both {………..} correct. A1

3 1
= {1 + 2x + 4x2 + 8x3 + ...} + {1 + 4x + 12x2 + 32x3 + ...}
2 2
= 1 − x ; + 0x2 + 4x3 A1; A1 6
2 3
−1 −x; (0x ) + 4x
[9]

Aliter Way 2
(b) f(x) = (3x − 1)(1 − 2x)−2
Moving power to top

 (−2)(−3) 
1 + (−2)(−2 x); + (−2 x) 2 + 
= (3 x − 1) ×  
2!
dM1;
 (−2)(−3)(−4) 
 (−2 x) 3 + ... 
 3! 
1 ± 4x;
Ignoring (3x − 1), correct
(…………..) expansion A1

= (3x − 1)(1 + 4x + 12x2 + 32x8 + ...)

−3x + 12x2 +36x3 − 1 − 4x − 12x2 − 32x3+... Correct expansion A1
= −1 − x ; + 0x2 + 4x3 −1 −x; (0x2) + 4x3 A1; A1 6

Aliter Way 3
(b) Maclaurin expansion
f ( x) = − 32 (1 − 2 x) −1 + 12 (1 − 2 x) −2
Bringing (b) both powers to top

Edexcel 19
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

f′(x) = − 3(1 − 2x) −2 + 2(1 − 2x)−3

Differentiates to give
a(1 − 2x)−2 ± b(1 − 2x)−3;
−3(1 − 2x)−2 + 2(1 − 2x)−3 A1 oe

f″(x) = –12(1 − 2x)−3 + 12(1 − 2x)−4

f″′(x) = − 72(1 − 2x)−4 + 96(1 − 2x)−5 A1
Correct f″(x) and f″′(x)

∴f(0) = −1, f′(0) = −1, f″(0) = 0 and f″′(0) = 24

gives f(x) = −1 − x;+ 0x2 + 4x3 + ... A1; A1 6
2 3
−1 −x; (0x ) + 4x

Aliter Way 4
(b) f (x) = −3(2 − 4x)−1 + 12 (1−2x)−2
Moving powers to top on any one of the two expressions

 −1 −2 (−1)(−2) 
(2) + (−1)(2) (−4 x);+ (2) −3 (−4 x) 2 
 2! 
= − 3  dM1;
 ( −1)( −2 )( −3) − 
+ (2) (−4 x) + ....
4 3
 3! 
Either 12 ± x or 1 ± 4x from either first or second expansions
respectively

 (−2)(−3) (−2)(−3)(−4) 
+ 12 1 + (−2)(−2 x); + (−2 x) 2 + (−2 x) 3 + ...
 2! 3! 
Ignoring −3 and 2 , 1

any one correct

{…………} expansion. A1
Both {………..} correct. A1

=−3 { + x + 2x
1
2
2
} { }
+ 4 x + ... + 12 1 + 4 x + 12 x 2 + 32 x 3 + ....

= 1 − x; +0x2 + 4x3 −1 −x; (0x2) + 4x3 A1; A1 6

Edexcel 20
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(−
1 )(− 3 ) (− 1 )(− 3 )(− 5 )
10. (a) (1+  − 1 ( −2 x) + 2 2 (−2 x) 2 + 2 2 2 (−2 x) 3 + ....)
 2 1.2 1.2.3
(corr bin coeffs)
(powers of –2x)

= 1 + x, + 3 x2 + 5 x3 + ... A1 A1 4
2 2

Alternative
May use McLaurin f(0) = 1 and f′(0) = 1 to obtain 1st two terms 1 + x A1
Differentiates two further times and uses formula with correct
factorials to give
3 x2 + 5 x3 A1 4
2 2

1 1 1
− − −
(b) (100 − 200 x) 2 = 100 2 (1 − 2 x) 2 .
So series is 1 (previous series) M1A1 ft 2
10
[6]

11. (a) Considers 3x2 + 16 = A(2 + x)2 + B(1 – 3x)(2 + x) + C(1 – 3x)
and substitutes x = –2 , or x = 1/3 ,
or compares coefficients and solves simultaneous equations
To obtain A = 3, and C = 4 A1 A1
Compares coefficients or uses simultaneous equation to show B = 0. B1 4

(b) Writes 3(1 – 3x)–1 + 4(2 + x)–2

= 3(1 + 3x, + 9x2 + 27x3 + ........)+ ( A1)

4 (1 + (−2)  x  + (−2)(−3)  x  + (−2)(−3)(−4)  x  + ....)

