1. Expand ( x + 8) 4.

( x + 8) 4 = x 4 + C14 ( x 3 )(8) + C24 ( x 2 )(82 ) + C34 ( x)(83 ) + 84

= x 4 + 32 x 3 + 384 x 2 + 2 048 x + 4 096

2. Expand (5 − x)5.

(5 − x)5 = 55 + C15 (54 )(− x) + C25 (53 )(− x) 2 + C35 (52 )(− x)3 + C45 (5)(− x) 4 + (− x)5
= 3 125 − 3 125 x + 1 250 x 2 − 250 x3 + 25x 4 − x5

3. Expand ( a − b) 6.

(a − b)6 = a 6 + C16 (a 5 )(−b) + C26 (a 4 )(−b) 2 + C36 (a 3 )(−b)3 + C46 (a 2 )(−b) 4 + C56 (a)(−b)5 + (−b)6
= a 6 − 6a 5b + 15a 4b 2 − 20a 3b3 + 15a 2b 4 − 6ab5 + b 6

4. Expand (3 x + 1) 4.

(3x + 1) 4 = (3x) 4 + C14 (3x)3 + C24 (3x) 2 + C34 (3x) + 1

= 81x 4 + 108 x 3 + 54 x 2 + 12 x + 1

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 5. Expand ( 2 x − 5)3.

(2 x − 5)3 = (2 x)3 + C13 (2 x) 2 (−5) + C23 (2 x)(−5) 2 + (−5)3

= 8 x 3 − 60 x 2 + 150 x − 125

6. Expand ( 4 − 3 x ) 6.

(4 − 3x) 6

= 46 + C16 (45 )(−3x) + C26 (44 )(−3x) 2 + C36 (43 )(−3x)3 + C46 (42 )(−3x) 4 + C56 (4)(−3x)5 + (−3x)6
= 4 096 − 18 432 x + 34 560 x 2 − 34 560 x 3 + 19 440 x 4 − 5 832 x 5 + 729 x 6

7. Expand (3 p − 4q) 4.

(3 p − 4q) 4 = (3 p) 4 + C14 (3 p)3 (− 4q) + C24 (3 p) 2 (− 4q) 2 + C34 (3 p)(− 4q)3 + (− 4q) 4
= 81 p 4 − 432 p 3q + 864 p 2 q 2 − 768 pq3 + 256q 4

3
8. Expand ( 2 x + ) 4.
x

3 3 3 3 3
(2 x + ) 4 = (2 x) 4 + C14 (2 x)3 ( ) + C24 (2 x) 2 ( ) 2 + C34 (2 x)( )3 + ( ) 4
x x x x x
216 81
= 16 x 4 + 96 x 2 + 216 + 2 + 4
x x

1
9. Expand (3x 2 − )5.
x

1 1 1 1 1 1
(3x 2 − )5 = (3x 2 )5 + C15 (3x 2 ) 4 (− ) + C25 (3x 2 )3 (− ) 2 + C35 (3x 2 ) 2 (− )3 + C45 (3x 2 )(− ) 4 + (− )5
x x x x x x
15 1
= 243 x10 − 405 x 7 + 270 x 4 − 90x + 2 − 5
x x

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 1
10. (a) Expand (4 x 2 − )5.
3
1 5
(b) By using the result of (a), expand (4 x − ).
3x

1
(a) (4 x 2 − )5
3
1 1 1 1 1
= (4 x 2 )5 + C15 (4 x 2 ) 4 (− ) + C25 (4 x 2 )3 (− ) 2 + C35 (4 x 2 ) 2 (− )3 + C45 (4 x 2 )(− ) 4 + (− )5
3 3 3 3 3
1 280 x8 640 x 6 160 x 4 20 x 2 1
= 1 024 x10 − + − + −
3 9 27 81 243

1 5 1 1
(b) (4 x − ) = [ (4 x 2 − )]5
3x x 3
1 1
= 5 (4 x 2 − )5
x 3
8
1 10 1 280 x 640 x 6 160 x 4 20 x 2 1
= 5
(1 024 x − + − + − ) [ From the result of (a) ]
x 3 9 27 81 243
1 280 x 3 640 x 160 20 1
= 1 024 x 5 − + − + 3
−
3 9 27 x 81x 243 x 5

11. Expand ( 2 x + 1)13 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 3.

(2 x + 1)13 = (1 + 2 x)13
= 1 + C113 (2 x) + C213 (2 x) 2 + C313 (2 x)3 + terms involving higher powers of x
= 1 + 26x + 312x2 + 2 288x3 + terms involving higher powers of x

1
12. Expand ( x 2 − )15 in descending powers of x up to the term in x 21.
x

1
( x 2 − )15
x
1 1 1
= ( x 2 )15 + C115 ( x 2 )14 (− ) + C215 ( x 2 )13 (− ) 2 + C315 ( x 2 )12 (− )3 + terms involving lower powers of x
x x x
= x30 − 15x27 + 105x24 − 455x21 + terms involving lower powers of x

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 1 10
13. Expand (2 x3 − 2
) in descending powers of x up to the term in x10.
2x

1 10
(2 x 3 − )
2x2
1 1 1 1
= (2 x 3 )10 + C110 (2 x 3 )9 (−
2
) + C210 (2 x 3 )8 (− 2 ) 2 + C310 (2 x 3 ) 7 (− 2 )3 + C410 (2 x 3 ) 6 (− 2 ) 4
2x 2x 2x 2x
+ terms involving lower powers of x
= 1 024x30 − 2 560x25 + 2 880x20 − 1 920x15 + 840x10 + terms involving lower powers of x

14. Use summation notation to express the expansion of (1 − 4 x)10.

(1 − 4 x)10 = 1 + C110 (− 4 x) + C210 (− 4 x) 2 + ! + (− 4 x)10

= C010 (− 4 x)0 + C110 (− 4 x)1 + C210 (− 4 x) 2 + ! + Cr10 (− 4 x) r + ! + C10
10
(− 4 x)10
10
= ∑ Cr10 (−4 x)r
r =0

15. Use summation notation to express the expansion of ( x + 9)12.

( x + 9)12
= x12 + C112 ( x11)(9) + C212 ( x10 )(92 ) + ! + 912
= C012 ( x12− 0 )(90 ) + C112 ( x12−1 )(91 ) + C212 ( x12− 2 )(92 ) + ! + Cr12 ( x12− r )(9r ) + ! + C12
12 12−12
(x )(912 )
12
= ∑ Cr12 ( x12− r )(9r )
r =0

16. Use summation notation to express the expansion of (6 − x) n , where n is a positive integer.

(6 − x ) n
= 6n + C1n (6n −1 )(− x) + C2n (6n − 2 )(− x) 2 + ! + (− x) n
= C0n (6n − 0 )(− x)0 + C1n (6n −1 )(− x)1 + C2n (6n − 2 )(− x) 2 + ! + Crn (6n − r )(− x) r + ! + Cnn (6n − n )(− x) n
n
= ∑ Crn (6n − r )(− x)r
r =0

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17. Find the coefficient of x 3 in the expansion of (1 + 3 x ) 7.

