LECTURE

Binomial Expansion

BASIC CONCEPTS

1. Binomial
Expression An
algebraic
expression consisting of only two terms is
called a binomial expression. For example,
4
expressions such as x + a, 4x + 3y, 2x __
y
are allbinomial expressions.

2. Binomial Theorem This theorem gives a

formula by which any power of a binomial
expression can be expanded was first given
by Isaac Newton.
2.1 Binomial Theorem for Positive
Integral Index If x and a are real numbers,
then for all n N,
(x + a)n = nC0 xn a0 + nC1 xn 1 a1 + nC2 xn 2 a2 + .....
.... + nCn 1 x1 an 1 + nCn x0 an (1)
OR
n

n0 0

(x+a) = ( C0x a + nC2xn2a2 +nC4xn4a4 +.....)

+ (nC1xn 1a1 + nC3xn 3 a3
+ nC5xn 5 a5 + .......)
= A + B (say)
= Sum of odd terms + Sum of even
terms
n
Here C0, nC1, nC2, ......, nCn are called
binomial coefficients. These are generally
denoted
by C0, C1, C2, .......,Cn.
Note 1: The positive integer n is called the index
of the binomial.

Note 2: The number of terms in the expansion of

(x + a)n is n + 1, i.e., one more than the
index n.
Note 3: In the expansion of (x + a)n, the power of
x goes on decreasing by 1 and that of a
goes on increasing by 1 so that the sum
of powers of x and a in any term is n.
Note 4: The binomial coefficients of the terms
are equidistant from the beginning i.e.,
n
Cr = nCn r.
Note 5: Binomial coefficient of (r + 1)th term
is = nCr i.e. the number of terms is one
more than the value of r.
2.2 General Term in the Expansion of (x +
a)n In the binomial expansion of (x + a)n the
(r + 1)th term from the beginning is usually
called the general term and it is denoted by Tr
, i.e., Tr + 1 = nCr xn r ar = nCr (first term)n r.
+1
(second term)r
It is obvious to note that the binomial
coefficient of the general term
i.e., (r + 1)th term = nCr .
2.3 General term in the expansion of
(a + x)n is
Tr + 1 = nCr an r xr.
3. Special Cases
(i) Replacing a by a, in (1), we get

A.4 Binomial Expansion

(x a)n = nC0xna0 nC1xn 1a1 + nC2xn 2a2 ...

+ ( 1)n nCnx0an.
(2)
(ii) Replacing x by 1 and a by x, we get
(1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1x + nC2x2 + ...
+ nCnxn
(iii) Replacing x by 1 and a by x, we get
(1 x)n = nC0 nC1x + nC2 x2 ...
+ ( 1)n nCn xn.
(iv) Adding (1) and (2), we get (x + a)n +
(x a)n
= 2[xn + nC2 xn 2 a2 + nC4xn 4 a4 + ...]
= 2 (sum of terms at odd places).
The last term is nCn an 1 or nCn 1 xan 1 since,
n is even or odd respectively.
(v) Subtracting (2) from (1), we get,
(x + a)n (x a)n = 2[nC1xn 1 a + nC3xn
3 3
a + ...]
= 2[sum of terms at even places]
The last term is nCn 1 xan 1 or nCn an
according as n is even or odd respectively.

(vi) Number of terms in the expansion of

n
(a) (x + a)n + (x a)n = __
2 + 1 when n is
even.
n
(b) (x + a)n (x a)n = __
2 when n is
even
n +1
(c) (x + a)n (x a)n = ____
2 when n
is odd
(vii) Interchanging a and x in (1), we get,
(a + x)n = nC0 an x0 + nC1 an 1 x1 + nC2 an
2 2
x +
... + nCr an r xr + ............. + nCn xn.
4. Important Results In the Binomial
expansion of (x + a)n, if the sum of odd
terms be A and the sum of even terms be B,
then
(x + a)2n + (x a)2n = (A + B)2 + (A B)2 =
2(A2 + B2)
(x + a)2n (x a)2n = (A + B)2 (A B)2 =
4AB
(x2 a2)n = (A + B) (A B) = A2 B2

SOLVED SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS: (CBSE/STATE BOARD):

FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND CONCEPT BUILDING OF THE TOPIC
1. If coefficient of x2 and x3 in the expansion
of [3 + ax]9 are equal then find the value of
a.
[NCERT]
Solution
Tr + 1 = nCrxn rar Tr + 1 = 9Cr(3)9 r(ax)r
Tr + 1 = 9Cr(3)9 rarxr
For coefficient of x2, r = 2
T2 + 1 = 9C239 2a2x2 T3 = (9C237a2)x2
Again, Tr + 1 = 9Cr(3)9 1(ax)r
For coefficient of x3 T3 + 1 = 9C3(3)9 3a3x3
T4 = 9C3(3)6a3x3
According question, 9C237a2 = 9C336a3
987
98
________
_____
2 3=321a
a=

33
_____
7

9
__

a = 7.