2 3
( A1)
4 1 2 1.2  2  1.2.3 2
= 4 + 8x, + 27 34 x2 + 80 12 x3 + ... A1 A1

Edexcel 21
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

Or uses (3x2 + 16)(1 – 3x)–1(2+ x)–2

(3x2 + 16) (1 + 3x, + 9x2 + 27x3 +) × (M1A1)×
(−2)  x  (−2)(−3)  x  2 (−2)(−3)(−4)  x  3
¼ (1 +  +   +   ) A1, A1
1 2 1.2  2  1.2.3 2
= 4 + 8x, + 27 34 x2 + 80 12 x3 + ... 7
[11]

1
1
 9x  2
12. (4 − 9 x) 2 = 21 −  B1
 4 
 1
 9x 
1
(− 1 )  9 x  2 1
(− 12 )(− 32 )  9x 
3

= 2 1 + 2  −  + 2 2  −  + 2
 −  + ...
 1 4  1.2  4  1.2.3  4  
 
 9 81 2 729 3 
= 2 1 − x − x − x + ...
 8 128 1024 
9 81 2 729 3
= 2 – x, − x ,− x + ... A1, A1, A1 5
4 64 512
1
(− 12 ) 1
(− 12 )(− 32 )
Note: The is gained for 2
(…)2 or 2
(…)3
1.2 1.2.3
Special case
 9 81 2 729 3 
If the candidate reaches = 2 1 − x − x − x + ...
 8 128 1024 
and goes no further allow A1 A0 A0
[5]

 1  3   1  3  5 
1  −  −   −  −  − 
(1 − x) = 1 + x + 
2  2 
(–x)2 + 
− 1 2  2  2 
13. (a) 2 (–x)3 M1A1
2 2! 3!
 1 3 2 5 2 
 = 1 + x + x + x ...
 2 8 16 
 1  1   1  1  3 
1   −    −  − 
2
1
(1 − x) = 1 + x +  2  2  2  2  2  2  3
x + x M1A1
2 2! 3!
 1 1 2 1 3 
 = 1 + x − x + x ...
 2 8 16 
1 2 1 3
∴f(x) = x + x M1A1 6
2 4
c.a.o.

Edexcel 22
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

3 2 3
(b) f′(x) = x + x …, f″(x) = 1 + x… M1M1
4 2
f(0) = 0 and f′(0) = 0 B1
f″(0) > 0, ∴minimum at origin (*) A1c.s.o. 4
[10]

14. (a) 3 + 5x ≡ A(1 – x) + B(1 + 3x) Method for A or B

(x = 1) ⇒ 8 = 4B B=2 A1
(x = – 3 ) ⇒ 3 = 3 A
1 4 4
A=1 A1 3

(b) 2(1 – x)–1 = 2[1 + x + x2 + … ] [A1]

Use of binomial with n = –1 scores ×2)
( −1)( −2 )
(1 + 3x)–1 = [1 – 3x + 2!
(3x)2 + …] [A1]
3 + 5x
∴ = 2 + 2x + 2x2 + 1 – 3x + 9x2 = 3 – x + 11x2 A1 5
(1 − x)(1 + 3 x)

(c) (1 + 3x)–1 requires |x| < 1

3 , so expansion is not valid. A1 2
[10]

15. (a) Method using either

A B C A Dx + E
+ + or +
(1 − x) (2 x + 3) (2 x + 3) 2 1 − x (2 x + 3) 2
A=1 B1,
C = 10 , B = 2 or D = 4 and E = 16 A1, A1 4

1 2 A Dx + E
∫ [1 − x + 2 x + 3 + 10(2 x + 3) ∫ 1 − x + (2 x + 3)
−2
(b) ]dx or 2
dx

–ln|1 – x| + ln|2x + 3| – 5(2x + 3)–1 (+c) or

–ln|1 – x| + ln|2x +3| – (2x + 8)(2x + 3)–1 (+c) A1 ftA1 ftA1 ft 5

Edexcel 23
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

(c) Either
(1 – x)–1 + 2(3 + 2x)–1 + 10(3 + 2x)–2 =
1 + x + x2 + … A1 ft
2 2x 4x 2
+ (1 − + ...) A1 ft
3 3 9
10 2x (−2)(−3) 2 x 2
+ (1 + (−2)( ) + ( ) + ...) A1 ft
9 3 2 3
25 25 25 2
= − x+ x ... A1 7
9 27 9
Or
25[(9 + 12x + 4x2)(1 – x)]–1 = 25[(9 + 3x – 8x2 – 4x3)]–1 A1
−1
25  3x 8 x 2 4 x 3  25   3 x 8 x 2 4 x 3   x 2 
1 + − −  = 1 −  − − + ... M1 A1 A1
9  9 9 9  9   9 9 9   9  
25 25 25 2
= − x+ x A1 7
9 27 9
[16]

