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JEE Main 2024
Binomial Theorem
Binomial Theorem
Medium

Question

Let for the 9th 9^{\text {th }} term in the binomial expansion of (3+6x)n(3+6 x)^{\mathrm{n}}, in the increasing powers of 6x6 x, to be the greatest for x=32x=\frac{3}{2}, the least value of n\mathrm{n} is n0\mathrm{n}_{0}. If k\mathrm{k} is the ratio of the coefficient of x6x^{6} to the coefficient of x3x^{3}, then k+n0\mathrm{k}+\mathrm{n}_{0} is equal to :

Answer: 3

Solution

Here is a clear, educational, and well-structured solution to the problem.


Key Concepts and Formulas

The binomial theorem states that for any non-negative integer nn, the expansion of (a+b)n(a+b)^n is given by: (a+b)n=r=0nnCranrbr(a+b)^n = \sum_{r=0}^{n} {}^nC_r a^{n-r} b^r The general term, or the (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term, in this expansion is denoted by Tr+1T_{r+1} and is given by: Tr+1=nCranrbrT_{r+1} = {}^nC_r a^{n-r} b^r

To find the numerically greatest term in the expansion of (A+B)n(A+B)^n, we analyze the ratio of consecutive terms. The (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term, Tr+1T_{r+1}, is the numerically greatest term if it is greater than or equal to both its preceding term (TrT_r) and its succeeding term (Tr+2T_{r+2}). That is, Tr+1Tr|T_{r+1}| \ge |T_r| and Tr+1Tr+2|T_{r+1}| \ge |T_{r+2}|.

The ratio of the (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term to the rthr^{\text{th}} term is: Tr+1Tr=nCranrbrnCr1an(r1)br1=nr+1rba\frac{T_{r+1}}{T_r} = \frac{{}^nC_r a^{n-r} b^r}{ {}^{n}C_{r-1} a^{n-(r-1)} b^{r-1} } = \frac{n-r+1}{r} \cdot \frac{b}{a}

Part 1: Finding the Least Value of nn (n0n_0)

We are given the binomial expansion (3+6x)n(3+6x)^n. We need to find the least integer value of nn, denoted as n0n_0, such that the 9th9^{\text{th}} term is the greatest term when x=32x=\frac{3}{2}.

1. Identify aa, bb, and the ratio of consecutive terms: In the expansion of (3+6x)n(3+6x)^n, we have a=3a=3 and b=6xb=6x. The ratio of the (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term to the rthr^{\text{th}} term is: Tr+1Tr=nr+1r6x3=nr+1r2x\frac{T_{r+1}}{T_r} = \frac{n-r+1}{r} \cdot \frac{6x}{3} = \frac{n-r+1}{r} \cdot 2x Now, substitute the given value x=32x = \frac{3}{2}: Tr+1Tr=nr+1r2(32)=3(nr+1)r\frac{T_{r+1}}{T_r} = \frac{n-r+1}{r} \cdot 2 \left(\frac{3}{2}\right) = \frac{3(n-r+1)}{r} Since 33, nn, and rr (for r1r \ge 1) are positive, and x=32x = \frac{3}{2} is positive, all terms in the expansion will be positive. Therefore, we can remove the absolute value signs and just use Tr+1TrT_{r+1} \ge T_r and Tr+1Tr+2T_{r+1} \ge T_{r+2}.

2. Apply the condition for T9T_9 to be the greatest term: For T9T_9 to be the greatest term, it must satisfy two conditions: a. T9T8T_9 \ge T_8 (The 9th9^{\text{th}} term is greater than or equal to the 8th8^{\text{th}} term) b. T9T10T_9 \ge T_{10} (The 9th9^{\text{th}} term is greater than or equal to the 10th10^{\text{th}} term)

Condition a: T9T8T_9 \ge T_8 This means the ratio T9T81\frac{T_9}{T_8} \ge 1. Here, T9T_9 is the (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term, so we set r=8r=8. Substitute r=8r=8 into the ratio formula: 3(n8+1)81\frac{3(n-8+1)}{8} \ge 1 3(n7)81\frac{3(n-7)}{8} \ge 1 Multiply both sides by 8: 3(n7)83(n-7) \ge 8 3n2183n - 21 \ge 8 Add 21 to both sides: 3n293n \ge 29 Divide by 3: n293    n9.66...n \ge \frac{29}{3} \implies n \ge 9.66...

Condition b: T9T10T_9 \ge T_{10} This means the ratio T10T91\frac{T_{10}}{T_9} \le 1. Here, T10T_{10} is the (r+1)th(r+1)^{\text{th}} term, so we set r=9r=9. Substitute r=9r=9 into the ratio formula: 3(n9+1)91\frac{3(n-9+1)}{9} \le 1 3(n8)91\frac{3(n-8)}{9} \le 1 Simplify the fraction: n831\frac{n-8}{3} \le 1 Multiply both sides by 3: n83n-8 \le 3 Add 8 to both sides: n11n \le 11

3. Determine the least value of nn (n0n_0): Combining the two inequalities, we have: 9.66...n119.66... \le n \le 11 Since nn must be an integer (as it's the power in a binomial expansion), the possible integer values for nn are 10 and 11. The problem asks for the least value of nn, which is n0n_0. Therefore, n0=10n_0 = 10.

