Difference between revisions of "1965 AHSME Problems/Problem 14"

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Notice that the given equation, <math>(x^2 - 2xy + y^2)^7</math> can be factored into <math>(x-y)^{14} = \sum_{k=0}^{14} \binom{14}{k}(-1)^k\cdot x^{14-k}\cdot y^k</math>.  
 
Notice that the given equation, <math>(x^2 - 2xy + y^2)^7</math> can be factored into <math>(x-y)^{14} = \sum_{k=0}^{14} \binom{14}{k}(-1)^k\cdot x^{14-k}\cdot y^k</math>.  
  
Notice that if we plug in <math>x = y</math> = 1, then we are simply left with the sum of the coefficients from each term. Therefore, the sum of the coefficients is <math>(1-1)^2 = 0, \boxed{\textbf{(A)}}</math>
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Notice that if we plug in <math>x = y = 1</math>, then we are simply left with the sum of the coefficients from each term. Therefore, the sum of the coefficients is <math>(1-1)^7 = 0, \boxed{\textbf{(A)}}</math>.
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==See Also==
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{{AHSME 40p box|year=1965|num-b=13|num-a=15}}
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[[Category:Introductory Algebra Problems]]

Revision as of 13:07, 18 July 2024

Problem 14

The sum of the numerical coefficients in the complete expansion of $(x^2 - 2xy + y^2)^7$ is:

$\textbf{(A)}\ 0 \qquad  \textbf{(B) }\ 7 \qquad  \textbf{(C) }\ 14 \qquad  \textbf{(D) }\ 128 \qquad  \textbf{(E) }\ 128^2$

Solution

Notice that the given equation, $(x^2 - 2xy + y^2)^7$ can be factored into $(x-y)^{14} = \sum_{k=0}^{14} \binom{14}{k}(-1)^k\cdot x^{14-k}\cdot y^k$.

Notice that if we plug in $x = y = 1$, then we are simply left with the sum of the coefficients from each term. Therefore, the sum of the coefficients is $(1-1)^7 = 0, \boxed{\textbf{(A)}}$.

See Also

1965 AHSC (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 13
Followed by
Problem 15
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