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Differential form of Binomial Coefficient

Differential form of Binomial Coefficient

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 08:01 PM IST

An expression with two terms is called the binomial expansion. In the case of higher degree expression, it is difficult to calculate it manually. In these cases, Binomial theorem can be used to calculate it. Binomial theorem is used for the expansion of a binomial expression with a higher degree. Binomial coefficients are the coefficients of the terms in the Binomial expansion. Binomial theorem is proved using the concept of mathematical induction. Apart from Mathematics, Binomial theorem is also used in statistical and financial data analysis.

Differential form of Binomial Coefficient
Differential form of Binomial Coefficient

This article is about the differential form of the Binomial coefficients which falls under the broader category of Binomial Theorem and its applications. It is one of the important topics for competitive exams.

Binomial Theorem

If $n$ is any positive number, then $(a + b)^n = \binom{n}{0} a^n + \binom{n}{1} a^{n - 1} b + \binom{n}{2} a^{n - 2} b^2 + \dots + \binom{n}{n - 1} a b^{n - 1} + \binom{n}{n} b^n $

Binomial Coefficient

The combination $\binom{n}{r}$ or ${ }^{\mathrm{n}} \mathrm{C}_{\mathrm{r}}$ occuring in the Binomial theorem is called a Binomial coefficient, where $\binom{n}{r}=C(n, r)={ }^n C_r=\frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}$.

Differential Form of Binomial Coefficient

The differential form of binomial coefficient is $\frac{d}{d x}\binom{x}{k}=\binom{x}{k} \sum_{i=0}^{k-1} \frac{1}{x-i}$

Proof:

$\quad \frac{d}{d x}\left(\binom{x}{k}\right), \text { where }\binom{x}{k}=\frac{x!}{k!(x-k)!}=\frac{x(x-1)(x-2) \ldots 3.2 .1}{k!(x-k)(x-k-1)(x-k-2) \ldots 3.2 .1} $

$\text { Let y }=\frac{x(x-1)(x-2) \cdots(x-k+1)}{k!} $

$\ln (y)=\ln (x)+\ln (x-1)+\ln (x-2)+\cdots+\ln (x-k+1)-\ln (k!) $

$\frac{d y}{d x}\left(\ln (y)=\ln (x)+\ln (x-1)+\ln (x-2)+\cdots+\ln (x-k+1)-\ln (k!) \frac{1}{y} \cdot \frac{d y}{d x}=\right. $

$\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{x-1}+\frac{1}{x-2}+\cdots+\frac{1}{x-k+1}-0 $

$\frac{d y}{d x}=y \cdot\left(\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{x-1}+\frac{1}{x-2}+\cdots+\frac{1}{x-k+1}-0\right) $

$\frac{d y}{d x}=\binom{x}{k} \cdot \sum_{i=0}^{k-1} \frac{1}{x-i} $

$\frac{d}{d x}\binom{x}{k}=\binom{x}{k} \sum_{i=0}^{k-1} \frac{1}{x-i} $

Recommended Video Based on Differential Form of Binomial Coefficients:

Solved Examples based on Differential Form of Binomial Coefficients

Example 1: The value of $\sum_{r=0}^n(r+1)^n C_r$ equals

1) $(n+2) 2^{n-1}$

2) $(n+1) 2^{n-1}$

3) $(n+2) 2^n$

4) $(n+4) 2^{n-1}$

Solution:

$C_1+2 \cdot C_2+3 \cdot C_3+---+n \cdot C_n=\sum_{r=0}^n r \cdot{ }^n C_r=n \cdot 2^{n-1}$

And

$C_0+C_1+C_2+C_3+---+C_n=2^n $

Now,

$\sum_{r=0}^n(r+1)^n C_r $

$= \sum_{r=0}^n\left(r .{ }^n C_r\right)+\sum_{r=0}^n\left({ }^n C_r\right) $

$\left({ }^n C_1+2^n C_2+\ldots .+n^n C_n\right)+\left({ }^n C_0+{ }^n C_1+\ldots .+{ }^n C_n\right) $

