SOLUTION: Determine the no. of terms in the expansion (2x^2-(1/4x))^12. I got 13, by using the binomial theorem. Is there a way that I don't need to expand till the end?

Algebra ->  Permutations -> SOLUTION: Determine the no. of terms in the expansion (2x^2-(1/4x))^12. I got 13, by using the binomial theorem. Is there a way that I don't need to expand till the end?       Log On


   

Question 386793: Determine the no. of terms in the expansion (2x^2-(1/4x))^12.
I got 13, by using the binomial theorem. Is there a way that I don't need to expand till the end?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
No, there's no shortcut.
You could factor out 2x.
So then
%282x%5E2-%28%281%2F4%29x%29%29%5E12=%282x%29%5E12%2A%28x-1%2F8%29%5E12
Which would simplify some of the terms, maybe.