Tip for Greatest Term Problems: Remember that nn must always be an integer. When you get a range for nn from inequalities, carefully select the integer values.

Part 2: Calculating the Ratio kk of Coefficients

We need to find the ratio kk of the coefficient of x6x^6 to the coefficient of x3x^3 in the expansion of (3+6x)n0(3+6x)^{n_0}. Since n0=10n_0 = 10, we are considering the expansion of (3+6x)10(3+6x)^{10}.

1. Write the general term and identify the coefficient of xrx^r: The general term in the expansion of (3+6x)10(3+6x)^{10} is: Tr+1=10Cr310r(6x)r=10Cr310r6rxrT_{r+1} = {}^{10}C_r 3^{10-r} (6x)^r = {}^{10}C_r 3^{10-r} 6^r x^r The coefficient of xrx^r is Cr=10Cr310r6rC_r = {}^{10}C_r 3^{10-r} 6^r.

2. Find the coefficient of x6x^6: To find the coefficient of x6x^6, we set r=6r=6: C6=10C6310666=10C63466C_6 = {}^{10}C_6 3^{10-6} 6^6 = {}^{10}C_6 3^4 6^6

3. Find the coefficient of x3x^3: To find the coefficient of x3x^3, we set r=3r=3: C3=10C3310363=10C33763C_3 = {}^{10}C_3 3^{10-3} 6^3 = {}^{10}C_3 3^7 6^3

4. Calculate the ratio kk: k=Coefficient of x6Coefficient of x3=10C6346610C33763k = \frac{\text{Coefficient of } x^6}{\text{Coefficient of } x^3} = \frac{{}^{10}C_6 3^4 6^6}{{}^{10}C_3 3^7 6^3} To simplify, we group the combination terms and the exponential terms: k=(10C610C3)(3437)(6663)k = \left( \frac{{}^{10}C_6}{{}^{10}C_3} \right) \cdot \left( \frac{3^4}{3^7} \right) \cdot \left( \frac{6^6}{6^3} \right) Using exponent rules (aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}): k=(10C610C3)347663k = \left( \frac{{}^{10}C_6}{{}^{10}C_3} \right) \cdot 3^{4-7} \cdot 6^{6-3} k=(10C610C3)3363k = \left( \frac{{}^{10}C_6}{{}^{10}C_3} \right) \cdot 3^{-3} \cdot 6^3 Now, let's simplify the combination term. Recall that nCr=n!r!(nr)!{}^nC_r = \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!} and the property nCr=nCnr{}^nC_r = {}^nC_{n-r}. So, 10C6=10C106=10C4{}^{10}C_6 = {}^{10}C_{10-6} = {}^{10}C_4. 10C610C3=10C410C3=10!4!6!10!3!7!\frac{{}^{10}C_6}{{}^{10}C_3} = \frac{{}^{10}C_4}{{}^{10}C_3} = \frac{\frac{10!}{4!6!}}{\frac{10!}{3!7!}} Invert and multiply: 10!4!6!3!7!10!=3!7!4!6!\frac{10!}{4!6!} \cdot \frac{3!7!}{10!} = \frac{3!7!}{4!6!} Expand the factorials to simplify: 3!(76!)(43!)6!=74\frac{3! \cdot (7 \cdot 6!)}{(4 \cdot 3!) \cdot 6!} = \frac{7}{4} Substitute this back into the expression for kk: k=7413363k = \frac{7}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{3^3} \cdot 6^3 k=74127216k = \frac{7}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{27} \cdot 216 Since 216=8×27216 = 8 \times 27: k=7421627=748k = \frac{7}{4} \cdot \frac{216}{27} = \frac{7}{4} \cdot 8 k=7×2k = 7 \times 2 k=14k = 14

Common Mistake: Be very careful with simplifying factorials and powers. A common error is to cancel terms incorrectly or make arithmetic mistakes during the final calculation. Always double-check your steps.

Part 3: Final Calculation: k+n0k + n_0

We found n0=10n_0 = 10 and k=14k = 14. Therefore, k+n0=14+10=24k + n_0 = 14 + 10 = 24

The final answer is 24\boxed{24}.


Summary and Key Takeaway

This problem effectively tests a student's comprehensive understanding of the Binomial Theorem. It requires:

  1. Correctly applying the condition for the numerically greatest term: This involves setting up and solving inequalities using the ratio of consecutive terms. It is crucial to remember that the power 'n' must be an integer.
  2. Accurately calculating ratios of coefficients: This involves identifying the general term, substituting the correct 'r' values, and simplifying complex fractional expressions involving combinations and powers. Mastery of factorial and exponent rules is essential.

Solving such problems reinforces the fundamental principles and practical applications of the binomial theorem.

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