Math Problem Statement

Find the coefficient of x 2y 4 in the binomial expansion of x 3 − 6y 6 .

Solution

To find the coefficient of x2y4x^2y^4 in the binomial expansion of (x36y)6(x^3 - 6y)^6, we can use the binomial theorem.

The binomial theorem states:

(a+b)n=k=0n(nk)ankbk(a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k

Here, we have a=x3a = x^3, b=6yb = -6y, and n=6n = 6. We need to find the term in the expansion that contains x2y4x^2y^4.

In the general term of the expansion:

Term=(6k)(x3)6k(6y)k\text{Term} = \binom{6}{k} (x^3)^{6-k} (-6y)^k

Simplifying this term:

Term=(6k)x3(6k)(6)kyk\text{Term} = \binom{6}{k} x^{3(6-k)} (-6)^k y^k

We want this term to be of the form x2y4x^2y^4, so we need to solve the following equations:

  1. 3(6k)=23(6-k) = 2 for the power of xx
  2. k=4k = 4 for the power of yy

Let's solve these step by step:

Step 1: Solve for kk from the equation 3(6k)=23(6-k) = 2

3(6k)=23(6-k) = 2 183k=218 - 3k = 2 3k=163k = 16 k=163k = \frac{16}{3}

Since kk must be an integer, there is no integer solution for this. This suggests a misinterpretation. Let's correct the approach by directly setting k=4k = 4 (from the requirement y4y^4 and checking the power of xx).

Step 2: Verify the power of xx with k=4k = 4

Power of x=3(64)=3(2)=6\text{Power of } x = 3(6-4) = 3(2) = 6

This does not match x2x^2. Therefore, k=4k = 4 is incorrect.

Step 3: Analyze the correct terms

Let's consider that no such direct term matches x2y4x^2y^4. The usual approach to identify such errors is to reconsider the degree, or to match it to another value.

Given this, it seems the problem might be misstated. Let's check a simplified approach to reflect on your exact requirement.

Could you clarify if the powers intended are true for y4y^4 specifically?


Meanwhile, some potential follow-up queries could be:

  1. Any specific way you want these powers laid out?
  2. Are there more similar terms?
  3. Shall we refine it considering the whole?
  4. How about recalculating the base terms?
  5. Any specific limits to these powers?

Tip: Ensure checking powers directly relates to known binomial identities or derivations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Theorem
Binomial Expansion
Combinatorics

Formulas

Binomial Theorem: (a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k

Theorems

Binomial Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School