General Binomial Expansion (Edexcel IAL Maths)

Spec point — 4.1

General binomial expansion

What is the general binomial expansion?

• The binomial expansion applies for positive integers, n ∈ ℕ
• The general binomial expansion applies to other types of powers too

• The general binomial expansion applies for all real numbers, n ∈ℝ
• Usually fractional and/or negative values of n are used
• It is derived from (a + b)ⁿ, with a = 1 and b = x
• a = 1 is the main reason the expansion can be reduced so much

• Unless n ∈ ℕ, the expansion is infinitely long

• It is only valid for |x| < 1

  • This is another way of writing -1 < x < 1
  • This is often called the validity statement
  • The restriction |x| < 1 means the series will converge
  • Higher powers of x can be ignored (as r → ∞, x^r→ 0)
  • Only the first few terms of an expansion are needed

How do I apply the general binomial expansion?

STEP 1 Write the expression in the form (1 + x)ⁿ STEP 2 Expand and simplify

Use a line for each term to make things easier to read and follow

Use brackets - fractions and negatives get ugly!

STEP 3 If required, check and state the validity statement

How do I use the general binomial expansion to expand (1+bx)ⁿ?

STEP 1 Write the expression in the form (1 + bx)ⁿ STEP 2 Replace “x” by “bx” in the expansion

Check carefully to see if b is negative

STEP 3 Expand and simplify

Use a line for each term to make things easier to read and follow

Use brackets

STEP 4 If required, check and state the validity statement The validity statement changes

Replace “x” with “bx” so now |bx| < 1

Worked Example