Binomial expansion question that I cannot fathom

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coefficient of p4q7 in the expansion of (2p - q)(p + q)10. The solution involves applying the binomial expansion formula and separating the terms. Specifically, the coefficient of p3q7 from the first product and p4q6 from the second product must be calculated. The total power of p and q must equal 11, which is the sum of the powers in the original expression.

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Homework Statement



It says: Determine the coefficient of p4q7 in the expansion of (2p-q)(p+q)10.

I can find the coefficient of p4q6 in the expansion of (p+q)10 but how am I to find it for (2p-q)(p+q)10?



Homework Equations



Binomial expansion formula.

The Attempt at a Solution



[Coefficient of p4q6 in the expansion of (p+q)10 = (10C6) x (p)4 x (q)6.]
 
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Originaltitle said:

Homework Statement



It says: Determine the coefficient of p4q7 in the expansion of (2p-q)(p+q)10.

I can find the coefficient of p4q6 in the expansion of (p+q)10 but how am I to find it for (2p-q)(p+q)10?



Homework Equations



Binomial expansion formula.

The Attempt at a Solution



[Coefficient of p4q6 in the expansion of (p+q)10 = (10C6) x (p)4 x (q)6.]

Write
(2p-q)(p+q)^{10} = 2 p (p+q)^{10} - q (p+q)^{10}, then find the coefficients of p^4 q^6 in each term separately.
 
But they're asking for the coefficient of p^4q^7, not p^4q^6. BUT 4 + 7 = 11 and 11 is not the power on the original bracket. The powers on p and q must add up to 11, but they can't over here.
 
Originaltitle said:
But they're asking for the coefficient of p^4q^7, not p^4q^6. BUT 4 + 7 = 11 and 11 is not the power on the original bracket. The powers on p and q must add up to 11, but they can't over here.

I have told you how I would do the problem if I had to.
 
You did but they're not asking for what you're doing. They're asking for the coeff. of p^4q^7, not p^4q^6 which is what you're finding.
 
Originaltitle said:
You did but they're not asking for what you're doing. They're asking for the coeff. of p^4q^7, not p^4q^6 which is what you're finding.

Use Ray Vickson's method. For the binomial ##(p+q)^{10}##, find the coefficient of ##p^3q^7## for the first product, and ##p^4q^6## for the second product.

What happens when you multiply the first product by ##2p##, and the second by ##q##? Now do the subtraction.
 
Thanks.
 

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