Very quick question about Binomial Theorem (1 Viewer)

[bawd]

I just need to clarify this; when you are asked to find the coefficient of a certain x power, is it necessary to indicate the negative or positive sign? What about when finding the term independent of x? Thanks, I just got a little confused.

 

[Drongoski]

I just need to clarify this; when you are asked to find the coefficient of a certain x power, is it necessary to indicate the negative or positive sign? What about when finding the term independent of x? Thanks, I just got a little confused.

If coeff is negative u must indicate this, if positive u need not show the + sign; term independent of x (usually the constant term) is the one not associated with any x. Thus in:

2x⁴ - 5x³ + 3x - 7

the coeffs of x⁴, x³, x² and x are respectively:

2, -5, 0 and 3 and the term independent of x is -7

Edit

Didn't notice question was wrt Binomial thm; but idea the same.

 

[Trebla]

Yes, the full co-efficient must be mentioned.

In terms of finding the greatest co-efficient though, the magnitude is only considered...

 

[bawd]

Okay thanks a lot. It's just in the answers of the worksheets I am doing, some of the answers had the negative sign for a negative coefficient and some didn't.