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 n, the expansion of (a+b)n is given by:
(a+b)n=∑r=0nnCran−rbr
The general term, or the (r+1)th term, in this expansion is denoted by Tr+1 and is given by:
Tr+1=nCran−rbr
To find the numerically greatest term in the expansion of (A+B)n, we analyze the ratio of consecutive terms. The (r+1)th term, Tr+1, is the numerically greatest term if it is greater than or equal to both its preceding term (Tr) and its succeeding term (Tr+2). That is, ∣Tr+1∣≥∣Tr∣ and ∣Tr+1∣≥∣Tr+2∣.
The ratio of the (r+1)th term to the rth term is:
TrTr+1=nCr−1an−(r−1)br−1nCran−rbr=rn−r+1⋅ab
Part 1: Finding the Least Value of n (n0)
We are given the binomial expansion (3+6x)n. We need to find the least integer value of n, denoted as n0, such that the 9th term is the greatest term when x=23.
1. Identify a, b, and the ratio of consecutive terms:
In the expansion of (3+6x)n, we have a=3 and b=6x.
The ratio of the (r+1)th term to the rth term is:
TrTr+1=rn−r+1⋅36x=rn−r+1⋅2x
Now, substitute the given value x=23:
TrTr+1=rn−r+1⋅2(23)=r3(n−r+1)
Since 3, n, and r (for r≥1) are positive, and x=23 is positive, all terms in the expansion will be positive. Therefore, we can remove the absolute value signs and just use Tr+1≥Tr and Tr+1≥Tr+2.
2. Apply the condition for T9 to be the greatest term:
For T9 to be the greatest term, it must satisfy two conditions:
a. T9≥T8 (The 9th term is greater than or equal to the 8th term)
b. T9≥T10 (The 9th term is greater than or equal to the 10th term)
Condition a: T9≥T8
This means the ratio T8T9≥1. Here, T9 is the (r+1)th term, so we set r=8.
Substitute r=8 into the ratio formula:
83(n−8+1)≥1
83(n−7)≥1
Multiply both sides by 8:
3(n−7)≥8
3n−21≥8
Add 21 to both sides:
3n≥29
Divide by 3:
n≥329⟹n≥9.66...
Condition b: T9≥T10
This means the ratio T9T10≤1. Here, T10 is the (r+1)th term, so we set r=9.
Substitute r=9 into the ratio formula:
93(n−9+1)≤1
93(n−8)≤1
Simplify the fraction:
3n−8≤1
Multiply both sides by 3:
n−8≤3
Add 8 to both sides:
n≤11
3. Determine the least value of n (n0):
Combining the two inequalities, we have:
9.66...≤n≤11
Since n must be an integer (as it's the power in a binomial expansion), the possible integer values for n are 10 and 11.
The problem asks for the least value of n, which is n0.
Therefore, n0=10.
Tip for Greatest Term Problems: Remember that n must always be an integer. When you get a range for n from inequalities, carefully select the integer values.
Part 2: Calculating the Ratio k of Coefficients
We need to find the ratio k of the coefficient of x6 to the coefficient of x3 in the expansion of (3+6x)n0. Since n0=10, we are considering the expansion of (3+6x)10.
1. Write the general term and identify the coefficient of xr:
The general term in the expansion of (3+6x)10 is:
Tr+1=10Cr310−r(6x)r=10Cr310−r6rxr
The coefficient of xr is Cr=10Cr310−r6r.
2. Find the coefficient of x6:
To find the coefficient of x6, we set r=6:
C6=10C6310−666=10C63466
3. Find the coefficient of x3:
To find the coefficient of x3, we set r=3:
C3=10C3310−363=10C33763
4. Calculate the ratio k:
k=Coefficient of x3Coefficient of x6=10C3376310C63466
To simplify, we group the combination terms and the exponential terms:
k=(10C310C6)⋅(3734)⋅(6366)
Using exponent rules (anam=am−n):
k=(10C310C6)⋅34−7⋅66−3
k=(10C310C6)⋅3−3⋅63
Now, let's simplify the combination term. Recall that nCr=r!(n−r)!n! and the property nCr=nCn−r. So, 10C6=10C10−6=10C4.
10C310C6=10C310C4=3!7!10!4!6!10!
Invert and multiply:
4!6!10!⋅10!3!7!=4!6!3!7!
Expand the factorials to simplify:
(4⋅3!)⋅6!3!⋅(7⋅6!)=47
Substitute this back into the expression for k:
k=47⋅331⋅63
k=47⋅271⋅216
Since 216=8×27:
k=47⋅27216=47⋅8
k=7×2
k=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+n0
We found n0=10 and k=14.
Therefore,
k+n0=14+10=24
The final answer is 24.
Summary and Key Takeaway
This problem effectively tests a student's comprehensive understanding of the Binomial Theorem. It requires:
- 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.
- 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.