Combinations Problem: Solving k Value in Homework Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving for the k value in the equation derived from the binomial expansion of (x² + 1/x)¹⁰. The key equation presented is 3k - 10 = 11, which leads to the conclusion that k must equal 7. The user initially misinterpreted the value of k as 3, but through the expansion process, it is clarified that the correct coefficient for x¹¹ requires k to be 7, aligning with the binomial coefficient notation and the powers of x involved.

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Homework Statement


http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8519/combgf7.png​
[/URL]


Homework Equations


[tex]{t}_k_+_1=_n{C}_kx^n^-^ky^k[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


The picture I have shown contains the problem and the teacher's solution. However, I was wondering how the [tex]k[/tex] value is 3. And no, I can't ask the teacher; my test is tomorrow.
 
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This is how I would do it

[tex](x^2+\frac{1}{x})^{10}=[\frac{1}{x}(x^3+<br /> 1)]^{10}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{1}{x^{10}}(x^3+1)^{10}[/tex]

and you want the coefficient of [itex]x^11[/itex]

so if you expand you will get

[tex]=\frac{1}{x^{10}}(...+^{10}C_k(1)^{10-k}(x^3)^k+...)[/tex]

You need to find k and you want the power of x to be 11

so that 3k-10=11

See it?
 
rock.freak667 said:
[tex]=\frac{1}{x^{10}}(...+^{10}C_k(1)^{10-k}(x^3)^k+...)[/tex]

You need to find k and you want the power of x to be 11

so that 3k-10=11

For your expansion, isn't the 1 supposed to be where the [tex]x^3[/tex] is? Because 1 is the y value, while [tex]x^3[/tex] is the x value.

Also, k doesn't equal 3 in [tex]3k-10=11[/tex]
 

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