Math Problem Statement

Find the coefficient of the x^3 term in the expansion of (1 + 3x - x^2)^8.

Solution

The image contains two mathematical problems related to binomial expansions and finding the coefficients of specific terms. Here's an interpretation of the problems:

  1. Problem 1:

    • The expression (2x212x)6\left( 2x^2 - \frac{1}{2x} \right)^6 is expanded, and the coefficient of the term x3x^3 is requested.

    The solution uses the general term from the binomial expansion formula: (6r)(2x2)6r(12x)r\binom{6}{r} \left(2x^2\right)^{6-r} \left(-\frac{1}{2x}\right)^r We need to find the value of rr that gives the x3x^3 term. The powers of xx are calculated, and then the value of rr is determined, leading to the coefficient of x3x^3.

  2. Problem 2:

    • The expression (1+3xx2)8\left(1 + 3x - x^2\right)^8 is expanded, and the coefficient of x3x^3 is requested.

    The general term for this expansion is: (8p,q,r)1p(3x)q(x2)r\binom{8}{p, q, r} \cdot 1^p \cdot (3x)^q \cdot (-x^2)^r where p+q+r=8p + q + r = 8 and the sum of powers for xx should be 33. The combinations of p,q,rp, q, r that satisfy this condition are calculated, and the coefficient is obtained.

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Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you derive the general term in the binomial expansion of (a+b)n(a + b)^n?
  2. What is the significance of binomial coefficients in expansions?
  3. How can you apply the multinomial theorem for three variables like in problem 2?
  4. What conditions must be met for the powers of xx in a multinomial expansion?
  5. How would the solution change if the powers or terms inside the binomial were different?

Tip: When dealing with binomial expansions, always carefully track the powers of the variables to find the correct term and coefficient.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Expansion
Multinomial Theorem

Formulas

Binomial Expansion Formula: (a + b)^n = ∑(nCr * a^(n-r) * b^r)
Multinomial Expansion Formula: (a + b + c)^n = ∑(n! / (p!q!r!) * a^p * b^q * c^r)

Theorems

Binomial Theorem
Multinomial Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

University Level