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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 1

Question:

Find the binomial expansion of the following up to and including the terms in x3.
State the range values of x for which these expansions are valid.

(a) ( 1 + 2x ) 3
1
(b) 1x

(c) \ ( 1 + x )

1
(d)
( 1 + 2x ) 3

(e) 3\ ( 1 3x )
3
(f) ( 1 10x ) 2

x 4
(g) 1+ 4

1
(h)
( 1 + 2x2 )

Solution:

(a) ( 1 + 2x ) 3 Use expansion with n = 3 and x replaced with 2x

3 2 ( 2x ) 2 3 2 1 ( 2x ) 3
= 1 + 3 2x + 2! + 3! +

3 2 1 0 ( 2x ) 4
4! +

= 1 + 6x + 12x2 + 8x3 + 0x4 All terms after 0x4 will also be zero
= 1 + 6x + 12x2 + 8x3
Expansion is finite and exact. Valid for all values of x.

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1
(b) 1x Write in index form

= (1x) 1 Use expansion with n = 1 and x replaced with x

( 1) ( 2) ( x) 2
=1+ 1 x + 2! +

( 1) ( 2) ( 3) ( x) 3
3! +

= 1 + 1x + 1x2 + 1x3 +
= 1 + x + x2 + x3 +
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | x | < 1 | x | < 1.

(c) \ 1 + x Write in index form

1 1
= (1+x) 2 Use expansion with n = 2 and x replaced with x
1 1
( ) ( ) (x) 2
2 2
1
=1+ x + +
2 2!

1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 3
2 2 2
3! +

1 1 2 1 3
=1+ 2x 8x + 16 x +
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | x | < 1.

1
(d) Write in index form
( 1 + 2x ) 3
= ( 1 + 2x ) 3 Use expansion with n = 3 and x replaced with 2x
( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 2x ) 2
=1+ 3 2x + 2! +

( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 2x ) 3
3! +

= 1 6x + 24x2 80x3 +
1
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | 2x | < 1 |x| < 2.

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 3 of 4

(e) 3\ ( 1 3x ) Write in index form

1 1
= ( 1 3x ) 3 Use expansion with n = 3 and x replaced with 3x

1 2
( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 2
3 3
1
=1+ 3x + +
3 2!



1 2 5
( ) ( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 3
3 3 3
3! +

5 3
= 1 x x2 3x +
1
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | 3x | < 1 |x| < 3.

3 3
(f) ( 1 10x ) 2 Use expansion with n = 2 and x replaced with 10x

3 1
( ) ( ) ( 10x ) 2
2 2
3
=1+ 10x + +
2 2!



3 1 1
( ) ( ) ( ) ( 10x ) 3
2 2 2
3! +

3 1
= 1 15x + 100x2 1000x3 +
8 16
75 2 125 3
= 1 15x + 2 x + 2 x +
1
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | 10x | < 1 |x| < 10 .

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 4 of 4

x 4 x
(g) 1+ 4 Use expansion with n = 4 and x replaced with
4

x ( 4) ( 5) x 2
=1+ 4 + +
4 2! 4

( 4) ( 5) ( 6) x 3
+
3! 4
x2 x3
= 1 x + 10 16 20 64 +
5 2 5 3
=1x+ 8x 16 x +
x
Expansion is infinite. Valid when <1 |x| <4.
4

1
(h) Write in index form
1 + 2x2
= ( 1 + 2x2 ) 1 Use expansion with n = 1 and x replaced with 2x2
( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 2x2 ) 2
=1+ 1 2x2 + +
2!

= 1 2x2 +
1
Expansion is infinite. Valid when | 2x2 | < 1 |x| < 2.

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 2

Question:
(1+x)
By first writing ( 1 2x )
as ( 1 + x ) ( 1 2x ) 1 show that the cubic
(1+x)
approximation to ( 1 2x )
is 1 + 3x + 6x2 + 12x3. State the range of values of x
for which this expansion is valid.
Solution:

1+x
= 1+x ( 1 2x ) 1 Expand ( 1 2x ) 1 using binomial
1 2x
expansion
( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 2x ) 2
= 1+x 1+ 1 2x + 2! +

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 2x ) 3
3! +

= ( 1 + x ) ( 1 + 2x + 4x2 + 8x3 + ) Multiply out
= 1 + 2x + 4x + 8x + + x + 2x + 4x + 8x4 +
2 3 2 3 Add like
terms
= 1 + 3x + 6x2 + 12x3 +
1
( 1 2x ) 1 is only valid when | 2x | < 1 |x| < 2
1+x 1
So expansion of 1 2x is only valid when | x | < 2.

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 3

Question:

Find the binomial expansion of \ ( 1 + 3x ) in ascending powers of x up to and

including the term in x3. By substituting x = 0.01 in the expansion, find an
approximation to \ 103. By comparing it with the exact value, comment on the
accuracy of your approximation.
Solution:
1
\ ( 1 + 3x ) = ( 1 + 3x ) 2

1 1
( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 2
2 2
1
=1+ 3x + +
2 2!



