Can the Binomial Theorem Prove This Series Equals (-2)^n?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on using the Binomial Theorem to prove the series C(n,0) - 3C(n,1) + 9C(n,2) - 27C(n,3) + ... + (-3)^nC(n,n) equals (-2)^n. The key insight is recognizing that with b = -3 and a = 1, the expression can be rewritten as (-2)^n = (1 - 3)^n. The user confirmed their approach by proving the base case n=1 and is considering mathematical induction to establish the general case.

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Use binomial theorem to prove

C(n,0) - 3(C(n,1)) + 9(C(n,2) - 27(C(n,3) + ... + (-3)^n(C(n,n) = (-2)^n


From looking at the data given b = (-3) so a = 1 so (-2)^n = (1-3)^n

With this I know the equation in sigma notation and could probably prove the theorem through mathematical induction but I'm not certain that is what they are looking for in this case...

Update:

I proved n=1 and assumed n = k, so do I need to prove n= k+1 through mathematical induction?
 
Last edited:
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Doesn't writing out the expression for [tex](1+x)^n[/tex] where x=-3 constitute proof?

edit: it's [tex](1+x)^n[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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