$\quad= n(2) 2^{n-1}+2^n $

$=(n+2) 2^{n-1} $

Example 2: Evaluate $\binom{4}{0}+2\binom{4}{1}+3\binom{4}{2}+4\binom{4}{3}+5\binom{4}{4}$

1) $40$

2) $36 $

3) $48 $

4) $64 $

Solution:

$C_1+2 \cdot C_2+3 \cdot C_3+---+n \cdot C_n=\sum_{r=0}^n r \cdot{ }^n C_r=n \cdot 2^{n-1} $

and

$ C_0+C_1+C_2+C_3+----+C_n=\sum_{r=0}^n\left({ }^n C_r\right)=2^n $

Now,

Given expression can be written as

$\sum_{r=0}^4(r+1)^4 C_r $

$=\sum_{r=0}^4(r) \cdot{ }^4 C_r+\sum_{r=0}^4\left({ }^4 C_r\right) $

$=4.2^3+2^4=32+16=48$

Example 3: Find the value of $(1 \cdot 2) C_2+(2 \cdot 3) C_3+\ldots \ldots+\{(n-1) \cdot n\} C_n$.

If $\mathrm{C}_0, \mathrm{C}_1, \mathrm{C}_2, \ldots, \mathrm{C}_n$ be binomial coefficients in the expansion of $(1+x)^n$

1) $n(n+1) 2^{n-1}$

2) $n(n+1) 2^{n-2}$

3) $n(n-1) 2^{n-1}$

4) $n(n-1) 2^{n-2}$

Solution:

$ 1^2 \cdot C_1+2^2 \cdot C_2+3^2 \cdot C_3+---+n^2 \cdot C_n=\sum_{r=0}^n r^{2 \cdot n} C_r=n \cdot 2^{n-1}+n(n-1) 2^{n-2} $

Now,

Given expression can be written as

$\sum_{r=0}^n(r-1) r \cdot{ }^n C_r $

$= \sum_{r=0}^n r^2 \cdot{ }^n C_r-\sum_{r=0}^n r \cdot{ }^n C_r $

$= n \cdot 2^{n-1}+n(n-1) \cdot 2^{n-2}-n \cdot 2^{n-1} $

$= n(n-1) \cdot 2^{n-2} $

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 4: The sum $\sum_{r=1}^{10}\left(r^2+1\right) \times(r!)$ is equal to:

1) (11)!

2) $10 \times(11!)$

3) $101 \times(10!)$

4) $11 \times(11!)$

Solution:

$\sum_{r=1}^{10}\left(r^2+1\right) \times(r!) $

$\Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{10}\left\{(r+1)^2-2 r\right\} r!$

$ \Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{10}\left\{(r+1)^2\right\} r!-2 \sum_{r=1}^{10} r \cdot r! $

$\Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{10}(r+1)(r+1) r!-2 \sum_{r=1}^{10} r \cdot r! $

$\Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{10}((r+1)(r+1)!-r \cdot r!)-\sum_{r=1}^{10} r \cdot r! $

$\Rightarrow(11.11!-1)-\sum_{r=1}^{10}((r+1)!-r!) $ \Rightarrow(11.11!-1-(11!-1!) $

$\Rightarrow 10.11!$

Example 5: Let $\mathrm{m}, \mathrm{n} \in N$ and n is odd and $30\binom{30}{0}+29\binom{30}{1}+\ldots \ldots+2\binom{30}{28}+1\binom{30}{29}=n .2^m$, then $n+m$ is equal to

1) $20 $

2) $65 $

3) $45 $

4) $75 $

Solution:

As we have learnt

$ \sum_{r=1}^n r\left({ }^n C_r\right)=n \cdot 2^{n-1} $

Now, given,

$ 30\binom{30}{0}+29\binom{30}{1}+\ldots+2\binom{30}{28}+1\binom{30}{29} $

this can be written as

$30\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_0\right)+29\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_1\right)+\ldots+2\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_{28}\right)+1\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_{29}\right) $

$=30\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_{30}\right)+29\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_{29}\right)+\ldots \ldots+2\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_2\right)+1\left({ }^{30} \mathrm{C}_1\right) $