The general term of the expansion = Cr7 (3 x) r

Term in x 3 = C37 (3 x)3

∴ The coefficient of x3 = C37 (33 )
= 945

18. Find the coefficient of x5 in the expansion of ( x − 4)9 .

The general term of the expansion = Cr9 ( x9 − r )(− 4) r

= Cr9 (− 4) r x9 − r
Consider the term in x 5 , i.e. take 9 − r = 5 , r = 4 .
∴ The coefficient of x 5 = C49 (− 4) 4
= 32 256

19. Find the coefficient of x8 in the expansion of (5 − 2 x )10.

The general term of the expansion = Cr10 (510− r )(−2 x) r

Term in x8 = C810 (52 )(−2 x)8

∴ The coefficient of x 8 = C810 (52 )(−2)8

= 288 000

1 16
20. Find the coefficient of x16 in the expansion of ( x 2 − ) .
2x2

1 r
The general term of the expansion = Cr16 ( x 2 )16− r (− )
2x2
1
= Cr16 (− ) r x32− 4 r
2

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 Consider the term in x16, i.e. take 32 − 4r = 16, r = 4 .
1
∴ The coefficient of x16 = C416 (− ) 4
2
1 820
=
16
455
=
4

2
21. Find the constant term in the expansion of ( x 2 − ) 6.
x

2
The general term of the expansion = Cr6 ( x 2 )6 − r (− ) r
x
= Cr6 (−2) r x12−3r
When 12 − 3r = 0 (i.e. r = 4 ), the term is the constant term.
∴ The constant term = C46 (−2) 4
= 240

22. Find the coefficient of the 4th term in the expansion of (3 − x )10 in ascending powers of x.

The general term of the expansion = Cr10 (310− r )(− x) r

The 4th term = C310 (37 )( − x)3
∴ The coefficient of the 4th term = C310 (37 )(−1)3
= −262 440

1
23. Find the coefficient of the 8th term in the expansion of ( + 2 x )10 in descending powers of x.
x

1 1
( + 2 x)10 = (2 x + )10
x x
1
The general term of the expansion = Cr10 (2 x)10− r ( ) r
x
1
The 8th term = C710 (2 x)3 ( ) 7
x
∴ The coefficient of the 8th term = C710 (23 )
= 960

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 1 17
24. Find the coefficient of the 11th term in the expansion of (2 x 2 − ) in ascending powers of
4x
x.

1 17 1
(2 x 2 − ) = (− + 2 x 2 )17
4x 4x
1 17− r
The general term of the expansion = Cr17 (− ) (2 x 2 ) r
4x
17 1 7 2 10
The 11th term = C10 (− ) (2 x )
4x
17 1
∴ The coefficient of the 11th term = C10 (− ) 7 (210 )
4
2 431
=−
2

25. Find the coefficient of a 2b6 in the expansion of (3a − 2b)8.

The general term of the expansion = Cr8 (3a)8 − r (−2b) r

= Cr8 (38− r )(−2) r a8− r b r
Consider the term in a 2b6, i.e. take r = 6 .
∴ The coefficient of a 2b 6 = C68 (38 − 6 )(−2)6
= 16 128

a9 a
26. Find the coefficient of 5
in the expansion of (3a 2 + )7 .
b 3b

7 2 7−r a r
The general term of the expansion = Cr (3a ) ( )
3b
= Cr7 37 − 2r a14− r b − r
a9
Consider the term in , i.e. take r = 5 .
b5

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 a9
∴ The coefficient of = C57 [37 − 2(5) ]
b5
7
=
9

1 − x3 9
27. Find the constant term in the expansion of ( ) .
x

1 − x3 9 1
( ) = ( − x 2 )9
x x
1
The general term of the expansion = Cr9 ( )9 − r (− x 2 ) r
x
= Cr9 (−1) r x3r −9
When 3r − 9 = 0 (i.e. r = 3), the term is the constant term.
∴ The constant term = C39 ( −1)3
= −84

1 ( x − 3x 2 )7
28. Find the coefficient of in the expansion of .
x2 x12

1 7 7−r
The general term of the expansion = C x (−3 x 2 ) r
12 r
x
= Cr7 (−3) r x −12+ 7 − r + 2 r
= Cr7 (−3) r x r − 5
1
Consider the term in , i.e. take r − 5 = −2 , r = 3.
x2
1 7 3
∴ The coefficient of 2 = C3 (−3)
x
= −945

29. Find the coefficient of x 4 in the expansion of (1 + x 2 ) 7 + (1 + 2 x) 6.

In the expansion of (1 + x 2 ) 7,

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 the general term = Cr7 ( x 2 ) r
= Cr7 x 2r
Consider the term in x 4 , i.e. take 2r = 4, r = 2 .
∴ The coefficient of x 4 = C27
= 21
In the expansion of (1 + 2 x ) 6 ,
the general term = Cr6 ( 2 x) r
term in x 4 = C46 (2 x) 4
∴ The coefficient of x 4 = C46 (24 )
= 240
∴ In the expansion of (1 + x 2 ) 7 + (1 + 2 x) 6,

the coefficient of x 4 = 21 + 240

= 261

1 + x3 9 2 x 4 − 3 4
30. Find the constant term in the expansion of ( ) −( ) .
x x2

1 + x3 9 1
( ) = ( + x 2 )9
x x
1
In the expansion of ( + x 2 )9,
x
1
the general term = Cr9 ( )9 − r ( x 2 ) r
x
= Cr9 x3r −9
When 3r − 9 = 0 (i.e. r = 3), the term is the constant term.
∴ The constant term = C39
= 84
4
2x − 3 4 3
( 2
) = (2 x 2 − 2 ) 4
x x
3 4
In the expansion of (2 x 2 − ) ,
x2
3 r
the general term = Cr4 (2 x 2 ) 4 − r (− )
x2
= Cr4 (24 − r )(−3) r x8 − 4r
When 8 − 4r = 0 (i.e. r = 2 ), the term is the constant term.

