Question:medium

If there is a term containing \(x^{2r}\) in \(\left(x + \frac{1}{x^2}\right)^{n-3}\), then

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In binomial expansion, equate the exponent of \(x\) to the desired power.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • \(n - 2r\) is a positive integral multiple of 3.
  • \(n - 2r\) is even
  • \(n - 2r\) is odd
  • None of the above
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine the correct condition when there is a term containing \(x^{2r}\) in the expansion of \(\left(x + \frac{1}{x^2}\right)^{n-3}\), we will analyze the binomial expansion step-by-step.

The expression \(\left(x + \frac{1}{x^2}\right)^{n-3}\) can be expanded using the Binomial Theorem:

\[\left(x + \frac{1}{x^2}\right)^{n-3} = \sum_{k=0}^{n-3} \binom{n-3}{k} x^{(n-3)-k} \left(\frac{1}{x^2}\right)^k\]

Simplifying the expression inside the summation:

\[= \sum_{k=0}^{n-3} \binom{n-3}{k} x^{(n-3-k) - 2k} = \sum_{k=0}^{n-3} \binom{n-3}{k} x^{n-3 - 3k}\]

For a term with \(x^{2r}\), set the power of \(x\) equal to \(2r\):

\[n-3 - 3k = 2r\]

Rearranging the equation, we get:

\[n - 2r = 3k + 3\]

This implies that \(n - 2r\) must be a positive integral multiple of 3 as it can be expressed as \(3(k + 1)\), where \(k \geq 0\).

Therefore, the correct answer is that \(n - 2r\) is a positive integral multiple of 3.

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