1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 3
2 2 2
3! +

3 9 2 27 3
=1+ 2x 8x + 16 x +
1
This expansion is valid if | 3x | < 1 |x| < 3
1
Substitute x = 0.01 (OK, as | x | < 3) into both sides to give
3 2 9 3 27
~ 1+
\ 1 + 3 0.01 2 0.01 8 0.01 + 16 0.01
~ 1 + 0.015 0.0001125 + 0.0000016875
\ 1.03
103
~ 1.014889188 103 \ 103 \ 103
\ \ 100 = \ 100 = 10
100
\ 103
~ 1.014889188
10
10
~ 10.14889188
\ 103
Using a calculator

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 2 of 2

\ 103 = 10.14889157
Hence approximation correct to 6 d.p.
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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 4

Question:
1
In the expansion of ( 1 + ax ) 2
2 the coefficient of x is 24. Find possible values

of the constant a and the corresponding term in x3.

Solution:

1 3
( ) ( ) ( ax ) 2
1 2 2
1
( 1 + ax ) 2 =1+ 2 ax + +
2!



1 3 5
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ax ) 3
2 2 2
3! +

1 3 2 2 5 3 3
=1 2 ax + 8a x 16 a x +
1
This expansion is valid if | ax | < 1 |x| < a .

If coefficient of x2 is 24 then
3 2
8a = 24

a2 = 64
a= 8
Term in x3 is
5 3 3 5
16 a x = 16 ( 8 ) 3x3 = 160x3

If a = 8, term in x3 is 160x3
If a = 8, term in x3 is + 160x3
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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 5

Question:

1+x
Show that if x is small, the expression \ is approximated by 1 + x +
1x
1 2
2
x .

Solution:

\ 1
1+x
1+x = ( ) 2
1x
1x
1 1
= (1+x) 2 (1x) 2 Expand using the binomial expansion
1 1
1 ( ) ( ) (x) 2 1
= [1+ ( 2
) (x) + 2 2 + ] [1+ ( 2
) ( x) +
2!
1 3
( ) ( ) ( x) 2
2 2 + ]
2!
1 1 2 1 3 2
= (1+ 2
x 8
x + ) (1+ 2
x+ 8
x + )
1 3 2 1 1 3 2 1 2
=1(1+ 2
x+ 8
x + ) + 2
x(1+ 2
x+ 8
x + ) 8
x (1+
1 3 2
2
x+ 8
x + )
1 3 2 1 1 2 1 2
=1+ 2
x+ 8
x + 2
x+ 4
x 8
x + Add like terms
1 2
=1+x+ 2
x +

1+x 1 2
Hence \ ~ 1+x+
1x 2x

If terms larger than or equal to x3 are ignored.

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise A, Question 6

Question:
3
Find the first four terms in the expansion of ( 1 3x ) 2 . By substituting in a suitable
3
value of x, find an approximation to 97 2 .
Solution:

3 1 3 1 1
3 3 ( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 2 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( 3x ) 3
( 1 3x ) 2
=1+ ( 2
) ( 3x ) + 2 2 + 2 2 2 +
2! 3!

9x 27x2 27x3
=1 2
+ + +
8 16

1
Expansion is valid if | 3x | < 1 |x| < 3.
Substitute x = 0.01 into both sides of expansion to give
3 9 0.01 27 ( 0.01 ) 2 27 ( 0.01 ) 3
( 1 3 0.01 ) 2 =1 2 + 8 + 16 +
3
( 0.97 ) 2 ~ 1 0.045 + 0.0003375 + 0.000001687

3
( 0.97 ) 2 ~ 0.955339187

3 3 3
3 3 97 2 97 2
97 2
97 ~ 0.955339187 , 97
2 2 = = = 1000
100 100 3 ( 100 ) 3
100 2
3
97 2
~ 0.955339187
1000
1000

3
97 2 ~ 955.339187

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise B, Question 1

Question:

Find the binomial expansions of the following in ascending powers of x as far as

the term in x3. State the range of values of x for which the expansions are valid.

(a) \ ( 4 + 2x )
1
(b) 2+x

1
(c)
(4x) 2

(d) \ ( 9 + x )
1
(e) \ (2+x)

5
(f) 3 + 2x

1+x
(g) 2+x

2+x
(h) \
1x

Solution:

(a) \ ( 4 + 2x ) Write in index form.

1
= ( 4 + 2x ) 2 Take out a factor of 4
1
2x 1
= 4 1+ 4 2 Remember to put the 4 to the power
2
1 1 1
x
=4 2 1+ 2 2 4 2 =2

1
x 1 x
=2 1+ 2 2 Use the binomial expansion with n = 2 and x=
2

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1 1 x
( ) ( ) ( ) 2
2 2 2
1 x
=2 1+ + +
2 2 2!




1 1 3 x
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 3
2 2 2 2
3! +



2 3
x x x
= 2 1 + 4 32 + 128 + Multiply by the 2

x x2 x3
=2+ 2 16 + 64

x
Valid if <1 |x| <2
2

1
(b) 2+x Write in index form

= (2+x) 1 Take out a factor of 2

x 1
= 2 1+ 2 Remember to put 2 to the power 1

x 1 1
=21 1+ 2 , 21= 2. Use the binomial expansion with

x
n = 1 and x = 2

1
x ( 1) ( 2) x 2
= 2 1+ 1 + +
2 2! 2



( 1) ( 2) ( 3) x
3! 2 3+

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2 3
1 x x x 1
= 1 2 + 4 8 + Multiply by the
2 2

1 x x2 x3
= 2 4 + 8 16

x
Valid if <1 |x| <2
2

1
(c) Write in index form
(4x) 2
= (4x) 2 Take 4 out as a factor
x 2
= 4 1 4

x 2 1
=42 1 4 , 42= 16 . Use the binomial expansion with

x
n = 2 and x = 4

1 x ( 2) ( 3) x
= 1+ 2 4 + 4 2+
16 2!