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 4 4− 2 2
∴ The constant term = C2 (2 )(−3)
= 216
1 + x3 9 2x4 − 3 4
∴ In the expansion of ( ) −( ) ,
x x2
the constant term = 84 − 216
= −132
B2
31. Let Br be the coefficient of x r in the expansion of (3 − 2 x )9 . Find .
B4

The general term of the expansion = Cr9 (39 − r )(−2 x) r

Term in x 2 = C29 (37 )(−2 x) 2
B2 = C29 (37 )(−2) 2
Term in x 4 = C49 (35 )(−2 x) 4
B4 = C49 (35 )(−2) 4
B2 C29 (37 )( −2) 2
∴ =
B4 C49 (35 )( −2) 4
9C29
=
4C49
9
=
14

32. Let Tr be the coefficient of x r in the expansion of (1 − 2 x) 20. If Tr + 2 : Tr = 26 : 3, find the value
of r.

The general term of the expansion = Cr20 ( −2 x) r

Tr = Cr20 (−2) r
Tr + 2 = Cr20+ 2 (−2) r + 2
∵ Tr + 2 : Tr = 26 : 3

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 Cr20+ 2 (−2) r + 2 26
∴ =
Cr20 (−2) r 3
6Cr20+ 2 = 13Cr20
20! 20!
6× = 13 ×
(r + 2)![20 − (r + 2)]! r !(20 − r )!
6(19 − r )(20 − r ) = 13(r + 1)(r + 2)
6(r 2 − 39r + 380) = 13(r 2 + 3r + 2)
7 r 2 + 273r − 2 254 = 0
r 2 + 39r − 322 = 0
−39 ± 392 − 4(1)(−322)
r=
2(1)
−39 ± 53
=
2
= 7 or −46 (rejected)
x 2 k 10
33. Let A r be the coefficient of x r in the expansion of ( + ) , where k is a constant. If
4 x
A11 : A5 = 5 : 672 , find the values of k.

x 2 10− r k r
The general term of the expansion = Cr10 ( ) ( )
4 x
= Cr10 (4r −10 )(k r ) x 20− 3r
Consider the term in x11, i.e. take 20 − 3r = 11, r = 3.
∴ A11 = C310 (4 −7 )(k 3 )
Consider the term in x 5 , i.e. take 20 − 3r = 5 , r = 5 .
∴ A5 = C510 (4 −5 )(k 5 )
∵ A11 : A5 = 5 : 672
A11 5
∴ =
A5 672
C310 (4 − 7 )(k 3 ) 5
=
C510 (4 − 5 )(k 5 )672
120 5
2
=
252 × 16k 672
2
k =4
k = 2 or −2

34. Let Bs be the coefficient of the sth term in the expansion of ( 2 − kx 2 )12 in descending
powers of x. If 60B7 = 7 B9 , find the values of k.

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 (2 − kx 2 )12 = (− kx 2 + 2)12
The general term of the expansion = Cr12 ( − kx 2 )12− r (2 r )
The sth term = C12 2 12− ( s −1) s −1
s −1 ( − kx ) (2 )
B7 = C612 (−k ) 6 (26 )
B9 = C812 (−k ) 4 (28 )
∵ 60B7 = 7 B9
∴ 60 ⋅ C612 (−k ) 6 (26 ) = 7 ⋅ C812 (−k ) 4 (28 )
7 ⋅ C812 (2 2 )
k2 =
60 ⋅ C612
60C612k 2 = 7C812 (−2) 2
1
k2 =
4
1 1
k= or −
2 2
1
35. The constant term in the expansion of (ax2 + )9 is 672, where a is a non-zero real number.
x
Find the value of a.

1
The general term of the expansion = Cr9 (ax2 )9 − r ( ) r
x
= Cr9 a 9 − r x18−3r
When 18 − 3r = 0 (i.e. r = 6), the term is the constant term.
∴ The constant term = C69 a 9 − 6 = 672
a3 = 8
a=2

36. The coefficient of x 2 in the expansion of ( 4 x + 1) n is 720, where n is a positive integer. Find
the value of n.

(4 x + 1) n = (1 + 4 x) n
The general term of the expansion = Crn (4 x) r
Term in x 2 = C2n ( 4 x) 2
∴ The coefficient of x 2 = C2n ( 4 2 ) = 720

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 n(n − 1)
= 45
2
n 2 − n − 90 = 0
(n − 10)(n + 9) = 0
n − 10 = 0 or n + 9 = 0
n = 10 or n = −9 (rejected)

37. The coefficients of x 3 and x 4 in the expansion of ( x + 3) n are equal, where n is a positive
integer and n ≥ 6. Find the value of n.

( x + 3) n = (3 + x) n
The general term of the expansion = Crn (3n − r ) x r
Term in x 3 = C3n (3n − 3 ) x 3
∴ The coefficient of x 3 = C3n (3n − 3 )

Term in x 4 = C4n (3n − 4 ) x 4

∴ The coefficient of x 4 = C4n (3n − 4 )

∴ C3n (3n − 3 ) = C4n (3n − 4 )
n! n!
(3) =
3!(n − 3)! 4!(n − 4)!
3(4) = n − 3
n = 15

38. In the expansion of ( 2 + x) n, the sum of coefficients of x 4 and x 5 is 14 times the coefficient of
x 6 , where n is a positive integer. Find the value of n.

(2 + x) n = Crn (2 n − r ) x r

Term in x 6 = C6n (2n − 6 ) x 6

∴ The coefficient of x 6 = C6n (2n − 6 )

Term in x 5 = C5n (2 n − 5 ) x 5

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 ∴ The coefficient of x5 = C5n (2n − 5 )

Term in x 4 = C4n ( 2 n − 4 ) x 4

∴ The coefficient of x 4 = C4n ( 2 n − 4 )

∴ C4n (2 n − 4 ) + C5n (2 n − 5 ) = 14C6n (2 n − 6 )

n! n! n!
(2 2 ) + (2) = 14
4!(n − 4)! 5!(n − 5)! 6!(n − 6)!
(5)(6)(2 2 ) + (6)(n − 4)(2) = 14(n − 4)(n − 5)

120 + 12n − 48 = 14n 2 − 126 n + 280

14n 2 − 138n + 208 = 0

7 n 2 − 69n + 104 = 0
(n − 8)(7 n − 13) = 0
13
n = 8 or n = (rejected)
7

1 n 5
39. The 5th term in the expansion of (ax2 + ) in descending powers of x is . It is given that
3x 27
a is a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of a and n.

1 r
The general term of the expansion = Crn (ax 2 ) n − r ( )
3x
1
= Crn (a n − r )( ) r x 2n −3r
3
1
The 5th term = C4n (a n − 4 )( ) 4 x 2 n −3( 4)
3
∵ The 5th term is a constant term.
∴ 2n − 3(4) = 0
n=6
1 5
The constant term = C46 (a 6 − 4 )( ) 4 =
3 27
15 2 5
a =
81 27
a2 = 1
a = 1 or a = −1

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40. The coefficient of x 2 in the expansion of ( x − 4)5 + (2 + kx) 4 is −40, where k is a non-zero real
number. Find the values of k.