$=\sum_{r=1}^{30} r\left({ }^{30} C_r\right) $

$=30\left(2^{29}\right)=15(2)^{30}=\mathrm{n}(2)^{\mathrm{m}} $

$\therefore \mathrm{n}=15, \mathrm{~m}=30 $

$\mathrm{n}+\mathrm{m}=45 $


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the differential form of the binomial coefficient?
The differential form of the binomial coefficient is a way to express the binomial coefficient using derivatives. It states that the binomial coefficient (n choose k) is equal to (1/k!) times the kth derivative of x^n evaluated at x=0.
2. How does the differential form relate to Pascal's triangle?
The differential form provides an alternative way to calculate binomial coefficients, which are the numbers in Pascal's triangle. While Pascal's triangle uses addition of adjacent numbers, the differential form uses derivatives, but both methods yield the same results.
3. Why is the differential form useful in combinatorics?
The differential form is useful because it provides a connection between calculus and combinatorics. It allows us to use calculus techniques to solve combinatorial problems and vice versa, offering new insights and problem-solving approaches.
4. Can you explain the intuition behind the differential form?
The intuition is that taking derivatives of x^n repeatedly "peels off" factors of n, similar to how we calculate combinations. For example, the first derivative gives nx^(n-1), the second gives n(n-1)x^(n-2), and so on, mirroring the process of selecting items for a combination.
5. How does the factorial in the differential form relate to combinations?
The factorial in the denominator (k!) accounts for the order of selection in combinations. It cancels out the extra permutations that arise from taking derivatives, ensuring we count each combination only once.
6. What's the significance of evaluating the derivative at x=0?
Evaluating at x=0 simplifies the expression by eliminating all terms except the constant term. This constant term turns out to be exactly the binomial coefficient we're seeking.
7. How does the differential form help in proving binomial identities?
The differential form allows us to use calculus techniques to prove combinatorial identities. By expressing binomial coefficients as derivatives, we can apply rules of calculus to manipulate and simplify expressions, often leading to elegant proofs of complex identities.
8. Can the differential form be used for non-integer values of n?
Yes, the differential form can be extended to non-integer values of n, leading to the concept of generalized binomial coefficients. This extension is useful in various areas of mathematics and physics.
9. How does the differential form relate to generating functions?
The differential form is closely related to generating functions. In fact, it can be derived from the generating function of binomial coefficients, (1+x)^n, by taking derivatives and evaluating at x=0.
10. What's the connection between the differential form and Taylor series?
The differential form of binomial coefficients is essentially a special case of Taylor series expansion. The coefficients in the Taylor series of (1+x)^n are precisely the binomial coefficients, which can be obtained using the differential form.
11. How does the differential form help in understanding the binomial theorem?
The differential form provides an alternative perspective on the binomial theorem. It shows that the coefficients in the expansion of (1+x)^n are related to the derivatives of x^n, offering a calculus-based interpretation of the theorem.
12. Can you use the differential form to calculate large binomial coefficients efficiently?
While the differential form is theoretically valid for all binomial coefficients, it's not typically used for numerical calculations, especially for large values. Other methods, like Pascal's triangle or direct algebraic formulas, are usually more efficient for computation.
13. How does the differential form relate to the concept of falling factorials?
The differential form naturally leads to the concept of falling factorials. The kth derivative of x^n produces a term n(n-1)(n-2)...(n-k+1), which is precisely the falling factorial of n of order k.
14. What's the relationship between the differential form and Stirling numbers?
The differential form of binomial coefficients is closely related to Stirling numbers of the first kind. In fact, Stirling numbers can be defined using a similar differential approach, but with ln(1+x) instead of (1+x)^n.
15. How does the differential form extend to multinomial coefficients?
The differential form can be extended to multinomial coefficients by considering partial derivatives. For a multinomial coefficient (n; k1, k2, ..., km), we take k1 derivatives with respect to x1, k2 with respect to x2, and so on, of the function (x1 + x2 + ... + xm)^n.
16. Can you use the differential form to prove the symmetry of binomial coefficients?
Yes, the symmetry of binomial coefficients (n choose k = n choose n-k) can be proved using the differential form. It involves showing that the kth derivative of x^n at x=0 is equal to the (n-k)th derivative of (1+x)^n at x=-1, up to a sign factor.
17. How does the differential form relate to probability theory?
In probability theory, the differential form connects to moment-generating functions. The binomial coefficients appear as coefficients in the moment-generating function of a binomial distribution, which can be derived using the differential form.
