What is the coefficient of x^0 in the expansion of (x - 1)^5?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the coefficient of x^0 in the expansion of (x - 1)^5?
  1. -1
  2. 5
  3. -5
  4. 10

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the coefficient of x^0 in the expansion of (x - 1)^5?
  • Step 1: Understand that x^0 means we are looking for the constant term in the expansion of (x - 1)^5.
  • Step 2: Use the Binomial Theorem, which states that (a + b)^n = sum of (nCk * a^(n-k) * b^k) for k from 0 to n.
  • Step 3: In our case, a = x, b = -1, and n = 5. We need to find the term where x^0 appears.
  • Step 4: The term with x^0 occurs when k = 5 (because we want all x's to cancel out).
  • Step 5: Calculate the coefficient for k = 5: This is given by 5C5 * (x)^(5-5) * (-1)^5.
  • Step 6: Calculate 5C5, which is 1 (since there is only one way to choose all 5 items).
  • Step 7: Calculate (-1)^5, which is -1.
  • Step 8: Multiply the results: 1 * -1 = -1.
  • Step 9: Conclude that the coefficient of x^0 in the expansion of (x - 1)^5 is -1.
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