( 2) ( 3) ( 4) x
4 3+
3!

2 3
1 x 3x x 1
= 1 + 2 + 16 + 16 + Multiply by
16 16

1 x 3x2 x3
= 16 + 32 + 256 + 256

x
Valid for <1 |x| <4
4

(d) \ 9 + x Write in index form

1
= (9+x) 2 Take 9 out as a factor
1
x
= 9 1+ 9 2

1 1 1
x 1
=9 2 1+ 9 2 , 9 2 = 3. Use binomial expansion with n = 2 and

x
x= 9

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1 1
( ) ( )
2 2
1 x x 2
=3 1+ + +
2 9 2! 9




1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2 x
3! 9 3+



2 3
x x x
= 3 1 + 18 648 + 11664 + Multiply by 3

x x2 x3
=3+ 6 216 + 3888

x
Valid for <1 |x| <9
9

1
(e) \2+x Write in index form
1
= (2+x) 2 Take out a factor of 2
1
x
= 2 1+ 2 2

1 1 1
x 1 1
=2 2 1+ 2 2 , 2 2 = = 2. Use binomial
1
2 2
1 x
expansion with n = 2 and x= 2

1 3
( ) ( )
1 1 x 2 2
x 2
= 2 1 +
2
2
+ 2! 2
+

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1 3 5
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2
x 3
+
3! 2



2 3
1 x 3x 5x 1
= 2 1 4 + 32 128 + Multiply by 2

1 x 3x2 5x3
= 2 42 + 32 2 128 2 + Rationalise surds

2 2x 3 2x2 52x3
= 2 8 + 64 256

x
Valid if <1 |x| <2
2

5
(f) 3 + 2x Write in index form

= 5 ( 3 + 2x ) 1 Take out a factor of 3

2x 1
=5 3 1+ 3

2x 1 1
=531 1+ 3 , 31= 3. Use binomial expansion with

2x
n = 1 and x = 3

5 2x ( 1) ( 2) 2x 2
= 1+ 1 + +
3 3 2! 3


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) 2x 3
+
3! 3

5 2x 4x2 8x3 5
= 1 3 + 9 27 + Multiply by
3 3

5 10x 20x2 40x3

= 3 9 + 27 81

2x 3
Valid if <1 |x| <
3 2

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1+x 1
(g) 2+x Write 2+x in index form

= (1+x) (2+x) 1 Take out a factor of 2

x 1
= 1+x 2 1+ 2

x 1 x 1
= 1+x 21 1+ 2 Expand 1+ 2 using the

binomial expansion
1
x ( 1) ( 2) x 2
= 1+x 2 1+ 1 + +
2 2! 2


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) x 3
+
3! 2

x2 x3
1 x
= 1+x 1 + 8 + Multiply 1
2 2 4

x x2 x3 1
2 + 4 8 + by 2

2 3
1 x x x
= 1+x + 16 + Multiply your answer
2 4 8
by ( 1 + x )
1 x x2 x3 1 x x2 x3
=1 4 + 8 16 + +x 4 + 8 16 +
2 2

1 x x2 x3 x x2 x3
= 2 4 + 8 16 + + 2 4 + 8 + Collect like
terms
1 1 1 2 1 3
= 2 + 4x 8x + 16 x

x
Valid if <1 |x| <2
2

2+x
(h) \ 1x
1 1
= (2+x) 2 (1x) 2 Put both in index form

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1 1 1
x
=2 2 1+ 2 2 (1x) 2 Expand both using the binomial

expansion




1 1
( ) ( )
2 2
1 x x 2
= 2 1+ + +
2 2 2! 2










1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2 x 1

2 3+ 1+ 2 x +
3!










1 3 1 3 5
( ) ( ) ( x) 2 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( x) 3
2 2 2 2 2
2! + 3! +

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1 1 1 1 3
= 2 1 + 4 x 32 x2 + 128 x3 + 1 + 2 x + 8 x2 +

5 3
16 x +

Multiply out


1 3 5 1 1
= 2 1 1 + 2 x + 8 x2 + 16 x3 + + 4x 1 + 2x +




3 2 5 3 1 1 3 5
8x + 16 x + 32 x2 1 + 2 x + 8 x2 + 16 x3 +


1 3 1 3 5
+ 128 x 1 + 2 x + 8 x2 + 16 x3 +

1 3 5 1 1 3 1 1
= 2 1 + 2 x + 8 x2 + 16 x3 + 4 x + 8 x2 + 32 x3 32 x2 64 x3 +

1 3
128 x + Collect like terms

3 15 51
= 2 1 + 4 x + 32 x2 + 128 x3 + Multiply by 2

32 15 2 2 51 2 3
= 2+ 4 x + 32 x + 128 x

x
Valid if < 1 and | x | <1 | x | < 1 for both to be valid
2

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise B, Question 2

Question:

3 + 2x x2 3
Prove that if x is sufficiently small, 4x may be approximated by 4
+
11 5 2
16
x 64
x . What does sufficiently small mean in this question?

Solution:

3 + 2x x2 1
3 + 2x x2 (4x) 1 Write as ( 4 x ) 1
4x 4x

x 1
= 3 + 2x x2 4 1 4 Take out a factor of 4

1 x 1 x 1
= 3 + 2x x2 1 Expand 1 4 using the
4 4
binomial expansion
1
2 x ( 1) ( 2) x
= 3 + 2x x 4 1 + 1 4 + 4
2!