2. By using the binomial expansion, expand

(1 + x + x2)3
Solution
(1 + x + x2)3 = [(1 + x) + x2]3
= 3C0.(1 + x)3 + 3C1.(1 + x)2.(x2) + 3C2.
(1 + x). (x2)2 + 3C3.(x2)3
= (1 + x)3 + 3(1 + x)2.x2 + 3(1 + x).x4
+ x6
= [1 + 3C1.x + 3C2x2 + 3C3.x3] + 3x2
[1 + 2x + x2] + 3x4(1 + x) + x6
= (1 + 3x + 3x2 + x3) + (3x2 + 6x3
+ 3x4) + (3x4 + 3x5) + x6
= (x6 + 3x5 + 6x4 + 7x3 + 6x2 + 3x + 1).
3. Using the binomial theorem, find the value
of (102)6.
Solution
(102)6 = (100 + 2)6

Binomial Theorem A.5

= 6C0 (100)6 + 6C1 (100)5 2 + 6C2

(100)4 (2)2 + 6C3 (100)3 (2)3
+ 6C4 (100)2 (2)4 + 6C5 100 (2)5
+ 6C6 (2)6
= (100)6 + 12 (100)5 + 60 (100)4 + 160
(100)3 + 240 (100)2 + 19200 + 64
= 100000000000 + 12000000000 +
6000000000 + 160000000 + 2400000
+ 19200 + 64
= 1126162419264
4. If the coefficients of ar 1, ar, ar + 1 in the
binomial expansion (1 + a)n are in arithmetic
progression, prove that n2 n(4r + 1) + 4r2
2 = 0.
[NCERT]
Solution
The general term in the expansion of
(1 + a)n is given by tr + 1 = nCrar.
Therefore coefficients of ar 1, ar and
ar + 1 in the expansion are nCr 1, nCr and
n
Cr + 1, respectively.
Now, n Cr 1, nCr and n Cr + 1 are in A.P.
n
n
Cr 1 _____
Cr +1
2n Cr = Cr 1 + nCr + 1 _____
+
n
n
Cr
Cr
=2

(1 + 0.01)1000000 = 1000000C0 + 1000000C1(0.01)

+ other positive terms = 1 + 1000000 0.01
+ other positive terms = 1 + 10000 + other
positive terms > 10000 Hence, (1.01)1000000
>10000
6. Find the term independentof x in the
1 8.
expansion of x2 + 2 + __
x2

Solution

( x + 2 + __x1 ) . = [ ( x + __1x ) ] = ( x + __1x )

(r 1) ! .(n r + 1)!

(r!).(n r)!
__________
n!

Suppose, (r + 1)th term is independent of x

1 r
Now, Tr + 1 = nCr xn r. ar = 16Cr.x16 r. __
x
= 16Cr. x16 2r
Q (r + 1)th term is independent of x
x16 2r = x0
16 2r = 0 r = 8
Thus term independent of x is T9 = 16C8.
7. Find the fourth root of 624, correct to four
places of decimal.

( )

Solution
6241/4 = (625 1)1/4 = (54 1)1/4

1
= 5 1 __
54

Splitting 1.01 and using binomial theorem,

the first few terms are (1.01)1000000 =

1/4

1 __
1
__
4 4 1 __
1 + ________
1 __
1 2
= 5 1 __
4
45
2!
54
3
__
1 . __
1
1
4
__
__
_____
1
= 5 4 3 2 4 __
5
57

nr
r
_________
+ _____ = 2
(n r + 1) n + 1

Solution

16

=2

[Q (n r + 1)! = (n r + 1).(n r)! and

(r!) = r. (r 1)!]
r(r + 1) + (n r)(n r + 1) = 2(r + 1)
(n r + 1)
n2 n(4r + 1) + 4r2 2 = 0.
5. Which is larger (1.01)1000000 or 10,000?
[NCERT]

2 8

(r!).(n r)!
n!
+
_________________ __________
n!
(r 1) ! .(n r + 1)!
n!
_________________

( )

12 = 5 .002 .0000012
2 ___
= 5 ___
103 127
= 4.9979988 = 4.9979
x __
1
8. Expand __
3+x

[NCERT]

Solution
Using Binomial theorem for positive
integral index, we have,
5

( __3x + __1x )

A.6 Binomial Expansion

( ) ( __1x )
( __3x ) ( __1x ) + C ( __3x ) ( __1x )
( __3x ) ( __1x ) + C ( __1x )

x 5 5
x
__
= 5C0 __
3 + C1 3

( )

+ 5C2
+ 5C4

Here, the general term is Tr + 1 = 12Cr

(x2)12 r ( yx)}r = 12Cr x24 2r ( 1)r yr xr
= 12Cr ( 1)r x24 r yr.
12. Find a positive value of m for which the
coefficient of x2 in the expansion (1 + x)m is
6.
[NCERT]

x
1
__
( ) ( ) ( __1x ) + 10 ( ___
27 ) ( x )
x __
x __
1
1
1
__
__
+ 10 ( __
9) (x ) + 5 (3) (x ) + x

x5
x4
___
= ____
243 + 5 81

Solution

Now (1 + x)m = mC0 + mC1 + mC2 x2 + ...... + mCmxm

we are given that coefficient of x2 = 6
mC2 = 6

5 3 ___
10 __
x5 ___
10
1
___
= ____
243 + 81 x + 27 x + 9 x

( )

5 __
1
1
__
+ __
3 x3 + x5

( )

9. Using Binomial theorem, indicate which

number is larger (1.1)10000 or 1000.
[NCERT]
Solution
Now (1.1)10000 = (1 + 0.1)10000 = 10000C0 +
10000
C1(0.1) + 10000C2(0.1)2 + .... +
10000
C10000(0.1)10000
1
= 1 + 10000 ___
10 + some positive terms
= 1 + 1000 + some positive terms > 1000
Hence, (1.1)10000 is larger than 1000.

