CHAPTER

4
SECTION - A : GENERAL TERM IMPORTANT TERMS IN THE BINOMIAL
EXPANSION ARE
BINOMIAL THEOREM
GENERAL TERM
The formula by which any positive integral power of a
The general term or the (r + 1)th term in the expansion of
binomial expression can be expanded in the form of a series (x + y)n is given by
is known as BINOMIAL THEOREM. If x, y  R and n  Tr+1 = nCrxn–r. yr
N, then
(x + y)n = nC0xn + nC1xn – 1y + nC2xn – 2 y2 + ........+
SOLVED EXAMPLE
n
n
n
Crxn–ryr + ......+ nCnyn =  Cr x n–r yr . EXAMPLE 2
r=0
Find : (a) The coefficient of x 7 in the expansion of
This theorem can be proved by induction.
11
 2 1 
Observations :  ax + bx 
 
1. The number of terms in the expansion is (n + 1)
i.e. one more than the index. (b) The coefficient of x–7 in the expansion of
2. The sum of the indices of x & y in each term is n.  1 
11

3. The binomial coefficients of the terms  ax – 2 

 bx 
(nC0, nC1.........) equidistant from the beginning and
Also, find the relation between a and b, so that these coef-
the end are equal.
ficients are equal.
SOLUTION
SOLVED EXAMPLE 11
 2 1 
(a) In the expansion of  ax +  , the general terms is
 bx 
EXAMPLE 1
r
The value of 11  1  a11–r
Tr + 1 = Cr (ax 2 )11–r   =11 C r . r .x 22–3r
 bx  b
(183 + 73 + 3.18.7.25)
is putting 22 – 3r = 7
36 + 6.243.2 +15.81.4 + 20.27.8 +15.9.16 + 6.3.32 + 64
 3r = 15  r = 5
SOLUTION 11 a6 7
 T6 = C5 .x
The numerator is of the form b5
a3 + b3 + 3ab (a + b) = (a + b)3 11
 2 1 
where a = 18, and b = 7 Hence the coefficient of x in  ax +
7
 is 11C5 a6b–5.
 bx 
 Nr = (18 + 7)3 = (25)3. Denominator can be
11
written as  1 
(b) In the expansion of  ax– 2  , general terms is
= (3 + 2)6 = 56 = (25)3  bx 

Nr (25)3 11–r  –1 
r
a11–r 11–3r
 = =1 11 r 11
Tr + 1 = Cr (ax)  2  = (–1) C r r .x
Dr (25)3  bx  b

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 Binomial Theorem 4.2

putting 11 – 3r = – 7 th
n  3 
 3r = 18  r = 6 and   term.
 2 
5
a
 T7 = (–1) 6 .11 C 6 .x –7
b6 Note:- Middle term always carries the greatest binomial
11
coefficient.
 1 
Hence the coefficient of x–7 in  ax– 2  is 11C6a5b–6 For n even n Cn/2 is greatest binomial coefficient
 bx 
n n
11 for n odd Cn1 or Cn–1 is greatest binomial coefficient.
 2 1  2 2
Also given coefficient of x7 in  ax +  = coefficient
 bx 
11
 1  SOLVED EXAMPLE
of x–7 in  ax – 2 
 bx 
11 EXAMPLE 4
 C 5a 6 b –5 =11 C 6a 5 b –6
9
 ab = 1 ( 11C5 = 11C6).  x3 
Find the middle term in the expansion of  3x – 
Which is a required relation between a and b.  6 

SOLUTION
EXAMPLE 3 9
 x3 
Find the number of rational terms in the expansion of The number of terms in the expansion of  3x –  is 10
 6 
(9 1/4 + 8 1/6) 1000. (even). So there are two middle terms.