(−2)(−3) (−2)(−3)(−4)
16. (a) (1 + 3x)–2 = 1 + (–2)(3x) + (3x)2 + (3x)3 + …
2! 3!
= 1, – 6x, + 27x2 ...(–108x3) B1, A1, A1 4

(b) Using (a) to expand (x + 4)(1 + 3x)–2or complete method

to find coefficients
1 11
[e.g. Maclaurin or (x + 3x)–1 + (1 + 3x)–2].
3 3
= 4 – 23x, + 102x2, –405x3 = 4, –23x, +102x2...(– 405x3) A1, A1 ft, A1 ft 4
[8]

3 1 3  1  5 
−   −  − 
4 4 4  4  4 
17 (a)
3
1 + (12 x) + (12 x ) +
2
(12 x )3 A1
4 1× 2 1× 2 × 3
27 2 135 3
= 1 + 9x − x + x
2 2
27 135
p=− , q= A1 A1 4
2 2

Edexcel 24
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

(b) (1 + 12 x ) = 1.6 ⇒ 12 x = 0.6 ⇒ x = 0.05

(1 + 12 x )
3
4 = 1 + 0.45 − 0.03375 + 0.0084375 A1 2
= 1.4246875
(c) From calculator 1.4226235 B1
Only accurate to 3 significant figures 1.42 B1 2
[8]

1 + 14 x A B
18. (a) ≡ + and attempt A and or B
(1 − x)(1 + 2 x) 1 − x 1 + 2 x

A = 5, B = −4 A1, A1 3

⌠ 5 4
(b)  − dx = [−5ln 1 − x − 2 ln1 + 2x] A1
1
⌡ − x 1 + 2x
2 5 5 4
= (−5 ln − 2 ln ) − (−5 ln − 2 ln )
3 3 6 3
5 4
= 5 ln + 2 ln
4 5
5 125
= 3 ln = ln A1 5
4 64

(c) 5(1 − x)−1 – 4(1 + 2x)−1 B1 ft

= 5(1 + x + x2 + x3) − 4
(−1) (−2) (2 x) 2 (−1) (−2) (−3) (2 x) 3
(1 − 2x + + + ... ) A1
2 6
= 1 + 13x − 11x2 + 37x3…. A1 5
[13]

Edexcel 25
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

1. The first part of question 5 was generally well done. Those who had difficulty generally tried to
solve sets of relatively complicated simultaneous equations or did long division obtaining an
incorrect remainder. A few candidates found B and C correctly but either overlooked finding A
or did not know how to find it. Part (b) proved very testing. Nearly all were able to make the
connection between the parts but there were many errors in expanding both (x – 1)–1 and
(2 + x)–1. Few were able to write (x – 1)–1 as –(1 – x)–1 and the resulting expansions were
incorrect in the majority of cases, both 1 + x – x2 and 1 – x – x2 being common.
−1
1 1 x
(2 + x) was handled better but the constant
–1
in 1 +  was frequently incorrect. Most
2 2 2
recognised that they should collect together the terms of the two expansions but a few omitted
their value of A when collecting the terms.

2. This proved a suitable starting question and there were many completely correct solutions. The
majority of candidates could complete part (a) successfully. In part (b), those who realised that
working in common (vulgar) fractions was needed usually gained the method mark but, as noted
in the introduction, the working needed to establish the printed result was frequently
8 23
incomplete. It is insufficient to write down 1 – = . The examiners accepted, for
100 5
8 92 23 23
example, 1– = = = . In part (c), most candidates realised that they
100 100 25 5
had to evaluate their answer to part (a) with x = 0.01. However many failed to recognise the
implication of part (b), that this evaluation needed to be multiplied by 5. It was not uncommon
for candidates to confuse parts (b) and (c) with the expansion and decimal calculation appearing
in (b) and fraction work leading to √ 23 appearing in (c).

3. This proved a suitable starting question and the majority of candidates gained 5 or 6 of the
available 6 marks. Nearly all could obtain the index as – 12 but there were a minority of
candidates who had difficulty in factorising out 4 from the brackets and obtaining the correct
multiplying constant of 12 . Candidates’ knowledge of the binomial expansion itself was good
and, even if they had an incorrect index, they could gain the method mark here. An unexpected
number of candidates seemed to lose the thread of the question and, having earlier obtained the
1
–
 x 2
correct multiplying factor 1
2
and expanded 1 +  correctly, forgot to multiply their
 4
1
expansion by 2
.