2
+ Ignore terms higher than x2


1 x x2
= 3 + 2x x2 1 + 4 + 16 + Multiply expansion by
4
1
4
2
1 x x
= 3 + 2x x2 + + 64 + Multiply result by
4 16
( 3 + 2x x2 )
x2 x2
1 x 1 x 2
=3 + 16 + 64 + + 2x + 16 + 64 + x
4 4

1 x x2
4 + 16 + 64 +

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3 3 3 2 1 1 2 1 2
= 4 + 16 x + 64 x + 2x + 8x 4x + Ignore any terms

bigger than x2
3 11 5 2
= 4 + 16 x 64 x

x
Expansion is valid if <1 |x| <4
4

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise B, Question 3

Question:
1
Find the first four terms in the expansion of \ ( 4 x ) . By substituting x = 9
,
find a fraction that is an approximation to 35. By comparing this to the exact
value, state the degree of accuracy of your approximation.
Solution:
1
\ (4x) = (4x) 2

x 1
= [4(1 4
) ] 2

1 x 1
=4 2 (1 4
) 2

1 1 1 1 3
1 x ( ) ( ) x 2 ( ) ( ) ( )
=2[1+ ( 2
) ( 4
) + 2 2 ( 4
) + 2 2 2
2! 3!
x
( ) 3+ ]
4

x x2 x3
=2(1 8
+ )
128 1024

x x2 x3
=2 4
+
64 512

x
Valid for 4 <1 |x| <4

1
Substitute x = 9 into both sides of the expansion:
1 1 2 1 3
( ) ( )
9 9 9
1
~ 2 4
\ 4 9
64 512

35 1 1 1
\ ~ 2

9 36 5184 373248
35 736055
~

3 373248
736055 736055
35
~ 3 = = 5.916079 925
373248 124416

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By calculator 35 = 5.916079 | 783

Fraction accurate to 6 decimal places
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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise B, Question 4

Question:
1 1
The expansion of ( a + bx ) 2 may be approximated by 4
+ 4
x + cx2. Find
the values of the constants a, b and c.
Solution:
bx
( a + bx ) 2 = [ a ( 1 + a
) ] 2 Take out a factor of a
bx
=a2(1+ a
) 2
1 bx
= (1+ ) 2
a2 a

1 bx ( 2) ( 3) bx
= [1+ ( 2) ( ) + ( ) 2+ ]
a2 a 2! a

1 2bx 3b2x2
= + +
a2 a3 a4

1 1
Compare this to 4 + 4x + cx2
1 1
Comparing constant terms: = 4
a2
a2 = 4 ( )
a= 2
2b 1
Comparing terms in x: = 4
a3
a3
b= 8 Substitute a = 2

( 2) 3
b= 8

b= 1
3b2
Compare terms in x2: c= Substitute a4 = 16, b2 = 1
a4
31
c= 16

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3
c= 16
3
Hence a = 2, b 1, c = 16

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise C, Question 1

Question:
8x + 4
(a) Express (1x) (2+x)
as partial fractions.

8x + 4
(b) Hence or otherwise expand (1x) (2+x)
in ascending powers of x as far as
the term in x2.

(c) State the set of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
Solution:
8x + 4 A B A(2+x) +B(1x)
(a) Let (1x) (2+x) (1x) + (2+x) (1x) (2+x)
Set the numerators equal: 8x + 4 A ( 2 + x ) + B ( 1 x )
Substitute x = 1: 8 1 + 4 = A 3 + B 0
12 = 3A
A=4
Substitute x = 2: 8 ( 2) +4=A0+B3
12 = 3B
B= 4
8x + 4 4 4
Hence (1x) (2+x) (1x) (2+x)

4
(b) (1x) =4(1x) 1

( 1) ( 2) ( x) 2
=4 1+ 1 x + +
2!

= 4 ( 1 + x + x2 + )
= 4 + 4x + 4x2 +
4
(2+x) =4(2+x) 1

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x 1
=4 2 1+ 2

x 1
=421 1+ 2

1 x ( 1) ( 2) x
=4 1+ 1 +
2 2 2! 2
2
+

2
x x
=2 1 2 + 4 +

1 2
=2x+ 2x +
Therefore
8x + 4 4 4
(1x) (2+x) (1x) (2+x)

1
= 4 + 4x + 4x2 + 2 x + 2 x2 +

7x2
= 2 + 5x + 2

4
(c) (1x) is valid for | x | < 1
4
(2+x) is valid for | x | < 2
Both are valid when | x | < 1.
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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise C, Question 2

Question:

2x
(a) Express as a partial fraction.
(2+x) 2

2x 1
(b) Hence prove that 2
can be expressed in the form 0 2
x + Bx2 + Cx3
(2+x)
where constants B and C are to be determined.

