June 2017 p11 q1
1018
The coefficients of x2 and x3 in the expansion of (3 - 2x)6 are a and b respectively. Find the value of \(\frac{a}{b}\).
Solution
To find the coefficients of x2 and x3 in the expansion of (3 - 2x)6, we use the binomial theorem:
\((a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^{n} \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k\)
For the term involving x2, we have:
\(a = \binom{6}{2} \cdot 3^{4} \cdot (-2x)^{2}\)
\(a = 15 \cdot 81 \cdot 4\)
\(a = 4860\)
For the term involving x3, we have:
\(b = \binom{6}{3} \cdot 3^{3} \cdot (-2x)^{3}\)
\(b = 20 \cdot 27 \cdot (-8)\)
\(b = -4320\)
Thus, \(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{4860}{-4320} = -\frac{9}{8}\).
Therefore, the value of \(\frac{a}{b}\) is \(\frac{9}{8}\).
Log in to record attempts.