( x − 4)5 = (− 4 + x)5
In the expansion of ( − 4 + x)5,
the general term = Cr5 (− 4)5 − r x r
term in x 2 = C25 ( −4)3 x 2
∴ The coefficient of x 2 = C25 (− 4)3
= −640
In the expansion of (2 + kx) 4,
the general term = Cr4 ( 2 4 − r )( kx) r
term in x 2 = C24 (22 )(kx) 2
∴ The coefficient of x 2 = C 24 (2 2 )k 2
= 24k 2
∴ In the expansion of ( x − 4)5 + (2 + kx) 4, the coefficient of x2 = −640 + 24k 2
∴ − 640 + 24k 2 = − 40
24k 2 = 600
k 2 = 25
k = 5 or k = −5

k
41. The coefficient of x 7 in the expansion of (2 x 2 + )8 − ( x + 2)9 is 80, where k is a non-zero real
x
number. Find the value of k.

k
In the expansion of ( 2 x 2 + )8,
x
k
the general term = Cr8 (2 x 2 )8− r ( ) r
x
= Cr8 (28− r )k r x16−3r
Consider the term in x 7 , i.e. take 16 − 3r = 7 , r = 3.
∴ The coefficient of x 7 = C38 (28 − 3 )k 3
= 1 792 k 3
( x + 2)9 = (2 + x)9

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 In the expansion of ( 2 + x )9,
the general term = Cr9 (29 − r ) x r
term in x 7 = C79 ( 2 2 ) x 7
7 9 2
∴ The coefficient of x = C7 (2 )
= 144
k
∴ In the expansion of (2 x 2 + )8 − ( x + 2)9, the coefficient of x7 = 1 792k 3 − 144
x
3
∴ 1 792 k − 144 = 80
1
k3 =
8
1
k=
2

3 3 c
42. It is given that ( x 2 + )5 + ( x 2 − )5 = ax10 + bx4 + .
x x x2
(a) Find the values of a, b and c.
3 5 3 5
(b) Hence evaluate (6 + ) + (6 − ) .
2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3
(a) ( x 2 + )5 = ( x 2 )5 + C15 ( x 2 ) 4 ( ) + C25 ( x 2 )3 ( ) 2 + C35 ( x 2 ) 2 ( )3 + C45 ( x 2 )( ) 4 + ( )5
x x x x x x
405 243
= x10 + 15x 7 + 90 x 4 + 270 x + 2 + 5
x x
3 3 3 3 3 3
( x 2 − )5 = ( x 2 )5 + C15 ( x 2 ) 4 (− ) + C25 ( x 2 )3 (− ) 2 + C35 ( x 2 ) 2 (− )3 + C45 ( x 2 )(− ) 4 + (− )5
x x x x x x
405 243
= x10 − 15x 7 + 90 x 4 − 270 x + 2 − 5
x x
3 3 810
∴ ( x 2 + )5 + ( x 2 − )5 = 2 x10 + 180 x 4 +
x x x2
∴ a = 2 , b = 180 , c = 810

3 5 3 5 3 3 5 3 3 5
(b) (6 + ) + (6 − ) = (6 + × ) + (6 − × )
2 2 2 3 2 3
3 5 3 5
= (6 + ) + (6 − )
6 6

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 810 [
= 2( 6 )10 + 180( 6 ) 4 + From the result of (a) ]
( 6 )2
810
= 2(65 ) + 180(6 2 ) +
6
= 22 167

2 4 2
43. It is given that ( x +
3
) − ( x − 3 ) 4 = a + bxc, where a, b and c are integers.
x x
(a) Find the values of a, b and c.
2 4 2 4
(b) Hence evaluate ( 3 + ) −( 3 − ) .
3 3 3 3

2 4 2 2 2 2
(a) ( x + 3
) = x 4 + C14 ( x 3 )( 3 ) + C24 ( x 2 )( 3 ) 2 + C34 ( x)( 3 )3 + ( 3 ) 4
x x x x x
24 32 16
= x 4 + 8 + 4 + 8 + 12
x x x
2 4 2 2 2 2
( x − 3 ) = x 4 + C14 ( x 3 )(− 3 ) + C24 ( x 2 )(− 3 ) 2 + C34 ( x)(− 3 )3 + (− 3 ) 4
x x x x x
24 32 16
= x 4 − 8 + 4 − 8 + 12
x x x
2 2 64
∴ ( x + ) 4 − ( x − ) 4 = 16 +
3 3
x x x8
= 16 + 64 x −8
∴ a = 16, b = 64, c = −8

2 2 2 4 2 4
(b) ( 3 + )4 − ( 3 − )4 = [ 3 + 3
] −[ 3 − ]
3 3 3 3 ( 3) ( 3 )3
64
= 16 + [ From the result of (a) ]
( 3 )8
64
= 16 +
81
1 360
=
81

44. (a) Expand ( 2 − x ) 6 .

(b) It is given that ( 2 − 3 ) 6 = a + b 3 , where a and b are integers. By using the result of (a),

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© 2009 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.

 find the values of a and b.

(a) (2 − x) 6 = 26 + C16 (25 )(− x) + C26 (2 4 )(− x) 2 + C36 (23 )(− x)3 + C46 (2 2 )(− x) 4 + C56 (2)(− x)5 + (− x) 6
= 64 − 192 x + 240 x 2 − 160 x 3 + 60 x 4 − 12 x 5 + x 6

(b) (2 − 3 )6 = 64 − 192( 3 ) + 240( 3 ) 2 − 160( 3 )3 + 60( 3 ) 4 − 12( 3 )5 + ( 3 )6 [ From the result of (a) ]

= 64 − 192 3 + 720 − 480 3 + 540 − 108 3 + 27

= 1 351 − 780 3
∴ a = 1 351, b = −780

45. It is given that (1 + kx 2 ) n = 1 − 24 x 2 + 28k 2 x 4 + terms involving higher powers of x, where k is

a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of k and n.

(1 + kx 2 ) n = 1 + C1n (kx 2 ) + C2n (kx 2 ) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

n(n − 1) 2 4
= 1 + nkx 2 + k x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x 2 and x 4 , we have
nk = −24 ........... (1)
n(n − 1) 2
k = 28k 2 ........ (2)
2
From (2), n( n − 1) = 56
n 2 − n − 56 = 0
( n − 8)( n + 7) = 0
n = 8 or n = −7 (rejected)
Substitute n = 8 into (1),
8k = −24
k = −3

46. It is given that (k + x) n = x n + 2nx n −1 + 180 x n − 2 + terms involving lower powers of x, where k
is a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of k and n.

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 ( k + x) n = ( x + k ) n
= x n + C1n ( x n −1 )(k ) + C2n ( x n − 2 )(k 2 ) + terms involving lower powers of x
n(n − 1) 2 n − 2
= x n + nkx n −1 + k x + terms involving lower powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x n −1 and xn −2 , we have
nk = 2n .......... (1)
n( n − 1) 2
k = 180 ........ ( 2)
2
From (1), k = 2
Substitute k = 2 into (2),
n(n − 1) 2
(2) = 180
2
n 2 − n − 90 = 0
(n − 10)(n + 9) = 0
n = 10 or n = −9 (rejected)

47. It is given that (1 + kx) n = 1 + 27 x + 324 x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x, where k is a
non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of k and n.

(1 + kx) n = 1 + C1n (kx) + C2n (kx) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

n(n − 1) 2 2
= 1 + nkx + k x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x and x 2 , we have

nk = 27 ...................... (1)
n(n − 1) 2
k = 324 ..................... (2)
2
27
From (1), k = .......... .......... (3)
n
Substitute (3) into (2),
n(n − 1) 27 2
( ) = 324
2 n
n −1 8
=
n 9
9 n − 9 = 8n
n=9

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 Substitute n = 9 into (3),
27
k=
9
=3

48. It is given that (1 + px 2 ) 2 n = 1 − 24 x 2 + 240 x 4 + terms involving higher powers of x, where p is

a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of n and p.