(c) State the set of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
Solution:

2x A B A(2+x) +B
(a) Let (2+x) +
(2+x) 2 (2+x) 2 (2+x) 2
Set the numerators equal: 2x A ( 2 + x ) + B
Substitute x = 2: 4=A0+B B=4
Equate terms in x: 2=A A= 2
2x 2 4
Hence (2+x) +
(2+x) 2 (2+x) 2

2
(b) 2+x = 2(2+x) 1
x 1
= 2 2 1+ 2

x 1
= 221 1+ 2


x ( 1) ( 2) x 2
= 1 1+ 1 + +
2 2! 2


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) x 3
+
3! 2

2 3
x x x
= 1 1 2 + 4 8 +

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x x2 x3
= 1+ 2 4 + 8 +

4
2
=4(2+x) 2
(2+x)
x 2
=4 2 1+ 2

x 2
=422 1+ 2


x ( 2) ( 3) x 2
=1 1+ 2 + +
2 2! 2


( 2) ( 3) ( 4) x 3
+
3! 2

3x2 x3
=1 1x+ 4 2 +

3x2 x3
=1x+ 4 2 +
Hence
2x 2 4
(2+x) +
(2+x) 2 (2+x) 2
x x2 x3 3x2 x3
= 1+ 2 4 + 8 +1x+ 4 2 +
1 1 2 3 3
=0 2x + 2x 8x
1 3
Hence B = 2 , (coefficient of x2) and C = 8 , (coefficients of x3)

2
(c) (2+x) is valid for | x | < 2
4
is valid for | x | < 2
(2+x) 2
Hence whole expression is valid | x | < 2.
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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise C, Question 3

Question:

6 + 7x + 5x2
(a) Express (1+x) (1x) (2+x) as a partial fraction.

6 + 7x + 5x2
(b) Hence or otherwise expand (1+x) (1x) (2+x)
in ascending powers of x
as far as
the term in x3.

(c) State the set of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
Solution:

6 + 7x + 5x2 A B C
(a) Let (1+x) (1x) (2+x) (1+x) + (1x) + (2+x)

A(1x) (2+x) +B(1+x) (2+x) +C(1+x) (1x)
(1+x) (1x) (2+x)
Set the numerators equal:

6 + 7x + 5x2 A 1x 2+x +B 1+x 2+x +C


1+x 1x

Substitute x = 1: 6+7+5=A0+B23+C0
18 = 6B
B=3
Substitute x = 1: 67+5=A21+B0+C0
4 = 2A
A=2
Substitute x = 2: 6 14 + 20 = A 0 + B 0 + C ( 1 ) 3
12 = 3C
C= 4

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6 + 7x + 5x2 2 3 4
Hence (1+x) (1x) (2+x) (1+x) + (1x) (2+x)

2
(b) 1+x =2(1+x) 1
( 1) ( 2) (x) 2
=2 1+ 1 x + 2! +

( 1) ( 2) ( 3) (x) 3
3! +

= 2 ( 1 x + x2 x3 + )
~ 2 2x + 2x2 2x3
Valid for | x | < 1
3
1x =3(1x) 1
( 1) ( 2) ( x) 2
=3 1+ 1 x + 2! +

( 1) ( 2) ( 3) ( x) 3
3! +

= 3 ( 1 + x + x2 + x3 + )
~ 3 + 3x + 3x2 + 3x3
Valid for | x | < 1
4
2+x =4(2+x) 1
x 1
=4 2 1+ 2

x 1
=421 1+ 2


x ( 1) ( 2) x 2
=2 1+ 1 + +
2 2! 2


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) x 3
+
3! 2

2 3
x x x
=2 1 2 + 4 8 +

x2 x3
~ 2x+
Valid for | x | < 2
2 4

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Hence
6 + 7x + 5x2 2 3 4
(1+x) (1x) (2+x) (1+x) + (1x) (2+x)

= 2 3
2 2x + 2x 2x + 2 3
3 + 3x + 3x + 3x

2 3
x x
2x+ 2 4

= 2 + 3 2 2x + 3x + x + 2x2 + 3x2
x2 x3
2 2x3 + 3x3 + 4

9 2 5 3
= 3 + 2x + 2x + 4x

(c) All expansions are valid when | x | < 1.

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 1

Question:

Find binomial expansions of the following in ascending powers of x as far as the

term in x3. State the set of values of x for which the expansion is valid.

(a) ( 1 4x ) 3

(b) \ ( 16 + x )
1
(c) ( 1 2x )

4
(d) 2 + 3x

4
(e) \ (4x)

1+x
(f) 1 + 3x

1+x 2
(g)
1x

x3
(h) ( 1 x ) ( 1 2x )

Solution:

(a) ( 1 4x ) 3 Use binomial expansion with n = 3 and x = 4x

( 3 ) ( 2 ) ( 4x ) 2
=1+ 3 4x + +
2!

( 3 ) ( 2 ) ( 1 ) ( 4x ) 3
3! As n = 3 expansion is finite
and exact
= 1 12x + 48x2 64x3 Valid for all x

(b) \ 16 + x Write in index form

1
= ( 16 + x ) 2 Take out a factor of 16

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1
x
= 16 1 + 16 2

1 1
x 1 x
= 16 2 1 + 16 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 2 and x=
16

1 1 1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
1 x 2 2 2 2 2
x 2
=4 1+ 2 + +
16 2! 16 3!




x 3
+
16


2 3
x x x
=4 1 + 32 2048 + 65536 + Multiply by 4

x x2 x3
=4+ 8 512 + 16384 +

x
Valid for <1 | x | < 16
16

1
(c) 1 2x Write in index form

= ( 1 2x ) 1 Use binomial expansion with n = 1 and x = 2x

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 2x ) 2
=1+ 1 2x + 2! +

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 2x ) 3
3! +

= 1 + 2x + 4x2 + 8x3 +
1
Valid for | 2x | < 1 |x| < 2

4
(d) 2 + 3x Write in index form

= 4 ( 2 + 3x ) 1 Take out a factor of 2

3x 1
=4 2 1+ 2

3x 1
=421 1+ 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 1 and

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3x
x= 2

3x ( 1) ( 2) 3x 2
=2 1+ 1 + +
2 2! 2


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) 3x 3
+
3! 2

3x 9x2 27x3
=2 1 2 + 4 8 + Multiply by 2

9x2 27x3
= 2 3x + 2 4 +

3x 2
Valid for <1 |x| <
2 3

4
(e) \4x =4(\4x) 1 Write in index form
1
=4(4x) 2 Take out a factor of 4
1
x
=4 4 1 4 2

1 1
x 1
=44 2 1 4 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 2 and

x
x= 4

1 3
( ) ( )
1 2 2
1 x x
=4 2 1+ 2 4 + 4 2+
2!