3
n

10. Prove that

r n

Cr = 4n.
[NCERT]

r= 0

Solution

3
n

Now

r= 0

r n

Cr

m(m 1)
= 6 m2 m = 6 2! = 6 2
________
2!
= 12
m2 m 12 = 0 (m 4) (m + 3) = 0
m = 4, 3
But, m cannot be negative, therefore, m = 4.
13. Find a, b and n in the expansion of (a + b)n,
if the first three terms of its expansion are
729, 7290 and 30375, respectively.
[NCERT]
Solution
It is given that
T1 = 729 nC0 an b0 = 729 an = 729
(1)
T2 = 7290 nC1 an 1 b1 = 7290
nan 1 b = 7290
(2)
and T3 = 30375 nC2 an 2 b2 = 30375
n(n 1) n 2 2
a b = 30375
_______
2
Multiplying (1) and (3), we get

Cr 3r

r= 0

= nC0 + vC1 3 + nC2 32 + ........ + nCn 3n = (1

+ 3)n = 4n
(Q (1 + x)n = nC0 + nC1x + nC2 x2 + ....... +
n
Cn xn)
11. Write the general term in the expansion of
(x2 yx)12, x 0.
[NCERT]
Solution
The given power of binomial is (x yx) is
{x2 + ( yx)}12
2

12

(3)

n(n 1)
_______

a2n 2 b2 = 729 30375

(4)
2
Squaring (2), we get n2 a2n 2 b2 = 7290
7290
Dividing (4) by (5), we have
n(n 1)
_______
2n2

729 30375
= ___________
7290 7290

30375 ___
5
n 1 = ______
_____
72900 = 12
2n
12n 12 = 10n 2n = 12 n = 6

Binomial Theorem A.7

7290
7290
6(3)6 1 b = 7290 b = _____5 = _______
6 243
63
b = 5.

Substituting, n = 6 in (1), we get a6 = 729

(6)
a6 = 36 a = 3
Substituting, n = 6 and a = 3 in (ii), we
have

Hence, the required power of binomial

= (a + b)n = (3 + 5)6.

UNSOLVED SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS: (CBSE/STATE BOARD):

TO GRASP THE TOPIC, SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS
Exercise I

Exercise II

1. Expand (1 2x)5 by the binomial theorem.

[NCERT]
x 5
2 __
2. Expand __
by
the
binomial
theorem.
x 2
[NCERT]
3. Expand (2x 3)6 by the binomial theorem.
[NCERT]
6
1
__
4. Expand x + x by the binomial theorem.
[NCERT]
5. Using binomial theorem, evaluate (96)3.
[NCERT]
6. Find a if the 17th and 18th terms of the
expansion of (2 + a)50 are equal.
[NCERT]
7. The coefficients of three consecutive terms
in the expansion of (1 + a)n are in the ratio
1:7:42. Find n.
[NCERT]
5
8. Expand (x + y) .

9. Expand the following (1 x + x2)4.

10. Expand the following expressions.
(i) (1 x)6

1
(ii) x __
y

11

, y0

1. Expand (x2 + 2y)5 by the binomial theorem.

3 5 by the binomial theorem.
2. Expand 2x __
y
3. Find the value of r, if the coefficients of
(2r + 4)th and (r 2)th terms in the
expansion of (1 + x)18 are equal.
4. Using binomial theorem, evaluate (101)4.
[NCERT]
5. Using binomial theorem, evaluate (99)5.
[NCERT]
6. Find the coeffcient of x6 y3 in the expansion
of (x + 2y)9.
[NCERT]
7. Find the number of terms in the expansions
of the following.
(2x 3y)9
8. Find the 7th term in the expansion
5 9
4x ___
of ___
5 2x
9. If the coefficients of (r 1)th, rth and
(r + 1)th terms in the expansion of (x +1)n
are in the ratio 1 : 3 : 5 find n and r.
[NCERT]
2
5
10. Expand (x + 2a) by binomial theorem.
11. The 3rd, 4th and 5th terms in the expansion
of (x+a)n are, respectively 84, 280 and 560.
Find the values of x, a and n.

ANSWERS
Exercise I

1. 1 10x + 40x2 80x3 + 80x4 32x5

5 3 ___
32 40 20
x5
x 32
5x + __
2. ___5 ___3 + ___
x
8
x
x

3. 64x6 576x5 + 2160x4 4320x3 + 4860x2

2916x + 729.
15 6 1
4. x6 + 6x4 + 15x2 + 20 + ___2 + __4 + __
x
x x6

A.8 Binomial Expansion

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

884736
a=1
n = 55
x5 + 5x4 y + 10x3 y2 + 10x2 y3 + 5xy4 + y5
1 4x + 10x2 16x3 + 19x4 16x5 + 10x6
4x7 + x8.
10. (i) 1 6x + 15x2 20x3 + 15x4 6x5 + x6
(ii) x11 11x10 y 1 + 55x9 y 2 165x8 y 3
+ 330x7 y 4 462x6 y 5 + 462x5 y 6
330x4 y 7 + 165x3 y 8 55x2 y 9 + 11xy 10
Exercise II

1. x10 + 10x8y + 40x6y2 + 80x4y3 + 80x2y4 +

32y5

720x3 ______
240x4 _____
1080x2 _____
810x 243
2. 32x5 _____
+ 4 ____
y + y2
y5
y3
y
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

r=6
104060401
9509900499
672
10 terms

10500
8. ______
x3
9. n = 7 and r = 3
10. x10 10x8a + 40x6a2 + 80x4a3 + 80x2a4 + 32a5
11. x = 1, a = 2 and n = 7

SOLVED OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS: HELPING HAND

1. Subjective the square root of 999 correct to

three decimal places is
(a) 31.607
(b) 31.706
(c) 32.607
(d) 32.706
Solution

99
(a) 9991/2 = (900 + 99)1/2 = 9001/2 1 + ____
900
= 30 (1 + .11)1/2

1
__

= 30 1 + 2 (.11) +

) (.11)

1
1 __
__
2 21
________

)(

2!

3!

