Introduction: Understanding the Problem
The problem asks us to find the constant term in the binomial expansion of (3x3−2x2+x55)10. The constant term is then expressed in the form 2k⋅l, where l is an odd integer, and we need to determine the value of k. This type of problem typically involves the Multinomial Theorem to handle expansions with more than two terms.
Key Concept: The Multinomial Theorem
For an expression of the form (x1+x2+...+xm)n, the general term in its expansion is given by:
T=n1!n2!...nm!n!x1n1x2n2...xmnm
where:
- n is the total power of the expansion.
- x1,x2,...,xm are the individual terms within the parenthesis.
- n1,n2,...,nm are non-negative integers representing the powers of each term in a specific product, such that their sum equals n:
n1+n2+...+nm=n
The "constant term" is the term where the power of the variable (in this case, x) is zero, i.e., it is the coefficient of x0.
Step 1: Simplify the Expression to Isolate the Variable Part
The given expression is (3x3−2x2+x55)10.
To simplify, we can take x5 as a common denominator inside the parenthesis:
(3x3−2x2+x55)10=(x53x3⋅x5−x52x2⋅x5+x55)10
=(x53x8−2x7+5)10
Now, we can separate the numerator and denominator:
=(x5)10(3x8−2x7+5)10=x50(3x8−2x7+5)10
For this entire expression to be a constant term (i.e., independent of x), the numerator must contain an x50 term that cancels out the x50 in the denominator.
Therefore, our goal is to find the coefficient of x50 in the expansion of (3x8−2x7+5)10.
Step 2: Apply the Multinomial Theorem to Find the General Term of the Numerator
Let's consider the expansion of (3x8−2x7+5)10.
Here, n=10, and the terms are:
- x1=3x8
- x2=−2x7
- x3=5 (which can be considered as 5x0)
Using the Multinomial Theorem, the general term is:
T=n1!n2!n3!10!(3x8)n1(−2x7)n2(5)n3
where n1,n2,n3 are non-negative integers such that n1+n2+n3=10.
Let's separate the numerical coefficients and the powers of x:
T=n1!n2!n3!10!(3)n1(x8)n1(−2)n2(x7)n2(5)n3(x0)n3
T=n1!n2!n3!10!(3)n1(−2)n2(5)n3x8n1x7n2x0
Combining the powers of x:
T=(n1!n2!n3!10!(3)n1(−2)n2(5)n3)x8n1+7n2
The coefficient of x8n1+7n2 is the expression in the parenthesis.
Step 3: Determine Conditions for the Desired Term (x50)
For the term to be x50, the exponent of x must be 50. So, we set up the equation:
8n1+7n2=50(∗)
We also have the fundamental constraint from the Multinomial Theorem:
n1+n2+n3=10(∗∗)
Remember that n1,n2,n3 must be non-negative integers (ni≥0).
Step 4: Find Valid Integer Values for n1,n2,n3
We need to find non-negative integer solutions for n1 and n2 for the equation 8n1+7n2=50. We can systematically test values for n1:
- If n1=0: 7n2=50⟹n2=50/7, which is not an integer.
- If n1=1: 8(1)+7n2=50⟹7n2=42⟹n2=6.
- This is a valid integer solution for (n1,n2). Now, find n3 using n1+n2+n3=10:
- 1+6+n3=10⟹7+n3=10⟹n3=3.
- So, (n1,n2,n3)=(1,6,3) is a valid set of indices. All are non-negative integers.
- If n1=2: 8(2)+7n2=50⟹16+7n2=50⟹7n2=34, not an integer.
- If n1=3: 8(3)+7n2=50⟹24+7n2=50⟹7n2=26, not an integer.
- If n1=4: 8(4)+7n2=50⟹32+7n2=50⟹7n2=18, not an integer.
- If n1=5: 8(5)+7n2=50⟹40+7n2=50⟹7n2=10, not an integer.
- If n1=6: 8(6)+7n2=50⟹48+7n2=50⟹7n2=2, not an integer.
- If n1=7: 8(7)=56, which is already greater than 50. So, no further solutions for n1≥7 are possible for non-negative n2.
Thus, the only combination of (n1,n2,n3) that satisfies all conditions is (1,6,3).
Step 5: Calculate the Coefficient of x50
Now we substitute n1=1,n2=6,n3=3 into the coefficient part of the general term:
Coefficient=1!6!3!10!(3)1(−2)6(5)3
Let's calculate the factorial part:
1!6!3!10!=1×6!×(3×2×1)10×9×8×7×6!=610×9×8×7
=10×3×4×7=840
Now substitute this back into the coefficient expression:
Coefficient=840×(3)1×(−2)6×(5)3
=840×3×64×125
Let's perform the multiplication and factorize into prime powers:
840=84×10=(22×3×7)×(2×5)=23×3×5×7
3=31
64=26
125=53
So,
Coefficient=(23×3×5×7)×31×26×53
Group the powers of each prime number:
Coefficient=23+6×31+1×51+3×71
Coefficient=29×32×54×7
Step 6: Express in the Required Form and Find k
The problem states that the constant term is 2k⋅l, where l is an odd integer.
Our calculated constant term is 29×32×54×7.
Comparing this with 2k⋅l:
- The power of 2 is 29, so k=9.
- The remaining part, l=32×54×7=9×625×7=5625×7=39375.
We check that l=39375 is indeed an odd integer (it is not divisible by 2).
Therefore, the value of k is 9.
Tip on Common Mistakes:
- Algebraic Error in Simplification: A common mistake is to incorrectly simplify the original expression, as shown in the initial thought process, leading to a different problem. Always double-check algebraic manipulations.
- Incorrectly Identifying Terms: Ensure that each term (x1,x2,x3) is correctly identified, including its sign and any powers of x.
- Forgetting Constraints: It's crucial to remember that n1,n2,n3 must be non-negative integers that sum up to n. Systematically testing values helps prevent overlooking solutions or including invalid ones.
- Factorization Errors: When expressing the final coefficient in the form 2k⋅l, ensure careful prime factorization to correctly identify k and confirm l is odd.
Summary and Key Takeaway
To find the constant term in a multinomial expansion, especially with complex terms involving variables in the denominator, it's often helpful to first rewrite the entire expression such that the variable powers are easily combined. Then, apply the Multinomial Theorem to define the general term. The core of the problem lies in setting the total exponent of the variable to zero (for the constant term) or to a specific value (if the expression was simplified) and systematically finding all non-negative integer combinations for the powers of individual terms (ni). Finally, calculate the coefficient for these valid combinations and express it in the desired format. In this case, careful calculation led to k=9.