1 3 5
( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2
x
4 3+
3!



x 3 5
=2 1 + 8 + 128 x2 + 1024 x3 + Multiply by 2

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x 3 2 5 3
=2+ 4 + 64 x + 512 x +
x
Valid 4 <1 |x| <4

1+x 1
(f) = 1+x ( 1 + 3x ) 1 Write in index form then expand
1 + 3x 1 + 3x

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3x ) 2
= 1+x 1+ 1 3x + 2! +

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 3x ) 3
3! +

= ( 1 + x ) ( 1 3x + 9x2 27x3 + ) Multiply out
= 1 3x + 9x2 27x3 + x 3x2 + 9x3 + Collect like terms
= 1 2x + 6x2 18x3 +
1
Valid for | 3x | < 1 |x| < 3

1+x 2 (1+x) 2
(g) = Write in index form
1x (1x) 2

= (1+x) 2(1x) 2 Expand ( 1 x ) 2 using binomial expansion

( 2) ( 3) ( x) 2
= 2
1 + 2x + x 1 + 2 x + +
2!

( 2) ( 3) ( 4) ( x) 3
3! +

= ( 1 + 2x + x2 ) ( 1 + 2x + 3x2 + 4x3 + ) Multiply out brackets
= 1 + 2x + 3x2 + 4x3 + 2x + 4x2 + 6x3 + x2 + 2x3 + Collect like
terms
= 1 + 4x + 8x2 + 12x3 +
Valid for | x | < 1
x3 A B
(h) Let ( 1 x ) ( 1 2x ) (1x) + ( 1 2x ) Put in partial fraction form
A ( 1 2x ) + B ( 1 x )
( 1 x ) ( 1 2x ) Add fractions.
Set the numerators equal: x 3 A ( 1 2x ) + B ( 1 x )
Substitute x = 1: 13=A 1+B0
2 = 1A

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A=2
1 1 1
Substitute x = 2: 2 3=A0+B 2
1 1
2 2 = 2B

B= 5
x3 2 5
Hence ( 1 x ) ( 1 2x ) (1x) ( 1 2x )
2
(1x)
=2(1x) 1

( 1) ( 2) ( x) 2
=2[1+ ( 1) ( x) + +
2!
( 1) ( 2) ( 3) ( x) 3
+ ]
3!

= 2 ( 1 + x + x2 + x3 + )
~ 2 + 2x + 2x2 + 2x3

5
( 1 2x ) = 5 ( 1 2x ) 1
( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 2x ) 2
= 5 [ 1 + ( 1 ) ( 2x ) + +
2!
( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 2x ) 3
+ ]
3!

= 5 ( 1 + 2x + 4x2 + 8x3 + )
~ 5 + 10x + 20x2 + 40x3

x3 2 5
Hence ( 1 x ) ( 1 2x ) (1x) ( 1 2x )
~
( 2 + 2x + 2x2 + 2x3 ) ( 5 + 10x + 20x2 + 40x3 )
~
3 8x 18x2 38x3
2
1x is valid for | x | < 1
5 1
1 2x is valid for | 2x | < 1 |x| < 2
1
Both are valid when | x | < 2.

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 2

Question:

Find the first four terms of the expansion in ascending powers of x of:
1
1
1 2x 2 , |x| <2

and simplify each coefficient. (adapted)
Solution:

1 1 1
1 1 ( ) ( ) ( x) 2
1 =1+ ( 2
) ( 2
x) + 2 2 2 +
(1 2
x) 2!
1 1 1 3 1
2 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( x) 3
2 2 2 2 +
3!
1 1 1 2 1 1 3
=1 4
x+ ( 8
) ( 4
x ) + ( 16
) ( 8
x ) +
1 1 1
=1 4
x 32
x2 128
x3

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 3

Question:
3 3
Show that if x is sufficiently small then \ (4+x)
can be approximated by 2

3 9 2
16
x + 256
x .

Solution:
3
\4+x
=3(\4+x) 1 Write in index form
1
=3(4+x) 2 Take out a factor of 4
x 1
=3[4(1+ 4
) ] 2

1 1 1
1
x 1
=34 2 (1+ 4
) 2 4 2 = 1 = 2
4 2

1 3 x
3 1 x ( ) ( ) ( ) 2
= 2
[1+ ( 2
) ( 4
) + 2 2 4 +
2!
1 3 5 x
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 3
2 2 2 4 + ]
3!
3 x 3 3
= 2
(1 8
+ 128
x2 + ) Multiply by 2
3 3 9
= 2
16
x+ 256
x2 +
3 3 9
= 2
16
x+ 256
x2 If terms higher than x2 are ignored

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 4

Question:

Given that | x | < 4, find, in ascending powers of x up to and including the

term in x3, the series expansion of:
1
(a) ( 4 x ) 2

1
(b) ( 4 x ) 2 ( 1 + 2x ) (adapted)
Solution:
1
(a) ( 4 x ) 2 Take out a factor of 4
1
x
= 4 1 4 2

1 1
x 1 x
=4 2 1 4 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 2 and x=
4

1 1 x
( ) ( ) ( ) 2
2 2 4
1 x
=2 1+ 4 + +
2 2!