18. What's the significance of the differential form in complex analysis?
In complex analysis, the differential form relates to the residue theorem. The binomial coefficients can be expressed as contour integrals, which connects combinatorial concepts to complex function theory.
19. How does the differential form help in understanding the binomial distribution?
The differential form provides insight into the probability mass function of the binomial distribution. It shows how the probabilities of different outcomes in a binomial experiment are related to derivatives of the generating function.
20. Can you use the differential form to derive recurrence relations for binomial coefficients?
Yes, by applying the product rule of differentiation to the differential form, you can derive recurrence relations for binomial coefficients. This provides an alternative way to understand and prove identities like Pascal's rule.
21. How does the differential form relate to the concept of exponential generating functions?
The differential form is closely related to exponential generating functions. The exponential generating function for binomial coefficients can be derived by applying the differential form to e^(x(1+t)).
22. What's the connection between the differential form and umbral calculus?
The differential form is a key concept in umbral calculus, a branch of mathematics that uses operator methods to study sequences. In this context, the differential form provides a way to represent and manipulate binomial coefficients using differential operators.
23. How does the differential form help in understanding combinatorial identities involving powers?
The differential form provides a powerful tool for proving identities involving sums of powers of binomial coefficients. By expressing these sums in terms of derivatives, many complex identities can be simplified and proved elegantly.
24. Can you use the differential form to understand the behavior of binomial coefficients for large n?
Yes, the differential form can be used in asymptotic analysis of binomial coefficients. By applying techniques from complex analysis to the differential form, one can derive asymptotic formulas for binomial coefficients as n approaches infinity.
25. How does the differential form relate to the concept of formal power series?
The differential form naturally leads to the study of formal power series. It provides a way to manipulate and analyze coefficients of power series using differential operators, which is a fundamental technique in combinatorial analysis.
26. What's the significance of the differential form in algebraic combinatorics?
In algebraic combinatorics, the differential form provides a bridge between combinatorial structures and algebraic operations. It allows combinatorial objects to be studied using techniques from algebra and analysis.
27. How does the differential form help in understanding the properties of special functions?
Many special functions in mathematics, such as the hypergeometric functions, involve binomial coefficients. The differential form provides a way to analyze these functions using differential equations, leading to a deeper understanding of their properties.
28. Can you use the differential form to generalize binomial coefficients to real or complex parameters?
Yes, the differential form provides a natural way to extend binomial coefficients to real or complex parameters. This leads to the concept of generalized binomial coefficients, which have applications in various areas of mathematics and physics.
29. How does the differential form relate to the concept of operator calculus?
The differential form is a fundamental concept in operator calculus. It shows how combinatorial operations can be represented using differential operators, leading to powerful techniques for solving combinatorial problems.
30. What's the connection between the differential form and Lagrange inversion theorem?
The differential form plays a key role in the proof and applications of the Lagrange inversion theorem. This theorem, which relates the coefficients of two inverse power series, can be elegantly expressed and proved using the differential form of binomial coefficients.
31. How does the differential form help in understanding the properties of polynomial sequences?
The differential form provides a way to analyze polynomial sequences using differential operators. This approach leads to insights about the coefficients of these polynomials and their combinatorial interpretations.
32. Can you use the differential form to derive identities involving alternating sums of binomial coefficients?
Yes, the differential form is particularly useful for deriving identities with alternating signs. By considering derivatives of (1-x)^n instead of (1+x)^n, many alternating sum identities can be easily proved and understood.
33. What's the significance of the differential form in the study of orthogonal polynomials?
The differential form provides a connection between binomial coefficients and certain families of orthogonal polynomials. For example, it can be used to derive properties of Hermite polynomials, which are closely related to binomial coefficients.
34. How does the differential form relate to the concept of umbral composition?
In umbral calculus, the differential form is fundamental to understanding umbral composition, which is a generalization of function composition to formal power series. This concept has wide-ranging applications in combinatorics and analysis.
