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A-Math Binomial Expansion: Finding Term Independent of x By A Shortcut Method


In the earlier post on free Math Exam Papers, we received very good response. Almost 200 copies were downloaded in less than 7 days. We have a subscriber requesting for step by step solution for the questions though we have provided the answer keys. I am sorry I am unable to provide the step by step solutions due to my busy schedule. However, subscribers can email me their workings I can assist and advice you on the incorrect workings. I hope this would be useful. Moreover, by providing the step by step solution will also not be useful as most students will perhaps take the easy way out to just "read" the solution and think that they understand them. Mastery of Mathematics is not by "reading" but it's the knowing and applying of the strategies.

I have picked up one question on Binomial Expansion (another tricky A-Math topic) for discussion. Specifically on finding Term Independent of x.

Allow me to discuss the common mistake that students make.

Most students will expand the expression term by term

Disadvantages:

  • Too time consuming
  • Higher tendency to make careless mistakes!

So the following step by step solution is what I taught my students during my A-Math Ultimate Leap Programme (For Sec 4s who still wish to join, call me @ 9685 7675. For Sec 3s, we are opening up the classes in March 2009! More info will be released in Feb. Keep reading this blog)

Features to take note:

  • General Term is applied (No memorization is required, just refer to the formula sheet if you aren't sure)
  • Constant (numbers) & variable (which is x in the question) are separated. (so that we can focus on the important part first)
  • Power of x is circled (in red) so that you focus all your attention on it. (Reduces careless mistakes too!)
  • Since this is a 4 marks question, 4 minutes is the working time to complete the solution. (Time management is part of examination techniques)

Skills required:

  • Understanding of Term Independent of x (i.e it's x to the power of 0 NOT x is zero!)
  • Usage of Binomial Formula
  • Basic application of Indice law (Observe that [pmath]{1}/{x^7}[/pmath] is rewritten as [pmath]x^-7[/pmath])

Evaluate the term which is independent of x in the expansion of clip_image002[4].

So do you do your working in a similar manner or you have your own style? I would love to hear from you if you know how to do this question initially. If no, which part did you not understand?

Hi, I'm Ai Ling Ong. I enjoy coaching students who have challenges with understanding and scoring in 'O' Level A-Maths and E-Maths. I develop Math strategies, sometimes ridiculous ideas to help students in understanding abstract concepts the fast and memorable way. I write this blog to share with you the stuff I teach in my class, the common mistakes my students made, the 'way' to think, analyze... If you have found this blog post useful, please share it with your friends. I will really appreciate it! :)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hi Sir/Mdm,

    I am doing the same way as what you are doing.?

    Thanks for the alert.

    Regards,
    Cindy

  3. thanks Ms Ong! I am sec 4 now, and i guess this question is really a good revision for me!=0

  4. Sry but i haven't learned any of this at all in school since im following the Malaysian Add Maths Syllabus.
    Could you please enlighten me on what is this Independent term thingy ?

    Thanks in adv.

  5. How would I find the constant term in the expansion of:

    (x^2 + (1/x^2) - 2)^10.

    This is a trinomial, but is there a way I can manipulate the expression so I can use the binomial theorem? What we just did was expand it to the 5th power and then square that to find the constant term. So we did:

    [(x^2 + (1/x^2) - 2)^5]^2.

    =S It took a while, but at least we got some number :S.

  6. Thanks for the alert... our teacher insrtucted us to do it in the sasme way bt thanks anyway :)

  7. I didn't know how to do that sort of question before I read this because I missed lectures on binomial expansion and i understood it untill the very last line because I don't understant why that term equals that specific number?

  9. Hello, I have used the exact same method for the following question:

    Find the term which is independent of x in the expansion (x^2 - 1/3x)^9

    and I got x = 0.115

    could you please go through this and see if i got the right answer

    thanks

  10. Bingo! Absolutely correct. Congrats!

    For everyone else, note the question is: Find the term which is independent of x in the expansion (x^2 – 1/3x)^9

    read as 'one over 3x' for the second term.

  11. Hey,

    thank you very much for getting back to me and thanks for checking the answer

    much appreciated!!

    A.U.

  12. Thank you so much! I've been trying to understand this for about 2 1/2 hours now and after seeing your example, it's all clear!
    (They don't teach this in class but it comes up in every test -.-)

    Thanks!

  18. Thank you! I have been trying to understand this for 3 hours. After seeing your example I understood everything. Keep up the good work.

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