(1 + px 2 ) 2 n = 1 + C12 n ( px 2 ) + C22 n ( px 2 ) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

2n(2n − 1) 2 4
= 1 + 2npx 2 + p x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x 2 and x 4 , we have

2np = −24 ................ (1)

2n(2n − 1) 2
p = 240 ............... (2)
2
12
From (1), p = − .......... ...... (3)
n

Substitute (3) into (2),

2n(2n − 1) 12 2
(− ) = 240
2 n
2n − 1 5
=
n 3
6n − 3 = 5n
n=3
Substitute n = 3 into (3),
12
p=−
3
= −4

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49. It is given that (3k + x) n = x n + 21x n −1 + 189 x n − 2 + terms involving lower powers of x, where k
is a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer. Find the values of k and n.

(3k + x) n = ( x + 3k ) n
= x n + C1n ( x n −1 )(3k ) + C2n ( x n − 2 )(3k ) 2 + terms involving lower powers of x
9n(n − 1) 2 n − 2
= x n + 3nkx n −1 + k x + terms involving lower powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x n −1 and xn −2 , we have
3nk = 21......... .... ...... (1)
9n(n − 1) 2
k = 189 ................ (2)
2
7
From (1), k = .......... ......... (3)
n
Substitute (3) into (2),
9n( n − 1) 7 2
( ) = 189
2 n
n −1 6
=
n 7
7 n − 7 = 6n
n=7

Substitute n = 7 into (3),

7
k=
7
=1
50. It is given that (2 x 3 + 1) n = a + bx3 + cx 6 + dx9 + terms involving higher powers of x. If d = 28b
and n is a positive integer, find the values of c and n.

(2 x3 + 1) n = (1 + 2 x3 ) n
= 1 + C1n (2 x3 ) + C2n (2 x3 ) 2 + C3n (2 x3 )3 + terms involving higher powers of x
n(n − 1) n(n − 1)(n − 2)
= 1 + n( 2 x 3 ) + (4 x 6 ) + (8 x 9 ) + terms involving higher powers of x
2 6
3 6 4n(n − 1)(n − 2) 9
= 1 + 2nx + 2n(n − 1) x + x + terms involving higher powers of x
3
By comparing the coefficients of x 3 and x 9 , we have

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 b = 2n ...................................... (1)
4n(n − 1)(n − 2)
d= ................ (2)
3
Substitute (1) and (2) into d = 28b ,
4n(n − 1)(n − 2)
∴ = 28(2n)
3
(n − 1)(n − 2) = 42
n 2 − 3n − 40 = 0
(n − 8)(n + 5) = 0
n = 8 or n = −5 (rejected)
By comparing the coefficient of x 6 , we have
c = 2n(n − 1)
= 2(8)(8 − 1)
= 112

51. It is given that (1 − 2 x) m + (1 − 5 x) n = 2 − 18x + kx 2 + terms involving higher powers of x, where

k is a constant, and m and n are positive integers. Find the values of k, m and n.

(1 − 2 x) m = 1 + C1m (−2 x) + C2m (−2 x) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

= 1 − 2mx + 2m(m − 1) x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x
(1 − 5 x) n = 1 + C1n (−5 x) + C2n (−5 x) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x
25n(n − 1) 2
= 1 − 5nx + x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
∴ (1 − 2 x) m + (1 − 5 x) n
25n(n − 1) 2
= 2 − (2m + 5n) x + [2m(m − 1) + ]x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficients of x and x 2 , we have
− (2m + 5n) = −18 ................ (1)
25n(n − 1)
2m(m − 1) + = k .................... (2)
2
From (1), 2m + 5n = 18
∵ m and n are positive integers.
∴ m = 4, n = 2
Substitute m = 4 and n = 2 into (2),

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 25(2)(2 − 1)
k = 2(4)(4 − 1) +
2
= 24 + 25
= 49

52. It is given that (1 + 4 x) n − (1 − 3 x) n = 7 nx + 196 x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x.

(a) If n is a positive integer, find the value of n.
(b) Hence find the coefficient of x 3 .

(a) (1 + 4 x) n = 1 + C1n (4 x) + C2n (4 x) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

= 1 + 4nx + 8n(n − 1) x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x
(1 − 3x) n = 1 + C1n (−3x) + C2n (−3x) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x
9n(n − 1) 2
= 1 − 3nx + x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
9n(n − 1) 2
∴ (1 + 4 x) n − (1 − 3x) n = [4n − (−3n)]x + [8n(n − 1) − ]x
2
+ terms involving higher powers of x
7n(n − 1) 2
= 7 nx + x + terms involving higher powers of x
2
By comparing the coefficient of x 2 , we have
7n(n − 1)
= 196
2
n(n − 1) = 56
n 2 − n − 56 = 0
(n − 8)(n + 7) = 0
n = 8 or n = −7 (rejected)

(b) In the expansion of (1 + 4 x )8 ,

the general term = Cr8 ( 4 x) r
term in x 3 = C38 (4 x)3
∴ The coefficient of x3 = C38 (43 )
= 3 584
In the expansion of (1 − 3 x )8,
the general term = Cr8 (−3x) r

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 term in x3 = C38 (−3x)3
∴ The coefficient of x3 = C38 (−3)3
= −1 512
∴ In the expansion of (1 + 4 x) n − (1 − 3 x) n,
the coefficient of x 3 = 3 584 − (−1 512)
= 5 096

x2 2 8
53. Determine whether the expansion of ( − ) consists of
2 x
(a) a constant term,
1
(b) an term.
x2
Find each term if it exists.

x 2 8− r 2 r
The general term of the expansion = Cr8 ( ) (− )
2 x
= Cr8 (−1) r (22 r −8 ) x16− 3r
16
(a) When 16 − 3r = 0 (i.e. r = ), the term is the constant term.
3
x2 2
Since r is not a non-negative integer, the expansion of ( − )8 does not consist of a
2 x
constant term.

1
(b) Consider the term in , i.e. take 16 − 3r = −2 , r = 6 .
x2
x2 2 1
∴ The expansion of ( − )8 consists of an 2 term.
2 x x
1
∴ The term in = C68 (−1) 6 ⋅ 2 2(6) −8 x − 2
x2
448
= 2
x
1 2
54. Determine whether the expansion of 3
(3x − 2 )6 consists of
x x
(a) a constant term,
1
(b) an term.
x18
Find each term if it exists.

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 1 6 2
The general term of the expansion = C (3x)6 − r (− 2 ) r
3 r
x x
1
= 3 Cr6 (−2) r (36 − r ) x 6 −3r
x
= Cr6 (−2) r (36 − r ) x 3−3r

(a) When 3 − 3r = 0 (i.e. r = 1), the term is the constant term.

1 2
∴ The expansion of 3
(3x − 2 )6 consists of a constant term.
x x
∴ The constant term = C16 (−2)(36 −1 )
= − 2 916

1
(b) Consider the term in , i.e. take 3 − 3r = −18, r = 7 .
x18
1 2 1
Since r > 6 , the expansion of 3 (3x − 2 )6 does not consist of an term.
x x x18

55. (a) Expand (2 − x)(2 + x).

