Question:

If the 21st and 22nd terms in the expansion of $(1 + x)^{44}$, are equal, then x =

Updated On: May 25, 2024
  • $\frac {7} {8}$
  • $\frac {8} {7}$
  • $\frac {21} {22}$
  • $\frac {23} {24}$
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

$T_{21} = T_{20+1} = \,^{44}c_{20}x^{20}$ $T_{22} = T_{21+1} = \,^{44}c_{21}\left(-x\right)^{21} = - \,^{44}c_{21}x^{21}$ $\therefore \,^{44}c_{20}x^{20} = - \,^{44}c_{21}x^{21}$ $\therefore x = \frac{^{44}c_{20}}{^{44}c_{21}} = \frac{44\,!}{24\,!\,20\,!} \times \frac{21\,!\,3!}{44\,!}$ $= \frac{21\cdot20\,!\,23\,!}{20\,!\,24\cdot23\,!} = -\frac{21}{24} = -\frac{7}{8}$
Was this answer helpful?
1
1

Concepts Used:

Binomial Theorem

The binomial theorem formula is used in the expansion of any power of a binomial in the form of a series. The binomial theorem formula is 

Properties of Binomial Theorem

  • The number of coefficients in the binomial expansion of (x + y)n is equal to (n + 1).
  • There are (n+1) terms in the expansion of (x+y)n.
  • The first and the last terms are xn and yn respectively.
  • From the beginning of the expansion, the powers of x, decrease from n up to 0, and the powers of a, increase from 0 up to n.
  • The binomial coefficients in the expansion are arranged in an array, which is called Pascal's triangle. This pattern developed is summed up by the binomial theorem formula.