Edexcel 26
 Sequences and series - Binomial series PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com

4. Part (a) was tackled well by many candidates. The majority of candidates were able to write
down the correct identity. The most popular strategy at this stage (and the best!) was for
candidates to substitute x = 1 and x = – 23 into their identity to find the values of the constants B
and C. The substitution of x = – 23 caused problems for a few candidates which led them to find
an incorrect value for B. Many candidates demonstrated that constant A was zero by use of a
further value of x or by comparing coefficients in their identity. A significant minority of
candidates manipulated their original identity and then compared coefficients to produce three
equations in order to solve them simultaneously.
In part (b), most candidates were able to rewrite their partial fractions with negative powers and
apply the two binomial expansions correctly, usually leading to the correct answer. A significant
–2
minority of candidates found the process of manipulating 4(3x + 2)–2 to (1 + 32 x ) challenging.
A significant number of candidates were unsure of what to do in part (c). Some candidates
found the actual value only. Other candidates found the estimated value only. Of those who
progressed further, the most common error was to find the difference between these values and
then divide by their estimate rather than the actual value. Some candidates did not follow the
instruction to give their final answer correct to 2 significant figures and thus lost the final
accuracy mark.

5. This question was also generally well tackled with about 50% of candidates obtaining at least 8
of the 9 marks available. A substantial minority of candidates were unable to carry out the first
1
−
1 1  3x  2 1
step of writing as 1 −  , with the outside the brackets usually written
(4 − 3 x) 2 4  2
incorrectly as either 2 or 4. Many candidates were able to use a correct method for expanding a
binomial expression of the form (1 + ax)n. A variety of incorrect values of a and n, however,
3 1
were seen by examiners with the most common being a as , 3 and –3 and n as , –1 and –2.
4 2
1
−
 3x  2
Some candidates, having correctly expanded 1 −  , forgot to multiply their expansion by
 4 
1
. As expected, sign errors, bracketing errors and simplification errors were also seen in this
2
part. A significant minority of candidates expanded as far as x3, and were not penalised on this
occasion.

In part (b), most candidates realised that they needed to multiply (x + 8) by their expansion from
part (a) although a small minority attempted to divide (x + 8) by their expansion. A surprising
number of candidates attempted to expand (x + 8) to obtain a power series. Other candidates
omitted the brackets around x+ 8 although they progressed as if “invisible” brackets were there.
The mark scheme allowed candidates to score 2 marks out of 4 even if their answer in (a) was
incorrect and many candidates were able to achieve this.

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6. In part (a), a majority of candidates produced correct solutions, but a minority of candidates
1
1
 3x  3
were unable to carry out the first step of writing (8 − 3 x) 3
as 21 −  . Those who did so
 8 
were able to complete the remainder of this part but some bracketing errors, sign errors and
manipulation errors were seen.
In part (b), many candidates realised that they were required to substitute x = 0.1into their
binomial expansion. About half of the candidates were able to offer the correct answer to 7
decimal places, but some candidates made calculation errors even after finding the correct
binomial expansion in part (a). A few candidates used their calculator to evaluate the cube root
of 7.7 and received no credit.

7. The majority of candidates produced correct solutions to this question, but a substantial
minority of candidates were unable to carry out the first step of writing (3 + 2 x)–3 as
−2
1  2x 
1 +  . Those who were able to do this could usually complete the remainder of the
27  3 
question but some sign errors and manipulation errors were seen. Another common error was
n(n − 1) n(n − 1)(n − 2)
for candidates to apply and/or in the third and fourth terms of their
2! 3!
expansion.

8. The majority of candidates produced correct solutions to this question, but a substantial
minority of candidates were unable to carry out the first step of writing (2 – 5x) as
−2
1  5x 
1 −  .
4 2 
Those who were able to do this could usually complete the remainder of the question but some
sign errors were seen.