SOLUTION  9 +1   9+3
i.e.   th and   th two middle terms.
 2   2 
The general term in the expansion of (91/4 + 81/6)1000 is
They are given by T5 and T6
1000–r r
1000  1  16  1000
1000–r r

Tr + 1 = Cr  94  8  = Cr 3 2
2 2
4
3 12
    5 x 
9 9 5 5 x
 C
T5 = T4 + 1 = 4 (3x)  –  = C4 3 x .
 6 64
The above term will be rational if exponent of 3 and 2 are

1000 – r r
integers simultaneously i.e. and must be inte- 9.8.7.6 35 17 189 17
2 2 = . x = x
1.2.3.4 2 4.34 8
gers simultaneously.
The possible set of values of r is {0, 2, 4, ..........1000}.  x3 
5

and T6 = T5+1 = 9 C5 (3x)4  – 

Hence, number of rational terms is 501  6 

SECTION - B : MIDDLE TERM

x15 –9.8.7.6 34 19
In the expansion of (x+y)n, the middle term depends on the = – 9 C 4 34.x 4 = . x
value of n. 65 1.2.3.4 25.35
(i) If n is even: Then the total number of term will we
th
n  2  2 1 19
odd . So middle term is   term. = – x
 2  16

(ii) If n is odd: Then the total number of terms will be

th
n  1
even. So there are two middle term i.e.   term
 2 

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 Binomial Theorem 4.3

SECTION - C : TERM INDEPENDENT OF X Let numerically, Tr + 1 be the greatest term in the above
expansion. Then Tr + 1  Tr
TERM INDEPENDENT OF X
Term independent of x contains no x ; Hence find the value Tr 1
 1
Tr
of r for which the exponent of x is zero.

n– r+ 1 x
 1
SOLVED EXAMPLE r a

EXAMPLE 5 (n  1) r  n  1 | x |
 r ;
a  | a |  | x |
10 x  1 
 x  3   
The term independent of x in  +   is
 3  2x 2  
Substituting values of n and x, we get r  m + f or
SOLUTION r  m where m is a positive integer and f is fraction such

General term in the expansion is that 0 < f < 1.

In the first case Tm + 1 is the greatest term, while in
r 10 – r
3r 5–r
10 x  3 
2 2 –10 3 the second case Tm and Tm + 1 are the greatest terms and
Cr    2  10 Cr x 2
. 10 – r
 3   2x 
2 2 both are equal.

SOLVED EXAMPLE
3r 20
For constant term, = 10  r= which is not an inte-
2 3
EXAMPLE 6
ger. Therefore, there will be no constant term. Find numerically the greatest term in the expansion of
(3 – 5x)11 when x = 1/5
SECTION - D
SOLUTION
NUMERICALLY GREATEST TERM (NGT)
11
 5x 
NUMERICALLY GREATEST TERM Since (3 – 5x)11 = 311  1 –  . Now in the expansion of
 3 
To find the greatest term in the expansion of (x + a)n. 11
 5x 
n 1 –  ,
 x  3 
We have (x + a) = a n n
1+  ; therefore, since
 a
Tr 1 (11 – r  1) 5x
n
we have T  r
–
3
r
 x
an multiplies every term in 1+  ,
 a
 12 – r  5 1
it will be sufficient to find the greatest term in this later =  – 
 r  3 5
expansion. Let the Tr and Tr + 1 be the rth and (r +1)th terms
 12 – r  1   12 – r   1
 x
n =   =    x  5 
in the expansion of 1+  then  r  3   3r   
 a
Tr 1
  1  12 – r  1
r Tr 3r
n x
Cr  
Tr+1 a n – r +1 x  4r  12  r  3  r = 2, 3
= = .
Tr r –1 r a so, the greatest terms are T2 + 1 and T3+1.
n x
C r –1  
a  Greatest term (when r = 2)

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 Binomial Theorem 4.4

 5
2
  5 1
2
(2n)!
= 311 | T2 1 | 311 11 C 2  – x   311 11 C 2  –   = (n + r)(n – r)!
 3   3 5
Remember : (2n) ! = 2n. n! [1.3.5........(2n – 1)]
11.10 1  1
= 311 × = 55× 39  x  5 
1.2 9  
SOLVED EXAMPLE
and greatest term (when r = 3)
3
EXAMPLE 8
11 11 11  5  If (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 +.................+ Cnxn then
= 3 | T3+1 |= 3 C3  – x 
 3  show that the sum of the products of the Cis taken two at

