Binomial Theorem [33 marks]

1. Expand (3 − x)4 in ascending powers of x and simplify your answer. [4 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
(3 − x)4 = 1.34 + 4.33 (−x) + 6.32 (−x)2 + 4.3(−x)3 + 1(−x)4 or
equivalent (M1)(A1)
= 81 − 108x + 54x2 − 12x3 + x4 A1A1

Note: A1 for ascending powers, A1 for correct coefficients including signs.

[4 marks]

2. Let f(x) = (x2 + 3)7 . Find the term in x5 in the expansion of the [7 marks]
derivative, f ′ (x).

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
METHOD 1
derivative of f(x) A2
7(x2 + 3)6 (x2)
recognizing need to find x4 term in (x2 + 3)6 (seen anywhere) R1
eg14x (term in x4 )
valid approach to find the terms in (x2 + 3)6 (M1)
6
eg( ) (x2 )6−r (3)r , (x2 )6 (3)0 + (x2 )5 (3)1 + …, Pascal’s triangle to 6th row
r
identifying correct term (may be indicated in expansion) (A1)
 6
eg5th term, r = 2, ( ) , (x2 )2 (3)4
4
correct working (may be seen in expansion) (A1)
6
eg( ) (x2 )2 (3)4 , 15 × 34 , 14x × 15 × 81(x2 )2
4
17010x5 A1 N3
METHOD 2
recognition of need to find x6 in (x2 + 3)7 (seen anywhere) R1
valid approach to find the terms in (x2 + 3)7 (M1)
7
eg( ) (x2 )7−r (3)r , (x2 )7 (3)0 + (x2 )6 (3)1 + …, Pascal’s triangle to 7th row
r
identifying correct term (may be indicated in expansion) (A1)
7
eg6th term, r = 3, ( ) , (x 2 )3 (3)4
3
correct working (may be seen in expansion) (A1)
7
eg( ) (x 2 )3 (3)4 , 35 × 34
4
correct term (A1)
2835x6
differentiating their term in x6 (M1)
eg(2835x6 )′ , (6)(2835x 5 )
17010x5 A1 N3
[7 marks]

10
Consider the expansion of (x2 + 2x ) .

3a. Write down the number of terms of this expansion. [1 mark]

 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
11 terms A1 N1
[1 mark]

3b. Find the coefficient of x8 . [5 marks]

Markscheme
valid approach (M1)
10 10 10
eg( ) (x2 )10−r ( 2x ) , a10 b0 + ( ) a9 b1 ( ) a8 b2 + …
r
r 1 2
Pascal’s triangle to 11th row
valid attempt to find value of r which gives term in x8 (M1)
10−r
eg(x2 )10−r ( x1r ) = x8 , x2r ( 2x ) = x8
identifying required term (may be indicated in expansion) (A1)
egr = 6, 5th term, 7th term
correct working (may be seen in expansion) (A1)
10
eg( ) (x2 )6 ( 2x ) , 210 × 16
4
6
3360 A1 N3
[5 marks]

11
Consider ( )= 11! .
a a! 9!

4a. Find the value of a . [2 marks]

 Markscheme
valid approach (M1)
eg 11 − a = 9, 11!
9!(11−9)!
a=2 A1 N2
[2 marks]

4b. Hence or otherwise find the coefficient of the term in x9 in the expansion [4 marks]
11
of (x + 3) .

Markscheme
valid approach for expansion using n = 11 (M1)
11 11 11
eg ( ) x11−r 3r , a11 b0 + ( ) a10 b1 + ( ) a9 b2 + …
r 1 2
evidence of choosing correct term A1
11 11 11
eg ( ) 32 , ( ) x9 32 , ( ) 32
2 2 9
correct working for binomial coefficient (seen anywhere, do not accept
factorials) A1
11
eg 55, ( ) = 55, 55 × 32 , (55 × 9) x9 , 11×10
2 ×9
2
495 A1 N2
Note: If there is clear evidence of adding instead of multiplying, award A1 for
the correct working for binomial coefficient, but no other marks. For example,
55x9 × 32 would earn M0A0A1A0.
Do not award final A1 for a final answer of 495x9 , even if 495 is seen
previously. If no working shown, award N1 for 495x9 .
[4 marks]

5. Find the term in x5 in the expansion of (3x + A)(2x + B)6 . [4 marks]

 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
6 6
(A ( ) 25 B + 3 ( ) 24 B2 ) x5 M1A1A1
5 4
= (192AB + 720B2 ) x5 A1
[4 marks]

6. Find the coefficient of x−2 in the expansion of (x − 1)3 ( 1 6 [6 marks]

x
+ 2x) .
 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
expanding (x − 1)3 = x3 − 3x2 + 3x − 1 A1
6
expanding ( 12 + 2x) gives
60 12 1
64x6 + 192x4 + 240x2 + x2
+ x4
+ x6
+ 160 (M1)A1A1

Note: Award (M1) for an attempt at expanding using binomial.

Award A1 for 602 .
x
Award A1 for 124 .
x

60 12
x2
× −1 + x4
× −3x2 (M1)

Note: Award (M1) only if both terms are considered.

therefore coefficient x−2 is −96 A1

Note: Accept −96x−2

Note: Award full marks if working with the required terms only without
giving the entire expansion.

[6 marks]

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