AQA Core 4 Algebra

Section 3: The binomial expansion

Exercise
1. Find the first four terms of the expansion of each of the expressions below in
ascending powers of x. In each case state the values of x for which the expansion is
valid.
2
(i) 1 2x

1 x
1
(iii)
1 3x
(ii)

(iv)

1 x

23

2. Expand each of the following functions in ascending powers of x up to the term in

x. In each case state the values of x for which the expansion is valid.
1
(i)
3 x
4 3x
(ii)
2 x
(iii)
2 x
1 x
(iv)
1 2x
3. (i)

Write out the first three terms in the expansion of

1
.
1 2x

1
5

.
2
0.8
(iii) By substituting x = 0.1 in your expansion from (i), and using your result
from (ii), find an approximate value for 5 .
(iv) Find the percentage error in your answer from (iii).
(ii) Show that

4. Express each of the following in partial fractions, and hence find the first four
terms in the binomial expansion of each, stating the values of x for which the
expansion is valid.
x5
(i)
( x 1)( x 2)
7
(ii)
(1 2 x)( x 3)

1 of 1

18/03/13 MEI