1 1 3 x
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 3
2 2 2 4
3! +



2 3
x x x
= 2 1 8 128 1024 + Multiply by 2

x x2 x3
=2 4 64 512 +

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1
(b) ( 4 x ) 2 ( 1 + 2x ) Use answer from part (a)
2 3
x x x
= 2 4 64 512 + 1 + 2x Multiply out

brackets
x x2 x3 x2 x3
=2 4 64 512 + + 4x 2 32 + Collect
like terms
15 33 2 17 3
=2+ 4 x 64 x 512 x +

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 5

Question:

(a) Find the first four terms of the expansion, in ascending powers of x, of
2
( 2 + 3x ) 1, | x | < 3

(b) Hence or otherwise, find the first four non-zero terms of the expansion, in
ascending powers of x, of:
1+x 2
2 + 3x
, |x| < 3

Solution:

(a) ( 2 + 3x ) 1 Take out factor of 2

3x 1
= 2 1+ 2

3x 1
=21 1+ 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 1 and x =

3x
2

1 3x ( 1) ( 2) 3x 2
= 1+ 1 + +
2 2 2! 2


( 1) ( 2) ( 3) 3x 3
+
3! 2

1 3 9 27 1
= 1 2 x + 4 x2 8 x3 + Multiply by
2 2
1 3 9 2 27 3
= 2 4x + 8x 16 x +
3x 2
Valid for <1 |x| <
2 3

1+x
(b) 2 + 3x Put in index form

= ( 1 + x ) ( 2 + 3x ) 1 Use expansion from part (a)

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1 3 9 2 27 3
= 1+x x + x 16 x + Multiply out
2 4 8
1 3 9 2 27 3 1 3 2 9 3
= 2 4x + 8x 16 x + 2x 4x + 8x + Collect like
terms
1 1 3 2 9 3
= 2 4x + 8x 16 x +
3x 2
Valid for <1 |x| <
2 3

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 6

Question:

Find, in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x3, the series
1
expansion of ( 4 + x ) 2 , giving your coefficients in their simplest form.
Solution:
1 1
x
(4+x) 2 = 4 1+ 4 2 Take out factor of 4

1 1 1
x 1 1
=4 2 1+ 4 2 4 2 = =
1 2
4 2

1 x 1 1 x
= 2 1+ 4
2 Use binomial expansion with n = 2 and x= 4

1 3 x
( ) ( ) ( ) 2
1 1 x 2 2 4
= 2 1+ 2 + +
4 2!




1 3 5 x
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 3
2 2 2 4
3! +



1 1 3 2 5 3
= 2 1 8x + 128 x 1024 x +

1 1 3 2 5 3
~
2 16 x + 256 x 2048 x

x
Valid for <1 |x| <4
4

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 7

Question:
1
f ( x ) = ( 1 + 3x ) 1, | x | < 3
.

(a) Expand f(x) in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x3.

(b) Hence show that, for small x:

1+x
1 + 3x
1 2x + 6x2 18x3.

(c) Taking a suitable value for x, which should be stated, use the series
expansion
101
in part (b) to find an approximate value for 103
, giving your answer to 5

decimal places.
Solution:

(a) ( 1 + 3x ) 1 Use binomial expansion with n = 1 and x = 3x

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3x ) 2
=1+ 1 3x + 2! +

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 3x ) 3
3! +

= 1 3x + 9x2 27x3 +
1+x
(b) = 1+x ( 1 + 3x ) 1 Use expansion from part (a)
1 + 3x
= ( 1 + x ) ( 1 3x + 9x2 27x3 + ) Multiply out
2 3 2 3
= 1 3x + 9x 27x + x 3x + 9x + Collect like terms
2 3
= 1 2x + 6x 18x + Ignore terms greater than x3
1+x
Hence 1 + 3x 1 2x + 6x2 18x3

(c) Substitute x = 0.01 into both sides of the above

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1 + 0.01
1 + 3 0.01 1 2 0.01 + 6 0.012 18 0.013

1.01
~ 1 0.02 + 0.0006 0.000018 , 1.01 101
=
1.03 1.03 103

101
~ 0.980582
Round to 5 d.p.
103

101
~ 0.98058
(5 d.p.)
103

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 8

Question:

Obtain the first four non-zero terms in the expansion, in ascending powers of x,
1
of the function f(x) where f ( x ) = , 3x2 < 1.
\ (1+ 3x2 )

Solution:

f 1
= = ( \ 1 + 3x2 ) 1
(x) \ 1 + 3x2
1 1
= ( 1 + 3x2 ) 2 Use binomial expansion with n = 2
and x = 3x2

1 3
1 ( ) ( ) ( 3x2 ) 2
=1+ ( 2
) ( 3x2 ) + 2 2 +
2!
1 3 5
( ) ( ) ( ) ( 3x2 ) 3
2 2 2 +
3!

~ 1 3x2 27x4 135x6

+
2 8 16

Valid for | 3x2 | < 1

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Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 9

Question:
1
Give the binomial expansion of ( 1 + x ) 2 up to and including the term in x3.
1
By substituting x = 4
, find the fraction that is an approximation to 5.

