Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The sum of coefficients in a polynomial expansion can be found by substituting specific values for \(x\).
We are asked for the sum of the coefficients excluding the first (\(a_0\)) and last (\(a_9\)) terms.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Set \(x = 1\) to find the total sum of all coefficients.
Explicitly calculate \(a_0\) and \(a_9\), and subtract them from the total sum.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Substitute \(x = 1\) into the equation:
\[ (2 - 1)^9 = a_0 + a_1(1) + a_2(1)^2 + \dots + a_9(1)^9 \]
\[ 1^9 = a_0 + a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_9 = 1 \]
Now, calculate \(a_0\), which is the constant term (when \(x = 0\)):
\[ a_0 = (2)^9 = 512 \]
Calculate \(a_9\), the coefficient of the highest power term (\(x^9\)):
The \(x^9\) term is \((-x)^9 = -x^9\), so \(a_9 = -1\).
We need the sum \(S = a_1 + a_2 + \dots + a_8\).
We know:
\[ a_0 + S + a_9 = 1 \]
\[ 512 + S - 1 = 1 \]
\[ S + 511 = 1 \]
\[ S = 1 - 511 = -510 \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The sum is -510.