Math Problem Statement

Find the coefficient of x in the expansion of (1 + 3/x)^2(1+3x/4)^6

Solution

We are tasked with finding the coefficient of xx in the expansion of:

(1+3x)2(1+3x4)6(1 + \frac{3}{x})^2 \left(1 + \frac{3x}{4}\right)^6

Step 1: Expand (1+3x)2(1 + \frac{3}{x})^2

Using the binomial expansion, we get:

(1+3x)2=1+23x+(3x)2=1+6x+9x2(1 + \frac{3}{x})^2 = 1 + 2 \cdot \frac{3}{x} + \left(\frac{3}{x}\right)^2 = 1 + \frac{6}{x} + \frac{9}{x^2}

Step 2: Expand (1+3x4)6\left(1 + \frac{3x}{4}\right)^6

Using the binomial expansion again, we have:

(1+3x4)6=k=06(6k)(3x4)k\left(1 + \frac{3x}{4}\right)^6 = \sum_{k=0}^6 \binom{6}{k} \left(\frac{3x}{4}\right)^k

The first few terms are:

1+6(3x4)+15(3x4)2+20(3x4)3+1 + 6\left(\frac{3x}{4}\right) + 15\left(\frac{3x}{4}\right)^2 + 20\left(\frac{3x}{4}\right)^3 + \cdots Simplifying each term: =1+18x4+135x216+540x364+= 1 + \frac{18x}{4} + \frac{135x^2}{16} + \frac{540x^3}{64} + \cdots =1+9x2+135x216+135x316+= 1 + \frac{9x}{2} + \frac{135x^2}{16} + \frac{135x^3}{16} + \cdots

Step 3: Multiply the two expansions

Now, multiply (1+6x+9x2)(1 + \frac{6}{x} + \frac{9}{x^2}) by (1+9x2+135x216+)\left(1 + \frac{9x}{2} + \frac{135x^2}{16} + \cdots\right).

We are only interested in the terms that produce xx.

(19x2)+(6x135x216)(1 \cdot \frac{9x}{2}) + \left(\frac{6}{x} \cdot \frac{135x^2}{16}\right) Simplifying:

  • From 19x21 \cdot \frac{9x}{2}, we get 9x2\frac{9x}{2}.
  • From 6x135x216\frac{6}{x} \cdot \frac{135x^2}{16}, we get 810x16=405x8\frac{810x}{16} = \frac{405x}{8}.

Step 4: Add the two results

9x2+405x8=36x8+405x8=441x8\frac{9x}{2} + \frac{405x}{8} = \frac{36x}{8} + \frac{405x}{8} = \frac{441x}{8}

Thus, the coefficient of xx is:

4418\boxed{\frac{441}{8}}

Would you like further details on this or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the binomial expansion formula for general cases?
  2. How do you find coefficients in binomial expansions?
  3. How would the expansion change for different powers?
  4. Can you explain why we only focused on certain terms in the product?
  5. How do we expand products involving inverse powers?

Tip: When multiplying expansions, always group and simplify terms carefully to avoid errors in coefficients.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Expansion
Polynomial Multiplication
Coefficient Identification

Formulas

Binomial Expansion: (1 + x)^n = Σ (nCk) * x^k
Multiplying Polynomials: Distribute each term of one polynomial to every term of the other polynomial

Theorems

Binomial Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 / College Level