Apply Binomial Theorem: Expand (x-2y)^3

In summary, to expand the binomial (x-2y)^3, we can use the binomial theorem and the given equation to obtain the expanded form of x^3-6x^2y+12xy^2-8y^3.
  • #1
MarkFL
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Here is the question:

How to expand this binomial expansion?


a.) (x - 2y)^3

with the equation:

(n over r) x [a^(n-r)] x (b^r)

Thank you!

I have posted a link there to this topic so the OP can see my work.
 
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  • #2
Hello Person,

The binomial theorem may be stated as:

\(\displaystyle (a+b)^b=\sum_{r=0}^{n}{n \choose r}a^{n-r}b^r\)

And so, for the given binomial to be expanded, we have:

\(\displaystyle (x-2y)^3=(x+(-2y))^3=\sum_{r=0}^{3}{3 \choose r}x^{n-r}(-2y)^r\)

\(\displaystyle (x-2y)^3={3 \choose 0}x^3(-2y)^0+{3 \choose 1}x^2(-2y)^1+{3 \choose 2}x^1(-2y)^2+{3 \choose 3}x^0(-2y)^3\)

\(\displaystyle (x-2y)^3=1\cdot x^3\cdot1+3x^2(-2y)+3x(-2y)^2+1\cdot1\cdot(-2y)^3\)

\(\displaystyle (x-2y)^3=x^3-6x^2y+12xy^2-8y^3\)
 

FAQ: Apply Binomial Theorem: Expand (x-2y)^3

What is the Binomial Theorem?

The Binomial Theorem is a mathematical formula that allows you to expand a binomial expression raised to a power. It states that (a + b)^n = nC0a^n + nC1a^(n-1)b + nC2a^(n-2)b^2 + ... + nCn-1ab^(n-1) + nCnb^n, where n is a positive integer and nCr represents the combination of n objects taken r at a time.

How do you expand a binomial expression using the Binomial Theorem?

To expand a binomial expression using the Binomial Theorem, you need to identify the values of n, a, and b, and then apply the formula. In this case, n is 3, a is x, and b is -2y. Substituting these values into the formula, we get (x-2y)^3 = 3C0x^3 + 3C1x^2(-2y) + 3C2x(-2y)^2 + 3C3(-2y)^3 = x^3 - 6x^2y + 12xy^2 - 8y^3.

What is the significance of the Binomial Theorem?

The Binomial Theorem is significant because it allows us to quickly expand a binomial expression raised to a power without having to multiply it out manually. It also helps us to understand the patterns and relationships between the coefficients in the expansion.

Can the Binomial Theorem be applied to expressions with more than two terms?

No, the Binomial Theorem can only be applied to expressions with two terms, also known as binomials. If an expression has more than two terms, it is considered a polynomial and requires a different method for expansion.

How is the Binomial Theorem used in real-life applications?

The Binomial Theorem is used in various fields of science and engineering, such as statistics, probability, and physics. It is also commonly used in finance and economics to calculate compound interest and binomial models. In biology, the Binomial Theorem is used to calculate the probability of certain genetic traits being inherited. Additionally, it has applications in computer science and data analysis, such as in the development of algorithms and data compression techniques.

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