Edexcel C4 — Question 2 7 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleC4 (Core Mathematics 4)
Marks7
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicGeneralised Binomial Theorem
TypeProduct of separate expansions
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward application of the binomial expansion for negative integer powers followed by algebraic manipulation. Part (a) is routine recall of the formula with simple arithmetic for coefficients. Part (b) requires recognizing that the expression can be rewritten as (2-x)²(1-3x)^(-2) and multiplying two polynomial expansions, which is mechanical but requires care with arithmetic. The 'show that' format makes it easier as students know the target answer.
Spec1.04c Extend binomial expansion: rational n, |x|<1

2. (a) Expand \(( 1 - 3 x ) ^ { - 2 } , | x | < \frac { 1 } { 3 }\), in ascending powers of \(x\) up to and including the term in \(x ^ { 3 }\), simplifying each coefficient.
(b) Hence, or otherwise, show that for small \(x\), $$\left( \frac { 2 - x } { 1 - 3 x } \right) ^ { 2 } \approx 4 + 20 x + 85 x ^ { 2 } + 330 x ^ { 3 }$$

AnswerMarks Guidance
(a) \((1-3x)^{-2} = 1 + (-2)(-3x) + \frac{(-2)(-3)}{2}(-3x)^2 + \frac{(-2)(-3)(-4)}{3×2}(-3x)^3 + \ldots\)M1
\(= 1 + 6x + 27x^2 + 108x^3 + \ldots\)A3
(b) \((\frac{2-x}{1-3x})^2 = (2-x)^2(1-3x)^{-2} = (4 - 4x + x^2)(1 + 6x + 27x^2 + 108x^3 + \ldots)\)M1
\(= 4 + 24x + 108x^2 + 432x^3 - 4x - 24x^2 - 108x^3 + x^2 + 6x^3 + \ldots\)A1
\(\therefore\) for small \(x\), \((\frac{2-x}{1-3x})^2 = 4 + 20x + 85x^2 + 330x^3\)A1 (7)
**(a)** $(1-3x)^{-2} = 1 + (-2)(-3x) + \frac{(-2)(-3)}{2}(-3x)^2 + \frac{(-2)(-3)(-4)}{3×2}(-3x)^3 + \ldots$ | M1 |
$= 1 + 6x + 27x^2 + 108x^3 + \ldots$ | A3 |

**(b)** $(\frac{2-x}{1-3x})^2 = (2-x)^2(1-3x)^{-2} = (4 - 4x + x^2)(1 + 6x + 27x^2 + 108x^3 + \ldots)$ | M1 |
$= 4 + 24x + 108x^2 + 432x^3 - 4x - 24x^2 - 108x^3 + x^2 + 6x^3 + \ldots$ | A1 |
$\therefore$ for small $x$, $(\frac{2-x}{1-3x})^2 = 4 + 20x + 85x^2 + 330x^3$ | A1 | (7)

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2. (a) Expand $( 1 - 3 x ) ^ { - 2 } , | x | < \frac { 1 } { 3 }$, in ascending powers of $x$ up to and including the term in $x ^ { 3 }$, simplifying each coefficient.\\
(b) Hence, or otherwise, show that for small $x$,

$$\left( \frac { 2 - x } { 1 - 3 x } \right) ^ { 2 } \approx 4 + 20 x + 85 x ^ { 2 } + 330 x ^ { 3 }$$

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel C4  Q2 [7]}}