What is the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion?

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In summary, a polynomial expansion is a process of writing a polynomial expression in its expanded form. The coefficients in a polynomial expansion are the numerical values that are multiplied by the variables. The sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion is important for determining the total numerical value and can be found by adding up all the coefficients. It can be negative if the expression contains negative coefficients or terms that cancel each other out.
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anemone
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Let $S=(x^3-x^2+x+3)^{2015}=a_0+a_1x+a_2x^2+a_3x^3+\cdots+a_{6044}x^{6044}+a_{6045}x^{6045}$, where $a_0,\,a_1,\,a_2,\cdots,a_{2015}$ are all integers.

Evaluate $a_0+a_2+a_4+\cdots+a_{6042}+a_{6044}$.

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Congratulations to the following members for their correct solutions::)

1. lfdahl
2. laura123

Here's lfdahl's solution:
Given:
\[S(x) = \left ( x^3-x^2+x+3 \right )^{2015}= a_0+a_1x+a_2x^2+...+a_{6044}x^{6044}+a_{6045}x^{6045}\]

Obviously: $S(-1) = 0$

Let $S_0 = a_0+a_2+a_4+...+a_{6044}$ and $S_1 = a_1+a_3+a_5+...+a_{6045}$

Then:

\[S(-1) = S_0-S_1=0 \: \: \: or \: \: \: S_0=S_1\]

\[S(1) = 4^{2015}= S_0+S_1=2S_0\: \: \: or \: \: \: S_0=\frac{1}{2}\cdot 4^{2015} = 2^{4029}\]
Here's laura123's solution:
Let be $f(x)=(x^3-x^2+x+3)^{2015}$ then $f(1)=(1^3-1^2+1+3)^{2015}=4^{2015}$ and $f(-1)=[(-1)^3-(-1)^2-1+3]^{2015}=0$.
Furthermore
$\dfrac{f(1)+f(-1)}{2}$=$\dfrac{(a_0+a_1+a_2+a_3+\cdots+a_{6044}+a_{6045})+(a_0-a_1+a_2-a_3+\cdots+a_{6044}-a_{6045})}{2}$=$a_0+a_2+a_4+\cdots+a_{6042}+a_{6044}$
then
$a_0+a_2+a_4+\cdots+a_{6042}+a_{6044}=\dfrac{f(1)+f(-1)}{2}=\dfrac{4^{2015}}{2}=\dfrac{2^{4030}}{2}=2^{4029}$.
 

FAQ: What is the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion?

1. What is a polynomial expansion?

A polynomial expansion is a mathematical process in which a polynomial expression is written in its expanded form, showing all the individual terms. For example, the polynomial (x+2)^3 would be expanded as x^3 + 6x^2 + 12x + 8.

2. What are coefficients in a polynomial expansion?

Coefficients are the numerical values that are multiplied by the variables in a polynomial expression. In the expression 2x^2 + 3x + 4, the coefficients are 2, 3, and 4.

3. What is the purpose of finding the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion?

The sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion is important because it gives the total numerical value of the polynomial expression. It can also help in solving equations involving polynomials.

4. How do you find the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion?

To find the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion, you simply add up all the numerical values of the coefficients. For example, in the expression 2x^2 + 3x + 4, the sum of coefficients would be 2 + 3 + 4 = 9.

5. Can the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion be negative?

Yes, the sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion can be negative. This can happen if the polynomial expression contains negative coefficients or if there are terms with different signs that cancel each other out when added.

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