(b) Hence expand (2 − x)6 (2 + x) 6.

(a) (2 − x)(2 + x) = 2 2 − x 2
= 4 − x2

(b) (2 − x) 6 (2 + x) 6
= [(2 − x)(2 + x)]6
= (4 − x 2 )6
= 46 + C16 (45 )(− x 2 ) + C26 (4 4 )(− x 2 ) 2 + C36 (43 )(− x 2 )3 + C46 (4 2 )(− x 2 ) 4 + C56 (4)(− x 2 )5 + (− x 2 ) 6
= 4 096 − 6 144 x 2 + 3 840 x 4 − 1 280 x 6 + 240 x8 − 24 x10 + x12

56. (a) Expand ( x + 1)( x 2 − x + 1).

(b) Hence expand ( x + 1)5 ( x 2 − x + 1)5.

(a) ( x + 1)( x 2 − x + 1) = x 3 + x 2 − x 2 − x + x + 1
= x3 + 1

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 (b) ( x + 1)5 ( x 2 − x + 1)5 = [( x + 1)( x 2 − x + 1)]5
= ( x 3 + 1)5
= ( x 3 )5 + C15 ( x3 ) 4 + C25 ( x3 )3 + C35 ( x3 ) 2 + C45 ( x 3 ) + 1
= x15 + 5 x12 + 10 x9 + 10 x 6 + 5 x3 + 1

57. (a) Expand (1 + x ) 7 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 2 .

(b) The coefficient of x 2 in the expansion of (1 + kx)(1 + x ) 7 is 7. By using the result of (a),
find the value of k.

(a) (1 + x) 7 = 1 + C17 x + C27 x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

= 1 + 7 x + 21x2 + terms involving higher powers of x

(b) (1 + kx)(1 + x) 7 = (1 + kx)(1 + 7 x + 21x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x) [ From the result of (a) ]

∴ The coefficient of x 2 = (1)(21) + (k )(7) = 7

k = −2

x
58. (a) Expand (2 + )8 in descending powers of x up to the term in x 6 .
2
x 7
(b) The coefficient of x 7 in the expansion of ( x − k )(2 + )8 is . By using the result of (a),
2 8
find the value of k.

x x
(a) (2 + )8 = ( + 2)8
2 2
x x x
= ( )8 + C18 ( )7 (2) + C28 ( )6 (22 ) + terms involving lower powers of x
2 2 2
x8 x7 7 x6
= + + + terms involving lower powers of x
256 8 4

x x8 x 7 7 x 6
(b) ( x − k )(2 + )8 = ( x − k )( + + + terms involving lower powers of x) [ From the result of
2 256 8 4
(a) ]

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 1 7 7
∴ The coefficient of x 7 = (−k ) + (1) =
8 4 8
k 7
− =−
8 8
k=7

59. (a) Expand ( x + 2) 6 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 2 .

(b) Hence expand (1 − 2 x + 2 x 2 )( x + 2) 6 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 2 .

(a) ( x + 2)6 = (2 + x)6

= 26 + C16 (25 )( x) + C26 (24 )( x 2 ) + terms involving higher powers of x
= 64 + 192x + 240x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x

(b) (1 − 2 x + 2 x 2 )( x + 2)6
= (1 − 2 x + 2 x 2 )(64 + 192 x + 240 x 2 + terms involving higher powers of x)
= 64 + [(1)(192) + (−2)(64)]x + [(1)(240) + (−2)(192) + (2)(64)]x 2
+ terms involving higher powers of x
= 64 + 64x − 16x2 + terms involving higher powers of x

60. (a) Expand ( 4 − x 2 )5 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 4 .

(b) Hence expand (3 − 2 x + x 3 )( 4 − x 2 )5 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 4 .

(a) (4 − x 2 )5 = 45 + C15 (4 4 )(− x 2 ) + C25 (43 )(− x 2 ) 2 + terms involving higher powers of x
= 1 024 − 1 280x2 + 640x4 + terms involving higher powers of x

(b) (3 − 2 x + x3 )(4 − x 2 )5
= (3 − 2 x + x3 )(1 024 − 1 280 x 2 + 640 x 4 + terms involving higher powers of x)
= (3)(1 024) + (−2)(1 024) x + (3)(−1 280) x 2 + [(−2)(−1 280) + (1)(1 024)]x 3 + (3)(640) x 4
+ terms involving higher powers of x
= 3 072 − 2 048x − 3 840x2 + 3 584x3 + 1 920x4 + terms involving higher powers of x
61. (a) Expand (3 x − 1) 7 in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 3.

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 (b) Hence find the coefficient of x 3 in the expansion of ( x + 2)(3 x − 1) 7.

(a) (3x − 1)7 = [−(1 − 3x)]7

= (−1)7 (1 − 3x)7
= − [1 + C17 (−3x) + C27 (−3x) 2 + C37 (−3x)3 + terms involving higher powers of x ]
= − (1 − 21x + 189 x 2 − 945 x3 + terms involving higher powers of x)
= −1 + 21x − 189x2 + 945x3 + terms involving higher powers of x

(b) ( x + 2)(3 x − 1) 7 = ( x + 2)(−1 + 21x − 189 x 2 + 945 x 3 + terms involving higher powers of x)
∴ The coefficient of x3 = (1)(−189) + (2)(945)
= 1 701

62. (a) Expand ( x 2 + 4) 6 in descending powers of x up to the term in x8 .

(b) Hence find the coefficient of x12 in the expansion of ( x 4 + 3x 2 + 4)( x 2 + 4) 6.

(a) ( x 2 + 4) 6 = ( x 2 ) 6 + C16 ( x 2 )5 (4) + C26 ( x 2 ) 4 (4 2 ) + terms involving lower powers of x

= x12 + 24x10 + 240x8 + terms involving lower powers of x

(b) ( x 4 + 3x 2 + 4)( x 2 + 4)6

= ( x 4 + 3x 2 + 4)( x12 + 24 x10 + 240 x8 + terms involving lower powers of x)
∴ The coefficient of x12 = (1)(240) + (3)(24) + (4)(1)
= 316

4
63. Use summation notation to express the expansion of ( x 2 + )5.
x

4 4 4 4 4 4
( x 2 + )5 = ( x 2 )5 + C15 ( x 2 ) 4 ( ) + C25 ( x 2 )3 ( ) 2 + C35 ( x 2 ) 2 ( )3 + C45 ( x 2 )( ) 4 + ( )5
x x x x x x
4 4 4 4 4
= C05 ( x 2 )5 − 0 ( )0 + C15 ( x 2 )5 −1 ( )1 + C25 ( x 2 )5 − 2 ( ) 2 + C35 ( x 2 )5 − 3 ( )3 + C45 ( x 2 )5 − 4 ( ) 4
x x x x x
4
+ C55 ( x 2 )5 − 5 ( )5
x
5
4
= ∑ Cr5 ( x 2 )5− r ( x )r
r =0
5
= ∑ Cr5 4r x10−3r
r =0

