| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | C2 (Core Mathematics 2) |
| Marks | 8 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Binomial Theorem (positive integer n) |
| Type | Binomial expansion with reciprocals |
| Difficulty | Standard +0.3 This is a standard binomial expansion question requiring application of the binomial theorem formula with negative/fractional powers of x. Part (a) involves routine calculation of the first few terms using nCr and index laws, while part (b) requires finding which term has x^0 by solving an equation. Slightly above average difficulty due to the algebraic manipulation with fractional powers, but follows a well-practiced procedure with no novel insight required. |
| Spec | 1.04a Binomial expansion: (a+b)^n for positive integer n |
For the binomial expansion, in descending powers of $x$, of $\left( x^3 - \frac{1}{2x} \right)^{12}$,
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item find the first 4 terms, simplifying each term. [5]
\item Find, in its simplest form, the term independent of $x$ in this expansion. [3]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel C2 Q2 [8]}}