Math Problem Statement

third term of (a + 4/a^2)^11

Solution

The image asks for the "third term of (a+4a2)11\left(a + \frac{4}{a^2}\right)^{11}" using binomial expansion. Let's break it down and find the third term.

Step-by-Step Approach:

  1. Binomial Expansion Formula: The binomial expansion of (x+y)n(x + y)^n is given by:

    (x+y)n=k=0n(nk)xnkyk(x + y)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} x^{n-k} y^k

    For this specific case:

    • x=ax = a
    • y=4a2y = \frac{4}{a^2}
    • n=11n = 11
  2. Finding the Third Term: The third term corresponds to k=2k = 2 (since terms are indexed from k=0k=0):

    Third term=(112)a112(4a2)2\text{Third term} = \binom{11}{2} a^{11-2} \left(\frac{4}{a^2}\right)^2

  3. Simplify:

    • (112)=11×102=55\binom{11}{2} = \frac{11 \times 10}{2} = 55
    • a112=a9a^{11-2} = a^9
    • (4a2)2=16a4\left(\frac{4}{a^2}\right)^2 = \frac{16}{a^4}

    Therefore, the third term is:

    55a916a4=5516a5=880a555 \cdot a^9 \cdot \frac{16}{a^4} = 55 \cdot 16 \cdot a^5 = 880 a^5

Conclusion:

The third term of the expansion of (a+4a2)11\left(a + \frac{4}{a^2}\right)^{11} is 880a5880a^5.


Would you like further details or have any questions about this process?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you compute binomial coefficients like (112)\binom{11}{2}?
  2. What is the general form of binomial expansion for negative or fractional powers?
  3. How would the fourth term of this binomial expansion be calculated?
  4. Why does the index k=2k=2 correspond to the third term?
  5. How does the power of aa change for different terms in the binomial expansion?

Tip: Always keep track of powers carefully when using the binomial expansion, especially when dealing with fractions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Binomial Expansion
Algebra

Formulas

(x + y)^n = sum(k=0 to n) [n choose k] * x^(n-k) * y^k

Theorems

Binomial Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12