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 k
64. Use summation notation to express the expansion of ( px − ) 4, where k and p are non-zero real
x
numbers.

k
( px − ) 4
x
k k k k
= ( px) 4 + C14 ( px)3 (− ) + C24 ( px) 2 (− ) 2 + C34 ( px)(− )3 + (− ) 4
x x x x
k k k k k
= C04 ( px) 4 − 0 (− )0 + C14 ( px) 4 −1 (− )1 + C24 ( px) 4 − 2 (− ) 2 + C34 ( px) 4 − 3 (− )3 + C44 ( px) 4 − 4 (− ) 4
x x x x x
4
k
= ∑ Cr4 ( px)4− r (− x )r
r =0
4
= ∑ Cr4 (−k )r p 4− r x 4− 2r
r =0

n n+2
1 1
65. (a) Prove that ∑ = ∑ .
k =0
2k + 5 k = 2 2k + 1
n n
1 1
(b) Hence express ∑ − ∑ in terms of n.
k =0
2k + 1 k = 0 2k + 5

(a) Let k = j − 2.
When k = 0 , j = 2.
When k = n , j = n + 2.
n n+2
1 1
∑ = ∑
2 k + 5 j = 2 2( j − 2) + 5
k =0

n+2
1
= ∑ 2 j +1
j =2

n+2
1
= ∑ 2k + 1
k =2

n n+2
1 1
∴ ∑ = ∑
2k + 5 k = 2 2k + 1
k =0

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 n n n n+2
1 1 1 1 [ From the result of (a) ]
(b) ∑ − ∑ = ∑ − ∑
k =0
2k + 1 k = 0 2k + 5 k = 0 2k + 1 k = 2 2 k + 1
n n
1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + ∑ − ∑ − −
2(0) + 1 2(1) + 1 k = 2 2k + 1 k = 2 2k + 1 2(n + 1) + 1 2(n + 2) + 1
1 1 1
= 1+ − −
3 2n + 3 2n + 5
16n 2 + 52n + 36
=
3(2n + 3)(2n + 5)
4(n + 1)(4n + 9)
=
3(2n + 3)(2n + 5)

1
66. Let x + = 4, find the values of each of the following.
x
1 1
(a) x3 + 3 (b) x5 + 5
x x

1 1 1 1
(a) ( x + )3 = x 3 + C13 ( x 2 )( ) + C23 ( x)( ) 2 + ( )3
x x x x
3 1
43 = x 3 + 3 x + + 3
x x
1 1
43 = x 3 + 3 + 3( x + )
x x
1
43 = x 3 + 3 + 3(4)
x
1
x 3 + 3 = 43 − 3(4)
x
= 52

1 1 1 1 1 1
(b) ( x + )5 = x 5 + C15 ( x 4 )( ) + C25 ( x 3 )( ) 2 + C35 ( x 2 )( )3 + C45 ( x)( ) 4 + ( )5
x x x x x x
10 5 1
45 = x 5 + 5 x 3 + 10 x + + 3 + 5
x x x
1 1 1
45 = x 5 + 5 + 5( x 3 + 3 ) + 10( x + )
x x x
1
45 = x 5 + 5 + 5(52) + 10(4)
x
1
x 5 + 5 = 45 − 5(52) − 10(4)
x
= 724

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 1
67. Let y − = 3, find the values of each of the following.
y
1 1
(a) y 3 − 3 (b) y 5 − 5
y y

1 1 1 1
(a) ( y − )3 = y 3 + C13 ( y 2 )(− ) + C23 ( y )(− ) 2 + (− )3
y y y y
3 1
33 = y 3 − 3 y + −
y y3
1 1
33 = y 3 − 3 − 3( y − )
y y
1
33 = y 3 − 3 − 3(3)
y
1
y 3 − 3 = 33 + 3(3)
y
= 36

1 1 1 1 1 1
(b) ( y − )5 = y 5 + C15 ( y 4 )(− ) + C25 ( y 3 )(− ) 2 + C35 ( y 2 )(− )3 + C45 ( y )(− ) 4 + (− )5
y y y y y y
10 5 1
35 = y 5 − 5 y 3 + 10 y − + 3− 5
y y y
1 1 1
35 = y 5 − 5 − 5( y 3 − 3 ) + 10( y − )
y y y
1
35 = y 5 − 5 − 5(36) + 10(3)
y
1
y 5 − 5 = 35 + 5(36) − 10(3)
y
= 393

x (1 + 2 x) 7 ( x − 2) 6
68. Find the coefficient of x in the expansion of (1 − )8 + + .
2 x2 x4

x
In the expansion of (1 − )8,
2
x
the general term = Cr ( − ) r
8
2
8 x
term in x = C1 ( − )
2

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 1
∴ The coefficient of x = C18 (− )
2
= −4
(1 + 2 x ) 7
In the expansion of ,
x2
1 7 r
the general term = 2 Cr ( 2 x)
x
= Cr7 2 r x r − 2
Consider the term in x, i.e. take r − 2 = 1, r = 3.
∴ The coefficient of x = C37 23
= 280
( x − 2) 6
In the expansion of ,
x4
1
the general term = 4 Cr6 x 6 − r (−2) r
x
= Cr6 (−2) r x 2 − r
Consider the term in x, i.e. take 2 − r = 1, r = 1.
∴ The coefficient of x = C16 (−2)1
= −12
x (1 + 2 x) 7 ( x − 2) 6
∴ In the expansion of (1 − )8 + + ,
2 x2 x4
the coefficient of x = −4 + 280 − 12
= 264

1 ( x − 3)3
69. Find the coefficient of x in the expansion of ( x + ) 6 + ( x + 3) 7 − .
x x3

1
In the expansion of ( x + ) 6,
x
1
the general term = Cr6 ( x 6 − r )( ) r
x
= Cr6 x 6 − 2r
5
Consider the term in x, i.e. take 6 − 2r = 1 , r = .
2
1
Since r is not a non-negative integer, ( x + ) 6 does not consist of an x term.
x

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 In the expansion of ( x + 3) 7,
the general term = Cr7 37 − r x r
term in x = C17 36 x
∴ The coefficient of x = C17 36
= 5 103
( x − 3) 3
In the expansion of ,
x3
1 3 3− r
the general term =
3 r
C ( x )(−3) r
x
= Cr3 (−3) r x − r
Consider the term in x, i.e. take −r = 1, r = −1.
( x − 3)3
Since r is not a non-negative integer, does not consist of an x term.
x3
1 ( x − 3)3
∴ In the expansion of ( x + ) 6 + ( x + 3) 7 − ,
x x3
the coefficient of x = 5 103

1
70. (a) Use summation notation to express the expansion of ( + kx 2 ) n in ascending powers of x,
x
where k is a non-zero real number and n is a positive integer.
(b) If the 4th term of the expansion is −5 376, find the values of k and n.
(c) Hence find the coefficient of the term with the highest power.

