Author Topic: MATH P1 question.  (Read 732 times)

Offline Cantwaittillitsover!

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MATH P1 question.
« on: May 11, 2010, 07:16:34 am »
Hey guys.

This question is from Nov 2009 P1 paper.

3) (i) Find the first 3 terms in the expansion of (2-x)^6 in ascending powers of x.

    (ii) Given the coefficient of x^2 in the expansion of (1+2x+ax^2)(2-x)^6 is 48, find the value of the  constant a.

My answer for part (i) is:
64-192x+240x^2 


i need help with part (ii)


Thanks.

nid404

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Re: MATH P1 question.
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2010, 07:36:03 am »
I just finished this paper  :)

So basically try to think of all possible combinations that would give terms with x^2

From the first part that you calculated
64-192x+240x^2

if you multiply this term with  (1+2x+ax^2)

possible terms with x^2  would be

64X ax^2, -192x X 2x, & 240x^2 X 1

The sum of their co-efficient = 48   given in the question

64a- (192X2) + 240=48
 
64a= 48-240+(192X2)
64a= 192
a=192/64
a=3

Offline nipuna92

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Re: MATH P1 question.
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2010, 07:37:02 am »
Okay this is easy

(2-x)6 = 64-192x + 240x^2

now

(1 + 2x + ax^2)(64-192x + 240x^2)
Expand the ones u need only (x^2)

(2x into -192x) + (240x^2) + (64ax^2) =48
take the coeffcients,

-384 + 240 + 64a =48
-144 + 64a =48
64a = 48 + 144
a= 192 / 64
a = 3

Practice past paers then ull get it
good luck

Offline nipuna92

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Re: MATH P1 question.
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2010, 07:38:38 am »
oops i didnt know that u had posted the answer
sorry nid404

nid404

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Re: MATH P1 question.
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2010, 07:39:52 am »
lol..no problem
Glad to see you helping  :)