Solution:

Using binomial expansion

1 1
1 ( ) ( ) (x) 2
=1+ ( 2
) (x) + 2 2 +
(1+x) 2!
1
2 1 1 3
( ) ( ) ( ) (x) 3
2 2 2 +
3!
1 1 2 1
~ 1+
2
x 8
x + 16
x3

Expansion is valid if | x | < 1.

1
Substituting x = 4 in both sides of expansion gives
1
1
~ 1+
1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3
1+ 4 2 + 16
2 4 8 4 4
1 1
5 ~ 1+
1 1 1 5 5
2 + 2 =\
4 8 128 1024 4 4
5 1145 5 5 5
\ ~
\ 4 = =
4 1024 4 2
5 1145
~
Multiply both sides by 2
2 1024
1145
5
~
512

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 1 of 2

Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 10

Question:

When ( 1 + ax ) n is expanded as a series in ascending powers of x, the

coefficients of x and x2 are 6 and 27 respectively.

(a) Find the values of a and n.

(b) Find the coefficient of x3.

(c) State the values of x for which the expansion is valid.

Solution:

(a) Using binomial expansion

2
n n ( n 1 ) ( ax )
( 1 + ax ) = 1 + n ax + +
2!

n ( n 1 ) ( n 2 ) ( ax ) 3
3! +
If coefficient of x is 6 then na = 6
n ( n 1 ) a2
If coefficient of x2 is 27 then 2 = 27
6
From a= n . Substitute in :
n(n1) 6 2
= 27
2 n
n(n1) 36
2 = 27
n2
( n 1 ) 18
n = 27
( n 1 ) 18 = 27n
18n 18 = 27n
18 = 9n
n= 2
Substitute n = 2 back in : 2a = 6 a=3

(b) Coefficient of x3 is

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 2 of 2

n ( n 1 ) ( n 2 ) a3 ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) 33
3! = 321 = 108

1
(c) ( 1 + 3x ) 2 is valid if | 3x | < 1 |x| < 3

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Solutionbank
Edexcel AS and A Level Modular Mathematics
The binomial expansion
Exercise D, Question 11

Question:

9x2 + 26x + 20
(a) Express as a partial fraction.
(1+x) (2+x) 2

9x2 + 26x + 20
(b) Hence or otherwise show that the expansion of in ascending
(1+x) (2+x) 2
7x
powers of x can be approximated to 5 2
+ Bx2 + Cx3 where B and C are
constants to be found.

(c) State the set of values of x for which this expansion is valid.
Solution:

9x2 + 26x + 20 A B C
(a) Let 2 (1+x) + (2+x) +
(1+x) (2+x) (2+x) 2
9x2 + 26x + 20 A(2+x) 2+B(1+x) (2+x) +C(1+x)

(1+x) (2+x) 2 (1+x) (2+x) 2
Set the numerators equal:
9x2 + 26x + 20 A ( 2 + x ) 2 + B ( 1 + x ) ( 2 + x ) + C ( 1 + x )
Substitute x = 2: 36 52 + 20 = A 0 + B 0 + C ( 1 )
4 = 1C
C= 4
Substitute x = 1: 9 26 + 20 = A 1 + B 0 + C 0
3 = 1A
A=3
Equate terms in x2: 9=A+B
9=3+B
B=6
9x2 + 26x + 20 3 6 4
Hence 2 (1+x) + (2+x)
(1+x) (2+x) (2+x) 2

(b) Using binomial expansion

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 2 of 3

3
(1+x)
=3(1+x) 1

( 1) ( 2) (x) 2 ( 1) ( 2) ( 3) (x) 3
=3[1+ ( 1) (x) + + + ]
2! 3!

= 3 ( 1 x + x2 x3 + )
= 3 3x + 3x2 3x3 +
6
(2+x) =6(2+x) 1
x
=6[2(1+ 2
) ] 1
x
=621(1+ 2
) 1
1 x ( 1) ( 2) x ( 1) ( 2) ( 3) x
=6 2
[1+ ( 1) ( 2
) + 2!
( 2
) 2+ 3!
( 2
)
3 + ]
x x2 x3
=3(1 2
+ + )
4 8

3x 3x2 3x3
=3 2
+ +
4 8

4
(2+x) =4(2+x) 2
2

x
=4[2(1+ 2
) ] 2
x
=422 (1+ 2
) 2
1 x ( 2) ( 3) x ( 2) ( 3) ( 4) x
=4 4
[1+ ( 2) ( 2
) + 2!
( 2
) 2+ 3!
( 2
3 + ]
3 2 1 3
=1 (1x+ 4
x 2
x + )
3 2 1 3
=1x+ 4
x 2
x +

Hence
9x2 + 26x + 20 3 6 4
2 (1+x) + (2+x)
(1+x) (2+x) (2+x) 2


3x 3 3
~
3 3x + 3x2 3x3 + 3 2 + 4 x2 8 x3 1x+



3 2 1 3
4x 2x

3x 3 2 3 3 3 2 1 3
~ 3 3x + 3x2 3x3 + 3 +
2 4x 8x 1+x 4x + 2x

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Heinemann Solutionbank: Core Maths 4 C4 Page 3 of 3

7x 23 3
5 2 + 3x2 8 x
23
Hence B = 3 and C = 8

3
(c) (1+x) is valid if | x | < 1
6
(2+x) is valid if | x | < 2
4
is valid if | x | < 2
(2+x) 2
Therefore, they all become valid if | x | < 1.
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