| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | C2 (Core Mathematics 2) |
| Marks | 6 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Binomial Theorem (positive integer n) |
| Type | Ratio of coefficients condition |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a straightforward binomial expansion question requiring recall of the formula and basic algebraic manipulation. Part (a) is routine application of the binomial theorem, and part (b) involves solving two simultaneous equations from the given coefficients. While it requires multiple steps (6 marks total), the techniques are standard C2 content with no novel problem-solving or geometric insight needed, making it slightly easier than average. |
| Spec | 1.04a Binomial expansion: (a+b)^n for positive integer n |
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Write down the first three terms, in ascending powers of $x$, of the binomial expansion of $(1 + px)^{12}$, where $p$ is a non-zero constant.
[2]
\end{enumerate}
Given that, in the expansion of $(1 + px)^{12}$, the coefficient of $x$ is $(-q)$ and the coefficient of $x^2$ is $11q$,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{1}
\item find the value of $p$ and the value of $q$.
[4]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel C2 Q4 [6]}}