Prove that the coefficient of xn in the expansion of (1 + x)2n is twice the coefficient of xn in the expansion of (1 + x)2n – 1.

The general term Tr+1 in the binomial expansion is given by Tr+1 = nCr an-r br

The general term for binomial (1+x)2n is


Tr+1 = 2nCr xr …………………..1


To find the coefficient of xn


r=n


Tn+1 = 2nCn xn


The coefficient of xn = 2nCn


The general term for binomial (1+x)2n-1 is


Tr+1 = 2n-1Cr xr


To find the coefficient of xn


Putting n =r


Tr+1 = 2n-1Cr xn


The coefficient of xn = 2n-1Cn


We have to prove


Coefficient of xn in (1+x)2n = 2 coefficient of xn in (1+x)2n-1


L.H.S.



R.H.S.



2nCn



2 × 2n-1Cn












Multiplying and diving by n












Hence L.H.S = R.H.S.


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