Question:medium

In the usual notation, \(\frac{^nC_1}{2} + \frac{^nC_2}{3} + \cdots + \frac{^nC_n}{n+1}\) is equal to

Show Hint

Always check starting index (r=0 or r=1) in summation problems.
Updated On: Apr 18, 2026
  • \(\frac{2^{n+1}-1}{n+1}\)
  • \(\frac{2^{n+1}-n-1}{n+1}\)
  • \(\frac{2^{n+1}-n}{n+1}\)
  • None of these
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem involves sums of binomial coefficients. The division by integers \( (r+1) \) suggests integration of the binomial expansion.
: Key Formula or Approach:
Identity: \( \frac{{}^nC_r}{r+1} = \frac{{}^{n+1}C_{r+1}}{n+1} \).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The given series is: \[ S = \sum_{r=1}^{n} \frac{{}^nC_r}{r+1} \] Apply the identity \( \frac{{}^nC_r}{r+1} = \frac{{}^{n+1}C_{r+1}}{n+1} \): \[ S = \sum_{r=1}^{n} \frac{{}^{n+1}C_{r+1}}{n+1} \] Factor out \( \frac{1}{n+1} \): \[ S = \frac{1}{n+1} \left[ {}^{n+1}C_2 + {}^{n+1}C_3 + \dots + {}^{n+1}C_{n+1} \right] \] We know that the total sum of coefficients for power \( (n+1) \) is: \[ {}^{n+1}C_0 + {}^{n+1}C_1 + {}^{n+1}C_2 + \dots + {}^{n+1}C_{n+1} = 2^{n+1} \] So, the required bracket sum is: \[ \text{Sum} = 2^{n+1} - ({}^{n+1}C_0 + {}^{n+1}C_1) \] \[ \text{Sum} = 2^{n+1} - (1 + n+1) = 2^{n+1} - n - 2 \] Substitute back: \[ S = \frac{2^{n+1} - n - 2}{n+1} \].
Step 3: Final Answer:
The sum is \( \frac{2^{n+1}-n-2}{n+1} \).
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