Let $\alpha$ be the constant term in the binomial expansion of $\left(\sqrt{x}-\frac{6}{x^{\frac{3}{2}}}\right)^{n}, n \leq 15$. If the sum of the coefficients of the remaining terms in the expansion is 649 and the coefficient of $x^{-n}$ is $\lambda \alpha$, then $\lambda$ is equal to _____________.
Answer (integer)
36
Solution
Given expression $(\sqrt{x}-\frac{6}{x^{3/2}})^n$. Here, $a = \sqrt{x}$ and $b = -\frac{6}{x^{3/2}}$.
<br/><br/>The $r$-th term of the binomial expansion of $(a+b)^n$ is given by
<br/><br/>$T_{r} = {}^n{C_r}a^{n-r}b^{r}$.
<br/><br/>Substitute $a$ and $b$ in this formula, we get:
<br/><br/>$T_{r} = {}^n{C_r}(\sqrt{x})^{n-r}\left(-\frac{6}{x^{3/2}}\right)^r = {}^n{C_r}(-6)^r x^{\frac{n-4r}{2}}$.
<br/><br/>The constant term in the binomial expansion is obtained when the power of $x$ in the terms equals zero.
<br/><br/>This happens when $\frac{n-4r}{2} = 0$, which gives $n = 4r$.
<br/><br/>$$
\begin{aligned}
& { }^n C_{\frac{n}{4}}(-6)^{\frac{n}{4}}=\alpha \\\\
& (-5)^n-{ }^n C_{\frac{n}{4}}(-6)^{n / 4}=649 \\\\
& \text { By observation (625 + 24 = 649) , we get n = 4 } \\\\
& \therefore \alpha=-24
\end{aligned}
$$
<br/><br/>Now, for coefficient of $x^{-4}$
<br/><br/>$$
\begin{aligned}
& \frac{n-4 r}{2}=-4 \\\\
& n=4 r-8 \Rightarrow r=3 \\\\
& \lambda(-24)=(-6)^3 \cdot{ }^4 C_3 \\\\
& \Rightarrow \lambda=36
\end{aligned}
$$
About this question
Subject: Mathematics · Chapter: Binomial Theorem · Topic: Binomial Expansion
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