1 2 n 1 n n 1 n −1 2 n 1 n−2 2 2 2 n
(a) ( + kx ) = ( ) + C1 ( ) (kx ) + C2 ( ) (kx ) + ! + (kx )
x x x x
1 1 1 1
= C0n ( ) n − 0 (kx 2 ) 0 + C1n ( ) n −1 (kx 2 )1 + C2n ( ) n − 2 (kx 2 ) 2 + ! + Crn ( ) n − r (kx 2 ) r + !
x x x x
1
+ Cnn ( ) n − n (kx 2 ) n
x
n
1
= ∑ Crn ( x ) n − r (kx2 )r
r =0
n
= ∑ Crn k r x3r − n
r =0

(b) The 4th term = C3n k 3 x3(3) − n

= C3n k 3 x9 − n

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 ∵ The 4th term is a constant term.
∴ 9−n=0
n=9
The constant term = C39 k 3 = −5 376
k 3 = − 64
k = −4

(c) The term with the highest power = (kx 2 ) 9

The coefficient of the term with the highest power = k 9
= (− 4)9
= −262 144

71. The coefficients of x and x 2 in the expansion of (1 + 2 x)3 (1 + ax2 ) 6 are b and 0 respectively,
where a is a non-zero real number and b is a real number.
(a) Find the values of a and b.
(b) Find the coefficient of x 3.

(a) (1 + 2 x)3 = 1 + C13 (2 x) + C23 (2 x) 2 + (2 x)3

= 1 + 6 x + 12x 2 + 8 x3
(1 + ax 2 ) 6 = 1 + C16 (ax 2 ) + terms involving higher powers of x
= 1 + 6ax2 + terms involving higher powers of x
∴ (1 + 2 x)3 (1 + ax 2 )6
= (1 + 6 x + 12 x 2 + 8 x3 )(1 + 6ax 2 + terms involving higher powers of x)
= 1 + 6x + 12x2 + 8x3 + 6ax2 + 36ax3 + terms involving higher powers of x
= 1 + 6 x + (12 + 6a) x 2 + (8 + 36a ) x 3 + terms involving higher powers of x
By comparing the coefficients of x and x 2 , we have
b = 6 .... ............ (1)
12 + 6a = 0 .......... ...... (2)
From (1), b = 6
From (2), 12 + 6a = 0
a = −2

(b) The coefficient of x3 = 8 + 36a

= 8 + 36(−2)
= −64

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72. (a) Expand (1 + 3x)(1 − 3x).

(b) Hence expand (1 + 3 x)3 (1 − 3 x)3.

k 27
(c) The coefficient of x 4 in the expansion of ( x 2 + )(1 + 3x)3 (1 − 3x)3 is − , where k is a
2 2
x
non-zero real number. Find the value of k.

(a) (1 + 3 x)(1 − 3 x) = 1 − (3x) 2

= 1 − 9x2

(b) (1 + 3 x)3 (1 − 3 x)3 = [(1 + 3 x)(1 − 3 x)]3

= (1 − 9 x 2 )3

= 1 + C13 (−9 x 2 ) + C23 (−9 x 2 ) 2 + (−9 x 2 )3

= 1 − 27 x 2 + 243 x 4 − 729 x 6

k k
(c) ( x 2 + 2
)(1 + 3x)3 (1 − 3x)3 = ( x 2 + 2 )(1 − 27 x 2 + 243 x 4 − 729 x6 )
x x
27
∴ The coefficient of x 4 = (1)(−27) + k ( −729) = −
2
27
−729 k =
2
1
k=−
54

1
73. (a) Expand ( x − ) 6.
3
1
(b) Expand ( − 3 x 2 ) 7 in descending powers of x up to the term in x8.
x
1 1
(c) Hence find the coefficient of x14 in the expansion of ( x − ) 6 ( − 3x 2 )7.
3 x

1
(a) ( x − ) 6
3
1 1 1 1 1 1
= x 6 + C16 ( x 5 )(− ) + C26 ( x 4 )(− ) 2 + C36 ( x 3 )(− )3 + C46 ( x 2 )(− ) 4 + C56 ( x)(− )5 + (− ) 6
3 3 3 3 3 3
5 x 4 20 x 3 5 x 2 2 x 1
= x 6 − 2 x5 + − + − +
3 27 27 81 729

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 1 2 7 2 1 7
(b) ( − 3x ) = (−3x + )
x x
1 1
= (−3x 2 )7 + C17 (−3x 2 )6 ( ) + C27 (−3x 2 )5 ( ) 2 + terms involving lower powers of x
x x
= −2 187x14 + 5 103x11 − 5 103x8 + terms involving lower powers of x

1 1 5 x 4 20 x3 5 x 2 2 x 1
(c) ( x − )6 ( − 3x 2 )7 = ( x 6 − 2 x5 + − + − + )
3 x 3 27 27 81 729
(−2 187 x14 + 5 103 x11 − 5 103 x8 + terms involving lower powers of x)

14 20 1
∴ The coefficient of x = (1)(−5 103) + (− )(5 103) + ( )(−2 187)
27 729
= −8 886

74. (a) Use summation notation to express the expansions of (3 − x) n and ( −1 + x) n in ascending
powers of x, where n is a positive integer.
n
(b) Prove that (3 − x) n + (−1 + x) n = ∑ Crn (−1)r [3n − r + (−1)n ]x r .
r =0
100
(c) Hence find ∑ Cr100 (−2)r (3100 − r + 1).
r =0

(a) (3 − x) n = 3n + C1n (3n −1 )(− x) + C2n (3n − 2 )(− x) 2 + ! + (− x) n

= C0n (3n − 0 )(− x)0 + C1n (3n −1 )(− x)1 + C2n (3n − 2 )(− x) 2

+ ! + Crn (3n − r )(− x) r + ! + Cnn (3n − n )(− x) n

n
= ∑ Crn (3n − r )(− x)r
r =0

(−1 + x) n = (−1) n + C1n (−1) n −1 ( x) + C2n (−1) n − 2 ( x 2 ) + ! + x n

= C0n (−1) n − 0 ( x 0 ) + C1n (−1) n −1 ( x1 ) + C2n (−1) n − 2 ( x 2 )
+ ! + Crn (−1) n − r ( x r ) + ! + Cnn (−1) n − n ( x n )
n
= ∑ Crn (−1)n − r x r
r =0

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 n n
(b) (3 − x) n + (−1 + x) n = ∑ Crn (3n − r )(− x) r + ∑ Crn (−1)n − r x r
r =0 r =0
n
= ∑ Crn (−1)r [(3n − r ) x r + (−1)n − 2r x r ]
r =0
n
= ∑ Crn (−1)r [3n − r + (−1)n ]x r
r =0

(c) Take n = 100 and x = 2 ,

100
(3 − 2)100 + (−1 + 2)100 = ∑ Cr100 (−1)r [3100 − r + (−1)100 ]2r
r =0
100
1100 + 1100 = ∑ Cr100 (−2)r (3100 − r + 1)
r =0
100
∴ ∑ Cr100 (−2)r (3100−r + 1) = 2
r =0

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