) (.11) +

1 __
1
1
__
__
2 21 22
_______________

1/2

. 11 __
1
1
__
2
3
= 30 1 + ____
2 8 (. 11) + 6 (. 11)

= 30 [1 + 0.055000 0.001512 + 0.000083....]

= 30 [1.053571] = 31.60713
= 31.607 (Correct to three places of
decimal)
2. The positive integer just greater than
(1 + 0.0001)10000 is
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 2
(d) 3
[AIEEE 2002]

Solution
lim
1 n and
(d) We know that e =
1 + __
n
2<e<3
(1 + 0.0001)10000 < 3 (By putting n = 10000)
Also, (1 + 0.0001)10000 = 1 + 10000 10 4
n

1000 9999
+ ___________
108 + .... upto 10001 terms
2!

(1 + 0.0001)10000 > 2.
Hence, 3 is the positive integer just greater
than (1 + 0.0001)10000 > 2.
Hence, (d) is the correct option.
3. If the coefficients of second, third and
fourth term in the expansion of (1 + x)2n are
in A.P., then 2n2 9n + 7 is equal to
(a) 1
(b) 0
(c) 1
(d) 3/2
[AMU 2001; MP PET 2004]
Solution
T2 = 2nC1 x, T3 = 2nC2 x2, T4 = 2nC3 x3
Coefficient of T2, T3, T4 are in A.P.
2n !
2. 2nC2 = 2nC1 + 2nC3 __________
2 !(2n 2) !
2n !
2n !
= ________ + __________
(2n 1) ! 3 !(2n 3) !
2n(2n 1)(2n 1)
2.2n(2n 1)
= 2n + _______________
__________
2
6

Binomial Theorem A.9

(n) (2n 1)(2n 2)

n(2n 1) = n + ________________
6
6(2n2 n) = 6n + 4n3 6n2 + 2n
6n(2n 1) = 2n(2n2 3n + 4)
6n 3 = 2n2 3n + 4
0 = 2n2 9n + 7 2n2 9n + 7 = 0.
4. Subjective the value of is equal to
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 2
(d) 4
3

(18 + 7 + 3.18.7.25)
___________________________

.
3 + 6.243.2 + 15.81.4 + 20.27.8
+ 15.9.16 + 6.3.32 + 64
6

Solution
(a) The numerator is of the form a3 + b3 + 3ab
(a + b) = (a + b)3 where a = 18 and b = 7.
Therefore, Nr = (18 + 7)3 = 253
For Dr, 31 = 3, 32 = 9, 33 = 27, 34 = 81,
35 = 243
6
C1 = 6, 6C2 = 15,6C3 = 20, 6C4 = 6C2 = 15,
6
C5 = 6C1 = 6, 6C6 = 1
Dr = 36 + 6C135 . 21 + 6C234 . 22 + 6C333.
23 + 6C5 3.25 + 6C626.
This is clearly the expansion of (3 + 2)6 = 56
= (25)3
(25)3
Nr _____
___
r =
D (25)3 = 1
5. The value
sixth term

of
in

_____

[2

log
2

9x1 + 7 +

x for which the

the expansion of

1
_______________
21/5 log2(3x1 + 1)

is equal to
(a) 1
(b) 2

] is 84
7

4 3x + 4 32x 12.3x + 27 = 0
32x + 7 = __
___
3
9
(3x 3) (3x 9) = 0 3x = 3 or 3x = 9
x = 1, 2
6. If the coefficient of mth, (m + 1)th and
(m + 2)th terms in the expansion of (1 + x)m
are in AP, then
(a) n2 + n(4m + 1) + 4m2 2 = 0
(b) n2 + n(4m + 1) + 4m2 + 2 = 0
(c) (n 2m)2 = n + 2
(d) (n + 2m)2 = n + 2
[AIEEE 2005]
Solution
(c) 2.nCm = nCm 1 + nCm + 1
n!
n!
2. ___________ = __________________
m ! (n m) ! (m 1) ! (n m + 1) !
n!
+ __________________
(m + 1) ! (n m + 1) !
2(m + 1) (n m + 1) = (m + 1)m
+ (n m + 1) (n m)
4mn 4m2 + n n2 + 2 = 0
(n 2m)2 = n + 2
7. 1 1! + 2 2! + 3 3! + ... + n n! is equal to
(a) (n + 1)!
(b) (n + 1)! 1
(c) (n + 1) ! + 1
(d) none of these
Solution
(b) 1 1! + 2 2! + 3 3! + .... + n n !
=
=

(c) 1, 2 (d) 3
[DCE 1993, 1995]

Solution

rr ! = {(r + 1) 1} r !
n

r=1
n

r=1

{(r + 1)r ! r !}
r=1

((r + 1) ! r !)
n

r=1

_______

1
(c) Exp. = 9x 1 + 7 __________
(3x 1 + 1)1/5

Now, T6 = 84
_______

5
2
1
7C5 ( 9x 1 + 7 ) _________
= 84
(3x 1 +1)1/5

1
21 (9x 1 + 7). _________
= 84
(3x 1+ 1)
9 x 1 + 7 = 4 (3x 1 + 1)

= (2! 1!) + (3! 2!) + (4! 3!) + ...

