Chapter 9: Problem 127
The value of \({ }^{50} C_{4}+\sum_{r-1}^{6}{ }^{56-r} C_{3}\) is (A) \({ }^{55} C_{4}\) (B) \({ }^{55} C_{3}\) (C) \({ }^{56} C_{3}\) (D) \({ }^{56} C_{4}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The correct choice is (D) \(^{56}C_{4}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Expression
The expression given is \[^{50} C_{4} + \sum_{r=1}^{6} { }^{56-r} C_{3}.\] We need to find the equivalent combinatorial expression from the answer choices.
02
Simplifying the Summation
The summation part is \[\sum_{r=1}^{6} { }^{56-r} C_{3},\] which means we need to add the combinations for each \(r\) from 1 to 6: \[{ }^{55} C_{3} + { }^{54} C_{3} + { }^{53} C_{3} + { }^{52} C_{3} + { }^{51} C_{3} + { }^{50} C_{3}.\]
03
Identifying the Pattern
Notice the pattern: \[^{55}C_{3} + { }^{54}C_{3} + { }^{53}C_{3} + { }^{52}C_{3} + { }^{51}C_{3} + { }^{50}C_{3}\]resembles \[^{56}C_{4}.\] This is because the identity in combinatorics states \[^{n}C_{r} + { }^{n-1}C_{r} + \dots = { }^{n+1}C_{r+1}.\] For \(n = 55\) and \(r = 3\), the identity confirms \[^{56}C_{4}\] as the result.
04
Combining Parts of the Expression
Now combine both parts of the expression: \[^{50} C_{4} + { }^{56}C_{4}.\] According to Pascal's identity, \[^{n}C_{k} + { }^{n}C_{k+1} = { }^{n+1}C_{k+1}.\]Thus, combining gives \[^{56}C_{4},\] which matches with answer choice (D).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Binomial Coefficients
Binomial coefficients are a fundamental concept in combinatorics that help us understand the number of ways to choose a subset of items from a larger set. They are represented mathematically as \(^{n}C_{k}\), which reads as "n choose k." This formula gives us the number of ways to select \(k\) items from \(n\) items without considering the order. The formula to determine a binomial coefficient is given by:
\[^{n}C_{k} = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}\]where \( n! \) (n factorial) is the product of all positive integers up to \( n \), and \( k! \) is the factorial of \( k \).
\[^{n}C_{k} = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}\]where \( n! \) (n factorial) is the product of all positive integers up to \( n \), and \( k! \) is the factorial of \( k \).
- Used in probability to calculate the likelihood of events occurring.
- Critical in binomial expansions, which are expressions of the form \((a+b)^n\).
- Shows symmetry, as \(^{n}C_{k} = { }^{n}C_{n-k}\).
Combinatorial Identities
Combinatorial identities are equations that describe relationships between different binomial coefficients. They are crucial for simplifying complex combinatorial expressions. One such fundamental identity in combinatorics is:
\[^{n}C_{r} + { }^{n-1}C_{r} + \ldots + { }^{k}C_{r} = { }^{n+1}C_{r+1}\]This identity allows us to simplify summations of consecutive binomial coefficients. In our problem, the expression \(^{55}C_{3} + { }^{54}C_{3} + \ldots + { }^{50}C_{3}\) simplifies to \(^{56}C_{4}\).
\[^{n}C_{r} + { }^{n-1}C_{r} + \ldots + { }^{k}C_{r} = { }^{n+1}C_{r+1}\]This identity allows us to simplify summations of consecutive binomial coefficients. In our problem, the expression \(^{55}C_{3} + { }^{54}C_{3} + \ldots + { }^{50}C_{3}\) simplifies to \(^{56}C_{4}\).
- Use these identities to subtract, add, or simplify binomial coefficients.
- These identities work under specific conditions, like fixed \( r \) values in summations.
- Recognizing patterns in binomial expansions leveraging these identities makes for faster problem-solving.
Pascal's Identity
Pascal's identity is a famous identity in combinatorics that provides a way to compute binomial coefficients recursively. It is expressed as:
\[^{n}C_{k} = { }^{n-1}C_{k-1} + { }^{n-1}C_{k}\]This relationship tells us that any entry in a row of Pascal’s triangle (which is a triangular arrangement of numbers that represent binomial coefficients) is the sum of the two numbers directly above it. For example, if you have an expression \(^{n}C_{k} + { }^{n}C_{k+1}\), it results in \(^{n+1}C_{k+1}\).
\[^{n}C_{k} = { }^{n-1}C_{k-1} + { }^{n-1}C_{k}\]This relationship tells us that any entry in a row of Pascal’s triangle (which is a triangular arrangement of numbers that represent binomial coefficients) is the sum of the two numbers directly above it. For example, if you have an expression \(^{n}C_{k} + { }^{n}C_{k+1}\), it results in \(^{n+1}C_{k+1}\).
- This identity helps in expanding binomial expressions.
- Useful for deriving other combinatorial identities.
- Helps visualize binomial coefficients using Pascal's triangle.