 5 1
3
11.10.9 –1
a time represents by :   ci c j is equal to
11 11 0i< j n
=3 C3  – ×  = 311 × = 55×39
 3 5 1.2.3 27
2n !
2 2n –1 –
From above we say that the value of both greatest 2.n!.n!
terms are equal. SOLUTION
n
If ( A + B ) = I + f , where I & n are positive integers, Since (C0 + C1 + C2 + .....+Cn – 1 + Cn)2
n being odd and 0 < f < 1, then (I + f). f = Kn where A – B2 = C 20 + C12 + C 22 + ...... + C n2 –1 + C 2n + . . . .
=K>0& A – B <1. If n is an even integer, then (I + f) + 2(C0C1 + C0C2 + C0C3 +... + C0Cn + C1C2 + C1C3 +
(1 – f) = kn C1C n + C 2 C 3 + C 2 C 4 + ... + C 2 C n + ...... + C n –1C n )

EXAMPLE 7  (2n ) 2  2n Cn  2   Ci C j .
0i jn
If (6 6  14)2n1 = [N] + F and F = N – [N] ; where [*]
denotes greatest integer, then NF is equal to 2n –1 2n!
Hence   C i C j  2 – 2.n!.n!
0i j n
SOLUTION

Since (6 6 +14) 2n+1 = [N] + F.. EXAMPLE 9

Let us assume that f = (6 6 –14) 2n+1
; where 0  f < 1. If (1 + x)n = C0 + C1x + C2x2 + .........+Cnxn then prove

Now, [N] + F – f = (6 6 +14)2n+1 – (6 6 –14)2n+1 that   (Ci + C j )2 = (n –1)2n Cn + 22n

0i  j n
= 2  2n +1 C1 (6 6 ) 2n (14) + 2n +1 C 3 (6 6 ) 2n – 2 (14) 3 + ... 

 [N] + F – f = even integer. SOLUTION
Now 0 < F < 1 and 0 < f < 1 so
–1 < F – f < 1 and F – f is an integer so it can only be zero L.H.S

Thus NF = (6 6 +14) 2n+1 (6 6 –14)2n+1 = 202n +1

.   (Ci  C j ) 2 = (C0 + C1)2 + (C0 + C2)2 + ....+ (C0 + Cn)2
0i jn

SECTION - E & F + (C1 + C2)2 + (C1 + C3)2 + ....

PROBLEMS BASED ON BINOMIAL COEFFICIENT/ + (C1 + Cn)2 + (C2 + C3)2 + (C2 + C4)2
COLLECTION OF BINOMIAL COEFFICIENT
+ ........+ (C2 + Cn)2 + .........+ (Cn–1 + Cn)2
SOME RESULTS ON BINOMIAL = n (C02 + C12 + C22 +..........+Cn2) + 2   Ci C j
COEFFICIENTS 0 i  jn

(a) C0 + C1 + C2 + ............+ Cn = 2n  2 n! 
(b) C0 + C2 + C4 + .....= C1 + C3 + C5 + ...... = 2n – 1 = n.2n Cn + 2.  22 n–1 –  {from Ex. 8}
 2.n!n!
(2n)!
(c) C02 + C12 + C22 + ............+ Cn2 = 2nCn = n !n! = n. 2nCn + 22n – 2nCn = (n – 1). 2nCn + 22n
(d) C0. Cr + C1. Cr + 1 + C2. Cr + 2 +............+Cn – r Cn = R.H.S.

