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# Binomial Theorem

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How to solve this

For some real number a and some positive integer n, the first few terms in the expansion of (1 + ax)^n are

1 + 10x + 150 x^2 + cx^3 + ...

Find c.

Feb 15, 2023

#1
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0

The terms in the expansion of $(1+ax)^n$ can be found using the binomial theorem, which states that

$$(1+ax)^n = \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k} (ax)^k$$

where $\binom{n}{k}$ is the binomial coefficient.

To find the coefficient of the $x^3$ term, we need to find the value of $k$ that satisfies $k \geq 3$ and $n-k=3$. Solving $n-k=3$ for $k$, we get $k=n-3$. Thus, we need to find the coefficient of $(ax)^{n-3}$ in the expansion. Using the formula for the binomial coefficient, we have

$$\binom{n}{n-3} = \frac{n!}{(n-3)!(3)!} = \frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{6}$$

Multiplying this by $a^{n-3}$ and simplifying, we get the coefficient of $x^3$:

$$c = \frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{6} a^{n-3}$$

Therefore, in the given expression, $c=\boxed{840}$, since the first three terms of the expansion have been provided.

Feb 15, 2023
#2
+287
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(1 - 20x) ^(-1/2) = 1 + 10x + 150x^2 + 2500x^3 +...

Feb 15, 2023