+ ((n + 1)! n!)
= (n + 1) ! 1! = (n + 1)! 1
8. The value of {1.3.5.....(2n 3) (2n 1)} is
(a) (2n)!/n!
(b) (2n)!/2n
(c) n!/(2n)!
(d) None of these
Solution
(a) 1.3.5........(2n 1)2n =

A.10 Binomial Expansion

1.2.3.4.5.6.....(2n 1)(2 )2
_______________________

(c) a negative integer (d) none of these

2.4.6.....2n
(2n)
! 2n
= ___________
= (2n) !/n !
2n(1.2.3.n)
9. If in the binomial expansion
_______

_______

Solution

of

[ 2 ( ) + 2( ) ] 6th term is equal

to 21 and coefficients of 2nd, 3rd, 4th terms
are 1st, 3rd and 5th term of A.P., then the
value of x (where log is defined at the base
of 10)
(a) 0
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 3
[MPPET 2007]
log 103x

x 2 log3

Solution
(c) As the coefficients mC1, mC2 and mC3 of
T2, T3, T4 are the first, third and fifth term
of an A.P. whose common difference is 2d,
therefore 2 . mC2 = mC1 + mC3 (m 2)
(m 7) = 0
As the sixth term is 21 and m = 2 violates
the rule, therefore, we will take m = 7 and
T6 = 21 _______
_______
5
5
75
= 7C5 [ 2log(103x) ] [ 2(x 2)log 3 ]
= 21 = 21.2log(10 3x) + log 3x 2 = 2log[(10 3x)3x 2]
= 1 = 20
On solving, we get, x = 0, 2.
10. In the expansion of (2 3x3)20, if the ratio of
10th term of 11th term is 45/22, then x =
(a) 2/3
(b) 3/2
(c) 2/3 (d) 3/2
[Orissa JEE 2007]
Solution
(c) Given expansion (2 3x3)20
Tr + 1 = 20Cr 220 r ( 3x3)r
putting r = 9, 10 t10 = 20C9 211 ( 3x3)9
t10 ___
45
t11 = 20C10 210 ( 3x3)10 Q __
t11 = 22

20

C9 ___
10
45
10
2 ____
1
__
___
____
___
11 1 3x3 = 22 Q 10 C10 = 11
8
2
___
x3 = ___
27 x__= 3
__
11. ( 3 + 1)4 + ( 3 1)4 is equal to
(a) a rational number
(b) an irrational number

( )

__

__

(a) ( 3 + 1)__4 + ( 3 1)__4

= 2 {4C0 ( 3 )4 + 4C2 ( 3 )2 + 4C4},
which is positive integer and hence a
rational number.
12. The coefficient of x53 in the following
expansion

100

Cm(x 3)100 m.2m is

100

m=0

(a)
(c)

100

C47
C53

(b)
(d)

100

100

C53
C100
[IIT Sc. 1992]
100

Solution
(c) The given sigma is expansion of
[(x 3) + 2]100 = (x 1)100 = (1 x)100
x53 will occur in T54. T54 = 100C53( x)53
Coefficient is 100C53.
13. If in the expansion of (1 + x)m(1 x)n,
the coefficient of x and x2 are 3 and 6
respectively, then m is
(a) 6
(b) 9
(c) 12
(d) 24
[IIT 1999; MP PET 2000]
Solution
(c) (1 + x) m (1 x)n

m (m 1) 2
+
= 1 + mx + __________
2!

1)
x )
( 1 nx + n(n
2!
___________

= 1 + (m n)x

(m m) 2
n2 n
_______
+ _____
x +
2 mn +
2
Given m n = 3 or n = m 3
m2 m
n2 n
______

mn
+
Hence, _____
2
2 =6
(m 3)(m 4)
m2 m
____________
m (m 3) + ______
2
2
=6
m2 7m + 12 2m2 + 6m + m2 m + 12 = 0
2m + 24 = 0
m = 12

Binomial Theorem A.11

14. If a1, a2, a3 are coefficients of any four

consecutive terms in the expansion of
a3
a1
______
(b + x)n, then ______
a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 is equal to
a2
(a) ______
a2 + a3
a2
______

(c) a + a
2
3

2a2
(b) ______
a2 + a3
a2
(d) _________
2 (a2 + a3)

coef. of Tr+1 ____

Cr ________
nr+1
___________
a1 = coef. of T = C =
r
r1
r
a2 _____
a1
n+1
r
______
_____
1 + __
a1 = r a1 + a2 = n + 1

a2
__

(1)
(2)

a2
r+1
_____
Similarly, ______
a +a =n+1
2

a3
r+2
______
_____
a3 + a4 = n + 1

[IIT 1975]
Solution
(b) Let given coefficients are those of
Tr, Tr + 1, Tr + 2, Tr + 3. Then

(3)

Now, (1) + (3)

a2
a3
2a2
2(r + 1) ______
______
_______
______
a +a +a +a = n+1 =a +a
1

[by (2)]

OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS: IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS

1. If the coefficient of 7th and 13th term in the

expansion of (1 + x)n are equal, then n =
(a) 10
(b) 15
(c) 18
(d) 20
2. In the expansion of (1 x)5, coefficient of
x5 will be
(a) 1
(b) 1
(c) 5
(d) 5
3. If the ratio of the coefficient of third and
1 n is
fourth term in the expansion of x ___
2x
1: 2, then the value of n will be
(a) 1 8
(b) 1 6
(c) 12
(d) 10
4. If the coefficients of rth term and (r + 4)th
term are equal in the expansion of (1 + x)20,
then the value of r will be
(a) 7
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) 10
[MPPET 2002]
5. Sum of odd terms is A and sum of even
terms is B in the expansion (x + a)n, then
[RPET 1987, 1992; UPSEAT 2004;
Roorkee 1986]
(a) AB = __14 [(x a)2n (x + a)2n]