9. In part (a) candidates needed to start with the correct identity; although correct solutions were
seen from a good proportion of the candidature, a significant number of candidates started with
the wrong identity and thus gained no marks. The most common wrong starting point was to use
3x –≡A(1 –2x)2 +B(1 –2x) , but 3x–1≡A(1–2x)2+B and 3x–1≡A(1–2x)2+Bx also occasionally
appeared. Candidates using the first identity often produced answers A= 1 , B= – 32 ; the same
2
values but for the wrong constants. Candidates using the second identity could produce the
‘correct’ answers B= 12 ,A=– 32 (eg by setting x = 0 and x = 12 ) but this is fortuitous and clearly
gains no marks.
Generally candidates showed a good understanding of the work on expanding series in part (b)
and most were able to gain some credit. The mark scheme allowed four marks to be gained for
the correct unsimplified expansions, as far as the term in x3, of (1–2x)–1 and (1–2x)–2 This
helped some candidates who went on to make numerical or sign errors when simplifying their
expansions and errors in part (a) only affected the final two accuracy marks.

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Candidates who multiplied (3x–1) by the expansion of (1–2x)–2 gave solutions that were not
dependent on their answers in part (a) and it was not uncommon to see a score of zero marks in
part (a) followed by a score of six marks in part (b).

10. Many candidates were successful with part (a). The most frequent error involved the use of
powers of 2x rather than (–2x). The careless use of brackets led both to sign errors in part (a)
and also a significant number of incorrect answers in (b), the most common being either 100, 10
1
or × [answer to part (a)].
1000

11. This was a high scoring question for many candidates, with even weaker candidates often
picking up half marks.
A problem in part (a) was that some candidates used the fact that B = 0 to find A or C or both,
especially by candidates who compared coefficients and found themselves getting “bogged
1
down” with manipulating the equations. Candidates who substituted x = –2 and x = had an
3
easier route and usually fared better.

The work on the binomial expansions in part (b) was generally well done, with the vast majority
of candidates choosing to work with 3(1 – 3x)–1 +4(2 + x)–2 rather than
(3x2 + 16)(1 –3x)–1 (2 + x)–2; those that did chose the latter route were rarely successful. Whilst
dealing with (2 + x)–2 did cause problems, the mark scheme did allow candidates to still score
highly even if the 2–2 factor was not correct.

12. In general, this was well done but a substantial minority of candidates were unable to carry out
1

 9x 2
the first step of writing ( 4 − 9x )
1
2
as 2  1 −  . Those who could do this could usually
 4 
complete the question but many errors of sign manipulation were seen.

13. The vast majority of candidates were able to demonstrate their understanding of the binomial
expansion, scoring highly. The accuracy in evaluating the binomial coefficients was impressive.
Miscopying 1 + x as 1 − x was a common error. In part (b) the majority successfully
showed a minimum at the origin, although few confirmed that the curve actually passed through
the origin by evaluating f(0) = 0.

14. Part (a) was answered very well by almost all the candidates and there were few numerical
errors seen. The binomial expansion was used confidently in part (b) but the usual sign slips and
lost brackets led to a number of errors. Most used their values of A and B from part (a) and

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addition to obtain the final expansion but occasionally a candidate tried to multiply the series
2
together. Some weaker candidates thought that = (1 − x) −2 . Part (c) was not answered
(1 − x)
well. Some knew the conditions and explained thoroughly that the expansion was only valid for
x < 13 and therefore x = 12 was not valid. Others tried substituting x = 12 and declared it was
invalid when the series gave a different answer to the original expression, and a few thought that
the only condition was that 1 + 3 x ≠ 0 and 1 − x ≠ 0 .

15. Most candidates chose an appropriate form for the partial fractions, and they demonstrated
knowledge of how to find values for their constants. Where things did go wrong, it was often
because of errors in arithmetic, but also in forming the correct numerator for the combined
partial fractions – an extra factor of 2x + 3 was popular.
Those who chose constant numerators for the fractions had the easier time in part (b), although
there were frequent errors involving wrong signs and wrong constants in the integrals. Many
candidates could not integrate (3 + 2x) –2, and erroneously used a log. Few candidates with the
two-fraction option could see how to make progress with the integration of the fraction with the
quadratic denominator, though there were a number of possible methods.
In part (c) very few candidates achieved full marks for this part as many made errors with signs
when expanding using the binomial. The most common mistake however was to take out the 3
1 1
from the brackets incorrectly. Not as and , but as 3 and 9. However many candidates did
3 9
manage to get some marks, for showing they were trying to use negative powers and also for the
1 + x + x 2 , and for trying to collect all their terms together at the end.

16. The Binomial expansion caused very few problems and most understood how to use their
answer to part (a) to expand the expression given in part (b). An amazing number ignored the
constant 4 as the number with the lowest power of x when they came to collect like terms.

17. No Report available for this question.

18. No Report available for this question.

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