Binomial Theorem
The formula by which any positive integral power of a binomial expression can be expanded in the form of a series is known as Binomial Theorem. If x, y ∈ R and n∈N, then
(x + y)n = nC0 xn + nC1 xn-1 y + nC2 xn-2y2 + ….. + nCrxn-r yr + ….. + nCnyn =nCr xn – r yr
This theorem can be proved by Induction method.
OBSERVATIONS :
(i) The number of terms in the expansion is (n + 1) i.e. one or more than the index.
(ii) The sum of the indices of x & y in each term is n.
(iii) The binomial coefficients of the terms nC0, nC1…….. equidistant from the beginning and the end are equal.
Important Terms In The Binomial Expansion Are :
(i) General term
(ii) Middle term
(iii) Term Independent of x
(iv) Numerically greatest term
(i) The general term or the (r + 1)th term in the expansion of (x + y)n is given by ;
Tr+1 = nCr xn-r .yr
(ii) The middle term(s) is the expansion of (x + y)n is (are) :
(a) If n is even, there is only one middle term which is given by ;
T(n+2)/2 = nCn/2 . xn/2. yn/2
(b) If n is odd, there are two middle terms which are :
T(n+1)/2 & T[(n+1)/2]+1
(iii) The term independent of x is a term which does not have x; Hence find the value of r for which the exponent of x is zero.
(iv) To find the Numerically greatest term in the expansion of (1 + x)n , n∈N find Tr+1/Tr = Cr/Cr-1 = (n-r+1)/r .
Put the absolute value of x & find the value of r Consistent with the inequality Tr+1/Tr > 1
Note that the Numerically greatest term in the expansion of (1 – x)n , x > 0, n∈N is the same as the greatest term in (1 + x)n .
If (√A+B)n = I + f, where I and n are positive integers, n being odd and 0 < f < 1, then
(I + f) . f = Kn where A – B2 = K > 0 & √A-B<0.
If n is an even integer, then (I + f) (1 – f) = Kn.
To understand all these concepts properly, you should download the PDF given at the end of the post and solve at least one example on each topic. Or you can take help from our Online Maths Tutors or IB Maths Tutors
Binomial Coefficients
(i) C0 + C1 + C2 + ……. + Cn = 2n
(ii) C0 + C2 + C4 + …….= C1 + C3 + C5 + …….= 2n-1
(iii) C0² + C1² + C2² + …. + Cn² = 2nCn
(iv) C0.Cr + C1.Cr+1 + C2.Cr+2 + … + Cn-r.Cn = (2n)!/(n+r)(n+r-1)
Important Note:
(2n)! = 2n.n! [1. 3. 5 …… (2n – 1)]
Binomial Theorem For Negative Or Fractional Indices :
If n∈Q, then (1+x)n =1+nx+n(n-1)/2!+n(n-1)(n-2)/3!+………. Provided | x | < 1.
When the index n is a positive integer the number of terms in the expansion of
(1 + x)n is finite i.e. (n + 1) & the coefficient of successive terms are :
nC0 , nC1 , nC2 , nC3 ….. nCn
When the index is other than a positive integer such as negative integer or fraction, the number of terms in the expansion of (1 + x)n is infinite and the symbol nCr can not be used to denote the Coefficient of the general term.
The following expansion should be remembered (modulas x < 1).
(a) (1 + x)-1 = 1 – x + x2 – x3 + x4 – ….
(b) (1 – x)-1 = 1 + x + x2 + x3 + x4 + ….
(c) (1 + x)-2 = 1 – 2x + 3x2 – 4x3 + ….
(d) (1 – x)-2 = 1 + 2x + 3x2 + 4x3 + …..
The expansions in ascending powers of x are only valid if x is ‘small’.If x is large |x | > 1 then we may find it convenient to expand in powers of 1/x, which then will be small.
Approximations :
(1 + x)n = 1 + nx +n(n-1) x²/2! +n(n-1)(n-2) x3/3!……….. If x < 1, the terms of the above expansion go on decreasing and if x be very small, a stage may be reached when we may neglect the terms containing higher powers of x in the expansion. Thus, if x be so small that its squares and higher powers may be neglected then
If x < 1, the terms of the above expansion go on decreasing and if x be very small, a stage may be reached when we may neglect the terms containing higher powers of x in the expansion. Thus, if x be so small that its squares and higher powers may be neglected then
(1+x)n=1+nx, approximately.
This is an approximate value of (1 + x)n.
Exponential Series:
(i) ex =1+x/1!+x3/3!+x4/4!……
where x may be any real or complex & e= 
(ii) ax=1+(xloga)/1!+ (xloga)2/2!+ (xloga)3/3!+ (xloga)4/4!+……….where a > 0
e is an irrational number lying between 2.7 & 2.8. Its value correct up to 10 places of the decimal is 2.7182818284…..
You should download the PDF given at the end of the post and solve at least one example on each topic to understand all these concepts properly. Or you can take help from our Online Maths Tutors or IB Maths Tutors
Logarithms to the base ‘e’ are known as the Napierian system, so named after Napier, their inventor. They are also called Natural Logarithm.
Logarithmic Series :
(i) ln(1-x)=x-x2/2+x3/3-x4/4………. where -1 < x 1
(ii) ln(1-x)=-x-x2/2-x3/3-x4/4………. where -1 x < 1
Important Notes:
(a) ln 2=1-1/2+1/3-1/4………..
(b) eln x = x
(c) ln2 = 0.693
(d) ln10 = 2.303
Here I am posting a Pdf of Binomial theorem’s 100 questions. you can download and solve them for your practice.
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