(b) 2AB = (x + a)2n (x a)2n

(c) 4AB = (x + a)2n (x a)2n

(d) none of these
y
6. 9th term in the expansion of __
2 + 2x

12

is

(a) 7920 x7x5

(b) 7920 x6y6
8 4
(c) 7920 x y
(d) 7816 x8x4
7. If A and B are the coefficient of xn in the
expansions of (1 + x)2n and (1 + x) 2n 1
respectively, then
(a) A = B
(b) A = 2B
(c) 2A = B
(d) none of these
[NCERT]
8. The total number of terms in the expansion
of (x + a)100 + (x a)100 after simplification
will be
(a) 202
(b) 51
(c) 50
(d) none of these
9. If p and q be positive, then the coefficient
of xp and xq in the expansion of (1 + x) p + q
will be
(a) equal
(b) equal in magnitude but opposite in sign
(c) reciprocal to each other
(d) none of these
[NCERT]

A.12 Binomial Expansion

10. If the coefficients of 5th, 6th and 7th terms

in the expansion of (1 + x)n be in A.P.m then
n=
(a) 7 only
(b) 14 only
(c) 7 or 14
(d) none of these
[Roorkee
1984]
__
__
11. The value of ( 5 + 1)5 ( 5 1)5
(a) 252
(b) 352
(c) 452
(d) 532
[MPPET 1985]
12. If the three consecutive coefficient in the
expansion of (1 + x)n are 28, 56 and 70, then
the value of n is
(a) 6
(b) 4
(c) 8
(d) 10
[MPPET 1985]
13. In the expansion of (x2 2x)10, the coefficient
of x16 is
(a) 1680
(b) 1680
(c) 3360
(d) 6720
14. If T2/T3 in the expansion of (a + b)n, and T3/
T4 in the expansion of (a + b) n + 3 are equal,
then n =
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 5
(d) 6
[RPET 1987, 1996]
x n
15. If the coefficients of x7 and x8 in 2 + __
3
are equal, then n is

(a) 56
(b) 55
(c) 45
(d) 15
16. If the coefficient of (2r + 4)th and (r 2)th
terms in the expansion of (1 + x)18 are equal,
then r =
(a) 12
(b) 10
(c) 8
(d) 6
[PCET 2008; MPPET 1997]
17. If the second,third and fourth term in the
expansion of (x + a)n are 240, 720 and 1080,
resapectively, then the value of n is:
(a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 10
(d) 5
[Kurukshetra CEE 1991; DCE 1995, 2001]
18. If the coefficients of Tr, Tr + 1, Tr + 2 terms
of (1 + x)14 are in A.P., then r =
(a) 6
(b) 7
(c) 8
(d) 9
1 5
__

] [

1 5
__

19. The expansion x + (x3 1)2 + x + (x3 1)2

is a polynomial of degree
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8
[IIT 1992; DCE 1996, 2006]
20. In the expansion of (x + a)n, the sum of odd
terms is P and Sum of even terms is Q, then
the value of (P2 Q2) will be:
(a) (x2 + a2)n
(b) (x2 a2)n
2n
(c) (x a)
(d) (x + a)2n
[RPET 1997; Pb CET 1998]

SOLUTIONS
1. (c) nC6 = nC12
n = 6 + 12
n = 18
2. (b) (1 x)5, coefficient of x5
Tr + 1 = nCr an r br
in the expansion of (1 x)5
We have
Tr + 1 = 5Cr (1) 5 r ( x)r
= ( 1)r 5Cr xr
Q T r + 1 contains x5
r=5
Hence, the coefficient of x5 in the expansion

= 5C5 ( 1)5
=11
=1
1 2
3. (d) T3 = nC2 (x)n 2 ___
2x and

1 2
T4 = nC3(x)n 3 ___
2x
But according to the condition,

n(n 1) 3 2 1 8
______________________
n(n 1)(n 2) 2 1 4
4. (c) Tr + 1 = nCr xr for (1 + x)n
Here the coefficient is nCr.

1
= __
2 n = 10

Binomial Theorem A.13

Given nCr 1 = nCr + 3 20Cr 1 = 20Cr + 3

(r 1) + (r + 3) = 20 r = 9.
5. (c) (x + a)n = nC0xn + nC1xn 1a + nC2 xn 2a2
+ nC3xn 3a3 + ..... + an (1)
n
(x a) = nC0xn nC1xn 1a + nC2xn 2a2
nC3xn 3a3 + ..... + ( 1)nan
(2)
By assumption,
A = nC0xn + nC2xn 2a2 + nC4xn 4a4 + ........
B = nC1xn 1a + nC3xn 3a3 + nC5xn 5a5 + ........
This A + B = (x + a)n, A B = (x a)n
4AB = (A + B)2 (A B)2 = (x + a)2n
(x a)2n.
6. (c) We know that in the expansion of
(a + b)n, we have (r + 1)th term Tr + 1 = nCr
an rbr
12
y
in the expansion of __
2 + 2x
We have
9th term, T9 = T8 + 1

y 12 8
y
= 12C8 __
(2x)8 [Here a = __
2
2 , b = 2x]
y 4
8
= 12C8 __
2 (2x)
y4
= 12C8 __4 28 x8
2
= 12C4 24 x8 y4

( )
( )

12 11 10 9 16
__________________
4 3 2 1

x8y4

2
1
1
________
= ____________
+ ___
5 (n 5) (n 4) (n 5) 6.5
1 or __
1
2 = ___
1 + ___
If we put n = 7 in (1), _____
5 (2) 3.2 30 5
1
= __
5 (True)
2
1
1
______
___
n = 14 in (1) _____
5 9 = 10 9 + 30 (True)
__

__

__

11. (b) ( 5 __+ 1)5 ( 5 1)5 = (1 + 5 )5

+ (1 5 )5 __
__
= 2[1 + 5C2( 5 )2 + 5C4( 5 )4]

5.4
2
= 2 1 + ___
2 ! .5 + 5 (5 ) = 352
12. (c) Coefficient in Tr + 1 = 28, Tr + 2 = 56, Tr + 3
= 70.
This nCr = 28
(1)
n
Cr + 1 = 56
(2)
n
Cr + 3 = 70
(3)
Here we apply
n

Cr
_____

Cr 1 =

n (r 1)
_________
r

we get

= 72 100 x8y4
= 7920 x8y4
7. (b) A = Coefficient of xn in (1 + x)2n = 2nCn.
B = coefficient of xn in
(1 + x)2n 1 = 2n 1 Cn = 2n 1C(2n 1) n = 2n 1Cn 1
2n n 1
Now A = ___
n (2 Cn 1) = 2B

( )

8. (b) (x + y)100 + (x y)100 = 2[C0xn + C2xn

2 2
y + C4xn 4 y4 + .......... + Cnyn], where
n = 100
100
Total terms = ____
2 + 1 =51.

