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JEE Main 2020
Binomial Theorem
Binomial Theorem
Medium

Question

Let the coefficients of x -1 and x -3 in the expansion of (2x151x15)15,x>0{\left( {2{x^{{1 \over 5}}} - {1 \over {{x^{{1 \over 5}}}}}} \right)^{15}},x > 0, be m and n respectively. If r is a positive integer such that mn2=15Cr.2rm{n^2} = {}^{15}{C_r}\,.\,{2^r}, then the value of r is equal to __________.

Answer: 2

Solution

Rewritten Solution

This problem involves finding coefficients in a binomial expansion and then using those coefficients in a given equation to solve for an unknown integer 'r'. We will systematically break down the problem using the general term formula for binomial expansions.


1. Understanding the Binomial Expansion and General Term

The binomial theorem provides a formula for expanding expressions of the form (a+b)N(a+b)^N. The general term, often denoted as Tk+1T_{k+1}, in the expansion of (a+b)N(a+b)^N is given by: Tk+1=NCkaNkbkT_{k+1} = {}^N{C_k} \cdot a^{N-k} \cdot b^k where kk is the index of the term (starting from k=0k=0 for the first term), and NCk=N!k!(Nk)!{}^N{C_k} = \frac{N!}{k!(N-k)!} is the binomial coefficient.

In our given problem, the expression is (2x151x15)15{\left( {2{x^{{1 \over 5}}} - {1 \over {{x^{{1 \over 5}}}}}} \right)^{15}}. Comparing this with (a+b)N(a+b)^N:

  • N=15N = 15
  • a=2x15a = 2{x^{{1 \over 5}}}
  • b=1x15=x15b = - {1 \over {{x^{{1 \over 5}}}}} = - {x^{ - {1 \over 5}}}

Now, let's substitute these into the general term formula to find the general term for our expansion: Tk+1=15Ck(2x15)15k(x15)kT_{k+1} = {}^{15}{C_k} \cdot {\left( {2{x^{{1 \over 5}}}} \right)^{15 - k}} \cdot {\left( { - {x^{ - {1 \over 5}}}} \right)^k}

Explanation: This step is crucial because the general term allows us to determine any specific term's coefficient and the power of xx without expanding the entire expression.

Next, we simplify this expression, particularly focusing on collecting the powers of xx: Tk+1=15Ck215k(x15)15k(1)k(x15)kT_{k+1} = {}^{15}{C_k} \cdot 2^{15 - k} \cdot \left( {x^{{1 \over 5}}} \right)^{15 - k} \cdot (-1)^k \cdot \left( {x^{ - {1 \over 5}}} \right)^k Tk+1=15Ck215kx15k5(1)kxk5T_{k+1} = {}^{15}{C_k} \cdot 2^{15 - k} \cdot x^{{{15 - k} \over 5}} \cdot (-1)^k \cdot x^{ - {k \over 5}} Tk+1=15Ck215k(1)kx15k5k5T_{k+1} = {}^{15}{C_k} \cdot 2^{15 - k} \cdot (-1)^k \cdot x^{{{15 - k} \over 5} - {k \over 5}} Tk+1=15Ck215k(1)kx152k5T_{k+1} = {}^{15}{C_k} \cdot 2^{15 - k} \cdot (-1)^k \cdot x^{{{15 - 2k} \over 5}}

This simplified form of the general term clearly separates the coefficient part (15Ck215k(1)k{}^{15}{C_k} \cdot 2^{15 - k} \cdot (-1)^k) from the variable part (x152k5x^{{{15 - 2k} \over 5}} ).


2. Finding the Coefficient 'm' (for x1x^{-1})

The problem states that 'm' is the coefficient of the x1x^{-1} term. To find this, we need to determine the value of kk for which the power of xx in our general term is 1-1.

Set the exponent of xx equal to 1-1: 152k5=1{{15 - 2k} \over 5} = -1

Explanation: We equate the exponent of xx from the general term to the desired power of xx to find which specific term (identified by kk) has that power.

