Chapter 16: Problem 1
Explain why the expansion of \((x+y)^{n}=\sum_{i=0}^{n} C_{i} x^{n-i} y^{i}\) can also be written as \((x+y)^{n}=\sum_{i=0}^{n} C_{n-i} x^{n-i} y^{i}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expressions are equivalent due to the property \( C_{i} = C_{n-i} \) (\( \binom{n}{i} = \binom{n}{n-i} \)).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Binomial Theorem
The Binomial Theorem states that for any positive integer \( n \), the expression \((x+y)^{n}\) can be expanded as the sum of terms of the form \( C_{i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \), where \( C_{i} \) is the binomial coefficient \( \binom{n}{i} \). The general term in this expansion is \( \binom{n}{i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \).
02
Reviewing the Terms of the Expansion
The expansion of \((x+y)^n\) is written as \( \sum_{i=0}^{n} C_{i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \). Here, each term has the form \( C_{i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \). Notice that the binomial coefficient \( C_{i} \) is actually \( \binom{n}{i} \).
03
Rearranging the Binomial Coefficient
We also know from the properties of binomial coefficients that \( \binom{n}{i} = \binom{n}{n-i} \). This equality holds because choosing \( i \) items from \( n \) is the same as leaving \( n-i \) items unchosen from \( n \).
04
Rewriting the Terms
By substituting \( C_{i} = \binom{n}{i} \) with \( \binom{n}{n-i} \), and recognizing they represent the same quantity, the expansion can be rewritten as \( \sum_{i=0}^{n} C_{n-i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \). Both expressions for the expansion are equivalent due to the symmetry in binomial coefficients.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Binomial Coefficient
The binomial coefficient is a fundamental component of the Binomial Theorem. It is denoted as \( \binom{n}{i} \) and is defined as the number of ways to choose \( i \) elements from a set of \( n \) elements without regard to the order of selection. This selection process forms the basis of combinatorics. The formula for calculating a binomial coefficient is \( \binom{n}{i} = \frac{n!}{i!(n-i)!} \), where \( n! \) denotes the factorial of \( n \).
- "!" (factorial) means to multiply a series of descending natural numbers: for example, \( 5! = 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 \).
- The role of the binomial coefficient is crucial in expanding an expression using the Binomial Theorem.
Algebraic Expansion
Algebraic expansion is a method used to simplify expressions that are raised to a power. The Binomial Theorem is a common technique employed to achieve this when dealing with binomials. For example, the binomial \((x+y)^n\) is expanded as a series of terms:\[ (x+y)^n = \sum_{i=0}^{n} \binom{n}{i} x^{n-i} y^{i} \]Each term in the expansion consists of a product of a binomial coefficient, a power of \( x \), and a power of \( y \). The exponents of \( x \) and \( y \) always add up to \( n \).
- This expansion allows us to express complex powers of binomials as manageable polynomial expressions.
- Each successive term decreases the power of \( x \) by one and increases the power of \( y \) by one.
Combinatorics
Combinatorics is the branch of mathematics that deals with counting, arrangement, and combination of objects. The Binomial Theorem's use of binomial coefficients is a prime example of combinatorial principles at work. In particular, the relationship \( \binom{n}{i} = \binom{n}{n-i} \) is a perfect illustration of how combinatorics can manifest symmetry.
- Combinatorics helps in understanding permutations and combinations which are foundational to probability theory, number theory, and many aspects of algebra.
- Using combinatorial thinking, we can solve problems related to finite structures, such as arranging students in a queue or distributing distinct items into boxes.
Mathematical Symmetry
Mathematical symmetry is a concept that suggests balance and beauty in mathematical structures. Within the context of the Binomial Theorem, symmetry refers to how the binomial coefficients \( \binom{n}{i} \) and \( \binom{n}{n-i} \) represent the same numbers because of their equal value.
- Symmetry in mathematics is not merely about aesthetics but offers insights that simplify reasoning about equations and structures.
- The symmetrical property of binomial coefficients is pivotal in transformations and simplifications of algebraic expressions.