( )

p+q

Hence, coefficient of xp = p + qCp and that of

xq is p + qCq.
Note that p + qCp = p + qCq as nCr = nCn r.
10. (c) Coefficient of T5, T6, T7 are in A.P. for
(1 + x)n
nC4, nC5, nC6 are in A.P.
2(nC5) = nC4 + nC6
n!
n!
2n !
__________
= __________ = __________
5 ! (n 5) ! 4 ! (n 4) ! 6 ! (n 6) !

9. (a) Tr + 1 = Cr x
coefficient of xr = p + qCr.

Cr + 1 ___
56
nr
= 28 _____
_____
n
r+2 =2
(1)
Cr

(2)
____

n = 3r + 2
(3)
____
(2)

(4)

Cr + 2 ___
n (r + 1) __
70
5
= 56 _________
_____
n
r+2 =4
Cr + 1
(3r + 2) (r + 1) __
5
______________
=4
r+2

r=2n=8
by (4)
2
10
10
13. (c) (x 2x) = x (x 2)10
16

For coefficient of x
coefficient of x6 in

(1)

in (1), we consider

A.12 Binomial Expansion

(x 2)10, Tr + 1 = 10Cr (x)10 r ( 2)r

(2)
10 r = 6, r = 4
10.9.8.7
By (2), coefficient = 10C4( 2)4 = _______
4! .
(16)
= 3360
n
T2 ________
C1an 1b
2
_____
14. (c) For (a + b)n: __
=
T3 nC2an 2b2 = n 1
a
__
(1)
2

( )

n+3
T3 ___________
C2an + 3 2b2
For (a + b)n + 3: __
=
n
+
3
T4
C3an + 3 2b3

(2)

( b ) ( n 1 ) = ( b ) ( n + 1 ) or, n 1
2
_____

a
__

3
_____

2
_____

3
= _____
n+1
or, 2n + 2 = 3n 3 or, n = 5.
x r n ____
2n r r
15. (b) Tr + 1 = nCr 2 n r __
3 = Cr 3r x .
2n 7 = nC ____
2n 8
We are given nC7 ____
7
8
3
38
n
C
(n
7) ! 7 !
n!
8
__________
. __________
=6
___
n
C7 = 6 (n 8) ! 8 !
n!
n 7 = 6 n =55.
_____
8
16. (d) Coefficient in T2r + 4 = Coefficient in
T(r 2) for (1 + x)18
This 18C2r + 3 = 18Cr 3
(2r + 3) + (r 3) = 18 r = 6
17. (d) T2 = nc1xn 1a = 240,
T3 = nc2xn 2a2 = 720
T4 = nc3xn 3a3 = 1080
2x
nxn 1a
240
1
_______ = __
____________ = ____
(n 1)a 3
n
(n
1) n 2 2 720
_______
x a
2

1.2.3

2
_______________________
r (r 1) ! (14 r) (13 r) !
1
= ____________________________
(r 1) ! (15 r) (14 r) (13 r) !
2
1
1
________
= _____________
+ ______
r (14 r) (15 r) (14 r) (r + 1)r
1
+ ______________________
(r + 1) r (r 1) ! (13 r) !

( )

n (n 1) n
________
2
720
1.2 x 2a
___________________
and
= _____
n (n 1) (n 2) n 3 3 1080
_____________

4n 8 = 3n 3 n = 5
18. (d) Tr = 14cr 1xr 1; Tr + 1 = 14crxr; Tr + 2 = 14cr +
xr + 1
1
By the given condition

14 !
+ _______________
(r + 1) ! (13 r) !

By asssumption and by (1) and (2),

a
__

2 (n 2) 1
Divide (1) by (2) ________ = __
3(n 1) 2

14 !
14 !
2. __________ = _______________
r ! (14 r) ! (r 1) ! (15 r) !

( )

( ) (

(2)

2 . 14cr = 14cr 1 + 14cr + 1

(n + 3) (n + 2) .3 !
a
= ______________________. __
2 ! . (n + 3) (n + 2) (n + 1) b
T3 __
a
3
_____
or, __
T4 = b n + 1

2
x
_______
= __
(n 2)a 3

(1)

(15 r) r
(14 r) (r + 1)
______________ = ______________
r (5 r) (14 r) (r + 1) r (14 r)
13 2r
15 2r = ______
______
r+1
15 r
15r + 15 2r2 2r = 195 30r 13r + 2r2
4r2 56r + 180 = 0 r2 14 r + 45 = 0
(r 5) (r 9) = 0 r = 5, 9
But 5 is not given. Hence, r = 9.
19. (c) [x + (x3 1)1/2]5 + [x (x3 1)1/2]5
= 2 [5C0x5 + 5C2 x3 (x3 1) + 5C4 x1
(x3 1)2]
Max. power of x is 7.
20. (b) C0 xn + C2 xn 2 a2 + C4 xn 4 a4 + ...... = 0
= Sum of odd terms = p
C1xn 1a + C3xn 3a3 + C5xn 5a5 + ..... = E =
sum of even terms = q
This p + q = (x + a)n, p q = (x a)n
p2 q2 = [(x + a) (x a)]n
= (x2 a2)n.