Now, solve for kk: 152k=515 - 2k = -5 2k=15+52k = 15 + 5 2k=202k = 20 k=10k = 10

So, the 11th11^{th} term (since k=10k=10 means T10+1T_{10+1}) has x1x^{-1}. Now, substitute k=10k=10 into the coefficient part of the general term: m=15C1021510(1)10m = {}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot 2^{15 - 10} \cdot (-1)^{10}

Explanation: Once kk is known, we plug it back into the coefficient part of the general term (excluding xx) to find the actual value of the coefficient. Note the (1)k(-1)^k term is crucial for the sign.

m=15C1025(1)m = {}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot 2^5 \cdot (1) m=15C1025m = {}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot 2^5


3. Finding the Coefficient 'n' (for x3x^{-3})

Similarly, 'n' is the coefficient of the x3x^{-3} term. We repeat the process:

Set the exponent of xx equal to 3-3: 152k5=3{{15 - 2k} \over 5} = -3

Solve for kk: 152k=1515 - 2k = -15 2k=15+152k = 15 + 15 2k=302k = 30 k=15k = 15

Now, substitute k=15k=15 into the coefficient part of the general term: n=15C1521515(1)15n = {}^{15}{C_{15}} \cdot 2^{15 - 15} \cdot (-1)^{15} n=15C1520(1)n = {}^{15}{C_{15}} \cdot 2^0 \cdot (-1)

Explanation: Any number raised to the power of 0 is 1 (20=12^0=1). Also, NCN=1{}^{N}{C_N} = 1. The odd power of (1)(-1) results in 1-1. These simplifications are important.

n=11(1)n = 1 \cdot 1 \cdot (-1) n=1n = -1


4. Solving the Given Equation for 'r'

We are given the equation: mn2=15Cr2rm{n^2} = {}^{15}{C_r} \cdot {2^r}

Now, substitute the values we found for mm and nn: (15C1025)(1)2=15Cr2r({}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot {2^5}) \cdot (-1)^2 = {}^{15}{C_r} \cdot {2^r}

Explanation: We replace mm and nn with their calculated values. The (1)2(-1)^2 term becomes 11, which simplifies the left side.

(15C1025)1=15Cr2r({}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot {2^5}) \cdot 1 = {}^{15}{C_r} \cdot {2^r} 15C1025=15Cr2r{}^{15}{C_{10}} \cdot {2^5} = {}^{15}{C_r} \cdot {2^r}

To compare the binomial coefficients, recall the property NCk=NCNk{}^N{C_k} = {}^N{C_{N-k}}. Using this property, we can rewrite 15C10{}^{15}{C_{10}} as: 15C10=15C1510=15C5{}^{15}{C_{10}} = {}^{15}{C_{15 - 10}} = {}^{15}{C_5}

Substitute this back into the equation: 15C525=15Cr2r{}^{15}{C_5} \cdot {2^5} = {}^{15}{C_r} \cdot {2^r}

Explanation: Using the property NCk=NCNk{}^N{C_k} = {}^N{C_{N-k}} is a common technique in binomial theorem problems to simplify expressions or facilitate comparisons. Here, it makes the comparison more direct.

By comparing both sides of the equation, we can clearly see that: r=5r = 5


5. Key Takeaways and Common Pitfalls

  • General Term is Key: Always start by correctly deriving and simplifying the general term (Tk+1T_{k+1}) of the binomial expansion. This is the foundation for finding specific coefficients.
  • Exponent Manipulation: Be very careful with algebraic manipulation of exponents. Mistakes here are common.
  • Sign Errors: The (1)k(-1)^k term is critical. Ensure you correctly evaluate its sign based on whether kk is even or odd.
  • Binomial Coefficient Properties: Remember useful properties like NCk=NCNk{}^N{C_k} = {}^N{C_{N-k}}, as they can simplify comparisons or calculations significantly.
  • Read the Question Carefully: Ensure you are solving for the correct variable (in this case, 'r' from the final equation, not the index 'k' from the general term).

The value of rr that satisfies the given condition is 55.

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