Question:medium

Let $(2 - x)^9 = a_0 + a_1x + a_2x^2 + \dots + a_9x^9$. Then the value of $a_1 + a_2 + a_3 + \dots + a_8$ is equal to

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Sum of coefficients excluding extreme terms is simply \( P(1) - a_0 - a_n \). Quick calculation: \( 1 - 512 - (-1) = -510 \).
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • -511
  • 510
  • -512
  • 512
  • -510
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

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.
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