Math Problem Statement

Given that in the expansion of 

(4x2−3x)n

, the 

5th

 term, in descending powers of 

x

, is a constant, find the value of 

n

.

Solution

To find the value of nn in the expansion of (4x23x)n(4x^2 - 3x)^n such that the 5th term is a constant, we need to determine the term which corresponds to the 5th position in the binomial expansion.

The general term TkT_k in the binomial expansion of (a+b)n(a + b)^n is given by: Tk=(nk)ankbkT_k = \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k where a=4x2a = 4x^2 and b=3xb = -3x.

To find the 5th term (which is actually T4T_4 in binomial terms, because indexing starts from k=0k=0), we set up the term: T4=(n4)(4x2)n4(3x)4T_4 = \binom{n}{4} (4x^2)^{n-4} (-3x)^4

Simplifying T4T_4:

= \binom{n}{4} (4^{n-4} x^{2(n-4)}) ((-3)^4 x^4) = \binom{n}{4} 4^{n-4} (-3)^4 x^{2(n-4) + 4} = \binom{n}{4} 4^{n-4} 81 x^{2n-8 + 4} = \binom{n}{4} 4^{n-4} 81 x^{2n - 4}$$ We want this term to be a constant. For it to be a constant, the power of $$x$$ must be zero: $$2n - 4 = 0$$ Solving for $$n$$: $$2n - 4 = 0 \\ 2n = 4 \\ n = 2$$ Therefore, the value of $$n$$ is: $$\boxed{2}$$ Would you like more details or have any questions about this solution? Here are 5 related questions you might want to ask: 1. How do you determine the general term in a binomial expansion? 2. What are the steps to find a specific term in the binomial expansion? 3. How do you handle binomial expansions with negative exponents? 4. What is the binomial theorem and how is it applied? 5. Can you show an example of finding a specific term in a different binomial expansion? **Tip:** When dealing with binomial expansions, always remember to consider the indexing properly and simplify each term step-by-step to avoid mistakes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial theorem
Binomial expansion
Exponent rules

Formulas

Binomial theorem formula
General term formula in binomial expansion

Theorems

Binomial theorem

Suitable Grade Level

High School