Binomial Extension [54 marks]
2+7x
Consider the identity
( 1+2x ) ( 1−x )
≡ A
1+2x
+ B
1−x
, where A, B ∈ Z.
1a. Find the value of A and the value of B. [3 marks]
1b. Hence, expand 2+7x [4 marks]
in ascending powers of x, up to and
( 1+2x ) ( 1−x )
including the term in x2 .
1c. Give a reason why the series expansion found in part (b) is not valid for [1 mark]
x = 34 .
2a. Write down and simplify the first three terms, in ascending powers of x [3 marks]
1
, in the Extended Binomial expansion of (1 − x) . 3
2b. By substituting x = 1 find a rational approximation to √9
3
. [3 marks]
9
This question will investigate power series, as an extension to the Binomial
Theorem for negative and fractional indices.
A power series in x is defined as a function of the form
f (x) = a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 +. . . where the ai ∈ R.
It can be considered as an infinite polynomial.
3a. Expand (1 + x)5 using the Binomial Theorem. [2 marks]
This is an example of a power series, but is only a finite power series, since only a
finite number of the a i are non-zero.
3b. Consider the power series 1 − x + x2 − x3 + x4 −. . . [4 marks]
By considering the ratio of consecutive terms, explain why this series is equal to
(1 + x)−1 and state the values of x for which this equality is true.
3c. Differentiate the equation obtained part (b) and hence, find the first four [2 marks]
−2
terms in a power series for (1 + x) .
3d. Repeat this process to find the first four terms in a power series for [2 marks]
(1 + x)−3 .
3e. Hence, by recognising the pattern, deduce the first four terms in a [3 marks]
−n
power series for (1 + x) , n ∈ Z+ .
We will now attempt to generalise further.
Suppose (1 + x)q , q ∈ Q can be written as the power series
a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 +. . ..
3f. By substituting x = 0, find the value of a 0 . [1 mark]
3g. By differentiating both sides of the expression and then substituting [2 marks]
x = 0, find the value of a1 .
3h. Repeat this procedure to find a 2 and a 3 . [4 marks]
3i. Hence, write down the first four terms in what is called the Extended [1 mark]
Binomial Theorem for (1 + x) , q ∈ Q .
q
3j. Write down the power series for 1 [2 marks]
.
1+x2
3k. Hence, using integration, find the power series for arctan x, giving the [4 marks]
first four non-zero terms.
1
Consider the expression − √1 − x where a ∈ Q, a ≠ 0.
√1+ax
The binomial expansion of this expression, in ascending powers of x, as far as the
term in x2 is 4bx + bx2 , where b ∈ Q .
4a. Find the value of a and the value of b . [6 marks]
4b. State the restriction which must be placed on x for this expansion to be [1 mark]
valid.
5a. 3n + 1 [3 marks]
Express the binomial coefficient ( ) as a polynomial in n.
3n − 2
5b. 3n + 1 [3 marks]
Hence find the least value of n for which ( ) > 106 .
3n − 2
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