Binomial Theorem A.15

UNSOLVED OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS (IDENTICAL PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE):

FOR IMPROVING SPEED WITH ACCURACY
1. If the coefficients of (2r + 1)th and
(r + 5)th terms in the expansion of (1 + x)25
are equal, then the value of r is:
(a) 4 or 7 (b) 4 or 6 (c) 4
(d) 6
2. If in the expansion of (1 x)n the coefficient
of x2 be 3, then the values of n are:
(a) 3, 2
(b) 3, 2
(c) 3, 2
(d) 3, 2
3. If for positive integers r > 1, n > 2, the
coefficient of the (3r)th and (r + 2)th
powers of x in the expansion of (1 + x)2n are
equal, then
(a) n = 2r
(b) n = 3r
(c) n = 2r + 1
(d) none of these
4. The number of non-zero
terms in__ the
__
expansion of (1 + 3 2 x)9 + (1 3 2 x)9
is
(a) 9
(b) 0
(c) 5
(d) 10
[EAMCET 1991]
5. If coefficient of (2r + 3)th and (r 1)th
terms in the expansion of (1 + x)15 are equal,
then value of r is
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 4
(d) 3
[RPET 1995, 2003; UPSEAT 2001]
6. If coefficients of 2nd, 3rd and 4th terms in
the binomial expansion of (1 + x)n are in
A.P., then n2 9n is equal to
(a) 7
(b) 7
(c) 14
(d) 14
[RPET 1999; UPSEAT 2002]

7. The coefficients of three successive terms

in the expansion of (1 + x)n are 165, 330
and 462 respectively, then the value of n
will be
(a) 11
(b) 10
(c) 12
(d) 8
8. If the coefficient of 4th term in the
expansion of (a + b)n is 56, then n is
(a) 12
(b) 10
(c) 8
(d) 6
[AMU 2000]
9. The coefficient of x5 in the expansion of
(x + 3)6 is
(a) 18
(b) 6
(c) 12
(d) 10
[DCE 2002]
10. In the expansion of (1 + x)n, coefficients
of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th terms are in A.P., then
n is equal to
(a) 7
(b) 9
(c) 11
(d) none of these
11. What is the approximate value of (1.02)8 ?
(a) 1.171
(b) 1.175
(c) 1.177
(d) 1.179
[NDA 2008]
12. The coefficient of x12 in the expansion of
(x2 + 2x)10 is:
(a) 11520
(b) 13410
(c) 16520
(d) 23040
[SCRA 2007]

WORK SHEET: TO CHECK PREPARATION LEVEL

Important Instructions:
1. The answer sheet is immediately below the
work sheet.
2. The test is of 8 minutes.
3. The test consists of 8 questions.
The maximum marks are 24.
4. Use blue/black ball point pen only for

writing particulars/marking responses. Use

of pencil is strictly prohibited.
1. If coefficients of (2r + 1)th term and
(r + 2)th expansion of (1 + x)43, then the
value of r will be
(a) 14
(b) 15
(c) 13
(d) 16
[UPSEAT 1999]

A.16 Binomial Expansion

2. In the expansion of (1 + x)11, the fifth the

third term. Then the value of x2 is
(a) 4
(b) 9
(c) 16
(d) 24
3. After simplifi cation, what is the number
of terms in the expansion of [(3x + y)5]4
[(3x + y)4]5 ?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 10
(d) 11
[NDA 2007]
4. In the expansion of (1 + x)n the coefficient
of pth and (p + 1)th terms are respectively
p and q. Then p + q =
(a) n + 3
(b) n + 1
(c) n + 2
(d) n
5. The first 3 terms in the expansion of (1 + ax)n
(n 0) are 1, 6x and 16x2. Then, the value
of a and n are; respectively
(a) 2 and 9
(b) 3 and 2

(c) 2/3 and 9

(d) 3/2 and 6

[Kerala Engg. 2002]
6. If tr is the rth term in the expansion of
t20
(1 + x)101, then what is the ratio __
t19 equal to?
20x
(b) 83x
(a) ____
19
83x
(c) 19x
(d) ____
19
[NDA 2008]
7. What is the coefficient of x3y4 in (2x + 3y2)5 ?
(a) 240
(b) 360
(c) 720
(d) 1080
[NDA 2008]
8. The coefficient of the (m + 1)th term and
the (m + 3)th in the expansion of (1 + x)20
are equal then value of m is
(a) 10
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) none of these
[UP-SEE 2007]

ANSWER SHEET

1. a
2. a
3. a

b
b
b

c
c
c

d
d
d

4. a
5. a
6. a

b
b
b

c
c
c

d
d
d

7.
8.

a
a

b
b

c
c

d
d

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS

1. T2r + 1 = Tr + 2 43C2r = 43Cr + 1
2r = r + 1 or 2r + r + 1 = 43
r = 1 or r = 14
3. ((3x + y)5)4 [(3x y)4)5 = (3x + y)20
(3x y)20
20
Number of terms = ___
2 = 10
5. T1 = 1, T2 = 6x, T3 = 16x2
n
C0 (ax)0 = 1; nC1 (ax)1 = 6x; nC2 (ax)2
= 16x2

n (n 1) 2
a = 16
an = 6 and ________
2
2
Solving, a = __
3 and n = 9
b20 101C19x19 ___________
101 19 + 1 ____
83x
6. ___ = _______
= 19
=
19
b19 101C18x18