How can I find the coefficient of x^12

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding the coefficient of \( x^{12} \) in the expression \( (2+x)^{14}(1+ \frac{2}{x})^{14} \). Participants explore various methods and approaches to tackle this problem, which involves binomial expansions and combinatorial reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method involving rewriting the expression and using binomial coefficients, but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed from their formulation.
  • Another participant suggests that to obtain \( x^{12} \), one needs \( x^{14} \) from one factor and \( x^{-2} \) from the other, indicating a different approach to the problem.
  • A participant acknowledges the previous response but seeks clarification on how to continue with their original method, emphasizing the need to determine the value of \( r \) that results in the power of \( x \) being 12.
  • Another participant confirms that it is indeed possible to find the coefficient, suggesting a method that involves finding a positive integer \( s \) for each \( r \) that satisfies a specific equation, while also critiquing the initial simplification as complicating the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods to approach the problem, with no consensus reached on a single effective strategy. Multiple competing approaches are presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to find the coefficient.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem and the potential for multiple interpretations of the expression, which may lead to different paths in solving for the coefficient. There are also references to the need for specific conditions on the integers involved in the calculations.

DeathKnight
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How can I find the coefficient of x^12 in:
[tex](2+x)^{14}(1+ \frac{2}{x})^{14}[/tex]
I did it like that:
[tex](2+x)^{14}(1+ \frac{2}{x})^{14}[/tex]
Can be written as:
[tex](4+ \frac{4+x^2}{x})^{14}[/tex]
Now the term [tex]T_{r+1}[/tex] can be represented as:
[tex]14C_r (4)^{14-r}(\frac{4+x^2}{x})^r[/tex] (How can I write 14Cr?)
Dont know where to go from here?

Thanks in advance for any help. :smile:
 
Last edited:
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There's more than one way to skin a cat:

how can you obtain x^12 from the two original brackets? You need x^14 from one and x^{-2} from the other and... add 'em up.

for the tex for binomial coeffs click on:

[tex]\binom{n}{r}[/tex]
 
Thanks a lot for your reply Matt. I got what you said but I'm still curious to find out how can I find the answer to it by using the method I stated above? I have done many similar questions and I know I have to find the value of r for which the power of x is 12. Is this possible?
 
Last edited:
of course it is- just not very easy, you just need, for each r to find the positive integer s where 0<=s<=r, if it exists, such that 2s-r=12 and then add up, for each one where this happens,

[tex]\binom{14}{r}\binom{r}{s}4^{14-r}4^{r-s}[/tex]


hardly elegant but then you made the problem much harder with your choice of "simplification"
 

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