Binomial Expansion: Coeff. of x^n in (1+x)^n/(1+2x)^2

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SUMMARY

The coefficient of x^n in the expansion of (1+x)^n/(1+2x)^2 is definitively given by the formula (-1)^n(2n+1). This conclusion is reached by rewriting (1+x) as (1/2)[1+(1+2x)] and simplifying the expression. The discussion highlights the application of the binomial theorem to derive the general term for the numerator, leading to the final result. Participants in the forum provided insights on manipulating the expression to facilitate the extraction of the coefficient.

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By writing [itex](1+x)[/itex] as [tex]\frac{1}{2}\left[1+\left( 1+2x\right) \right][/tex] or otherwise, show that the coefficient of [itex]x^n[/itex] in the expansion of [itex]\frac{\left(1+x\right)^n}{\left(1+2x\right)^2}[/itex] in ascending powers of x is [itex]\left(-1\right)^n\left(2n+1\right)[/itex].
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I've tried expressing [itex](1+x)^n[/itex] as [tex]\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n \left[1+\left(1+2x\right)\right]^n[/itex], so as factor out (1+2x)<br /> [tex]\frac{\left(1+x\right)^n}{\left(1+2x\right)^2}[/tex]<br /> [tex]= \frac{\left({\frac{1}{2}}\right)^n \left[1+\left(1+2x\right)\right]^n}{\left( 1+2x \right)^2}[/tex]<br /> but I'm stuck after that.. Can I have a hint? I'm not sure how to write the general term of [itex]\left[1+\left(1+2x\right)\right]^n[/itex]: I get [itex]\frac{n!}{n!}\left(-1\right)^n x^n[/itex]<br /> Can someone point me in the right way?[/tex]
 
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Have you considered letting u= 1+ 2x so that
[tex]\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2\frac{\left(1+\left(1+2x\right)\right)^n}{\left(1+2x\right)^2}= \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2\frac{\left(1+u\right)^n}{u^2}[/tex]
and then using the binomial theorem for the numerator?
 

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