35. Can you use the differential form to understand the properties of binomial transforms?
Yes, the differential form provides insight into binomial transforms, which are operations that transform one sequence into another using binomial coefficients. The properties of these transforms can be elegantly expressed and proved using the differential form.
36. How does the differential form help in solving combinatorial enumeration problems?
The differential form provides a powerful technique for solving enumeration problems. By expressing generating functions in terms of derivatives, many counting problems can be solved by manipulating these functions using calculus techniques.
37. What's the connection between the differential form and the theory of symmetric functions?
The differential form plays a role in the theory of symmetric functions, particularly in relation to Schur functions. It provides a way to express and manipulate these functions using differential operators.
38. How does the differential form relate to the concept of q-analogues in combinatorics?
The differential form has q-analogues, which are generalizations involving q-derivatives instead of ordinary derivatives. These q-analogues provide insights into q-binomial coefficients and other q-series identities.
39. Can you use the differential form to understand the properties of multinomial expansions?
Yes, the differential form can be extended to multinomial coefficients, providing insights into multinomial expansions. This extension involves partial derivatives and leads to a deeper understanding of multivariate generating functions.
40. What's the significance of the differential form in the study of partition functions?
The differential form provides a connection between binomial coefficients and certain partition functions. It can be used to derive properties of these functions and to prove identities involving partitions.
41. How does the differential form help in understanding the properties of Bell polynomials?
Bell polynomials, which are important in combinatorics and analysis, can be expressed using the differential form of binomial coefficients. This connection provides insights into the properties and applications of these polynomials.
42. Can you use the differential form to derive identities involving products of binomial coefficients?
Yes, the differential form is particularly useful for proving identities involving products of binomial coefficients. By expressing these products in terms of higher-order derivatives, many complex identities can be simplified and proved.
43. What's the connection between the differential form and the theory of formal groups?
The differential form plays a role in the theory of formal groups, particularly in relation to the formal group law. It provides a way to express and manipulate the coefficients in the formal group law using differential operators.
44. How does the differential form relate to the concept of Sheffer sequences?
Sheffer sequences, which are important in umbral calculus, can be characterized using the differential form of binomial coefficients. This connection provides a powerful tool for analyzing and manipulating these sequences.
45. Can you use the differential form to understand the properties of hypergeometric series?
Yes, the differential form provides insights into hypergeometric series. Many identities involving these series can be proved and understood by expressing the coefficients in terms of derivatives and applying calculus techniques.
46. What's the significance of the differential form in the study of combinatorial species?
In the theory of combinatorial species, the differential form provides a way to understand and manipulate generating functions associated with various combinatorial structures. It connects the combinatorial operations on species to differential operations on generating functions.
47. How does the differential form help in understanding the properties of Bernoulli polynomials?
Bernoulli polynomials, which have numerous applications in number theory and analysis, can be expressed using the differential form of binomial coefficients. This connection provides insights into the properties and identities satisfied by these polynomials.
48. Can you use the differential form to derive identities involving sums of products of binomial coefficients?
Yes, the differential form is a powerful tool for proving identities involving sums of products of binomial coefficients. By expressing these sums in terms of higher-order derivatives, many complex identities can be simplified and proved elegantly.
49. What's the connection between the differential form and the theory of symmetric polynomials?
The differential form plays a role in the theory of symmetric polynomials, particularly in relation to power sum symmetric functions. It provides a way to express and manipulate these functions using differential operators.
50. How does the differential form relate to the concept of Faa di Bruno's formula?
Faa di Bruno's formula, which gives the nth derivative of a composition of functions, can be expressed using the differential form of binomial coefficients. This connection provides insights into the structure of higher-order derivatives and has applications in combinatorics and analysis.

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