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 Binomial Theorem 4.5

SECTION - H
BINOMIAL THEOREM FOR ANY INDEX SOLVED EXAMPLE

BINOMIAL THEOREM FOR NEGATIVE OR

EXAMPLE 10
FRACTIONAL INDICES
If x is so small such that its square and higher powers may
n(n – 1) 2 be neglected then find the approximate value of
If n  Q, then (1 + x) n = 1 + nx + x +
2!
(1 – 3x)1/2 + (1 – x)5/3
(4 + x)1/2
n(n – 1)(n – 2) 3
x +...........  provided |x| < 1.
3! SOLUTION
NOTE :
3 5x
(i) When the index n is a positive integer the number 1– x 1–
(1 – 3x)1/ 2  (1 – x) 5 / 3 2 3 =
of terms in the expansion of (1 + x)n is finite i.e. 
(4  x)1 / 2  x
1/ 2

(n + 1) & the coefficient of successive terms are 2 1  

 4
: nC0, nC1, nC2, .........., nCn
–1/ 2
(ii) When the index is other than a positive integer 1 19  x  1  19  x 
= 2 – x 1     2 – x 1– 
such as negative integer or fraction, the number 2 6  4  2 6  8 
of terms in the expansion of (1 + x)n is infinite and
the symbol nCr cannot be used to denote the 1 x 19  x 19 41
=  2– – x = 1 – – x =1– x
coefficient of the general term. 2 4 6  8 12 24
(iii) Following expansion should be remembered (|x| < 1)
(a) (1 + x)–1 = 1 – x + x2 – x3 + x4 – ......... EXAMPLE 11
The value of cube root of 1001 upto five decimal places is
–1 2 3 4
(b) (1 – x) = 1 + x + x + x + x + .........
SOLUTION

(c) (1 + x)–2 = 1 –2x + 3x2 – 4x3 + ......... 1/ 3

 1 
(d) (1 – x)–2 = 1 + 2x + 3x2 + 4x3 + ......... (1 0 0 1) 1 / 3  (1 0 0 0  1) 1 / 3  1 0  1  
 1000 
(iv) The expansions in ascending powers of x are only
valid if x is 'small'. If x is large i.e. |x| > 1 then we  1 1 1/ 3(1/ 3 –1) 1 
may find it convenient to expand in powers of 1/x,  10 1  .  2
 ......
 3 1000 2! 1000 
which then will be small.
= 10 {1 + 0.0003333 – 0.00000011 + ......}
SECTION - I = 10.00333
MIXED PROBLEMS

APPROXIMATIONS EXAMPLE 12
If |x| < 1, the terms of the above expansion go on
1 1.3 1.3.5
decreasing and if x be very small, a stage may be reached The sum of 1 + + + + ........ is
4 4.8 4.8.12
when we may neglect the terms containing higher powers SOLUTION
of x in the expansion. Thus, if x be so small that its squares
n(n– 1) 2
and higher powers may be neglected then (1 + x)n Comparing with 1 + nx + x + ....
2!
= 1 + nx, approximately,
 nx = 1/4 ...(1)
This is an approximate value of (1 + x)n

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 Binomial Theorem 4.6

LOGARITHMIC SERIES
n(n– 1) x 2 1.3 nx(nx– x) 3
& = or =
2! 4.8 2! 32 x 2 x3 x 4
(a) n (1 + x) = x –  –  ........
2 3 4
11  3 1  3
  – x =   –x= where – 1 < x  1
4 4  16 4  4
x2 x3 x4
1 3 1 (b) n (1 – x) = –x – – –  ........
 x= – =– ...(2) {by (1)} 2 3 4
4 4 2
where – 1 x < 1
putting the value of x in (1)
1 1 1
1 Remember : (i) 1 – + – + ........ = n 2
 n(–1/ 2) = 1/ 4  n= – 2 3 4
2
(ii) en x = x
 sum of series = (1 + x)n = (1 – 1/2)–1/2 (iii) n2 = 0.693
= (1/2)–1/2 = 2 (iv) n 10 = 2.303

EXPONENTIAL SERIES
(a) e is an irrational number lying between 2.71 &
2.72. Its value correct upto 10 places of decimal
is 2.7182818284.

(b) Logarithms to the base 'e' are known as the

Napierian system, so named after Napier, their
inventor. They are also called Natural Logarithm.

x x x2 x3
(c) e  1     ...... ; where x may be any
1! 2! 3!

n
 1
real or complex number & e  Lim 1  
n
 n

x x2 x3
(d) a  1  1!  na  2!  n a  3!  n a  .........
x 2 3

where a > 0
1 1 1
(e) e  1  1!  2!  3!  ......

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