Question

Approximate value of \((1.0002)^{3000}\) is (a) \(1.2\) (b) \(1.4\) (c) \(1.6\) (d) \(1.8\)

Short answer

The approximate value of \((1.0002)^{3000}\) is close to 1.6, which is option (c).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the value of x and n in the given problem

In the given problem, the value of x is 0.0002, and the value of n is 3000.

Apply the Binomial theorem

According to the binomial theorem, \((1+x)^n \approx 1 + nx\). Now replace x with 0.0002 and n with 3000. \((1+0.0002)^{3000} \approx 1 + (3000)(0.0002)\)

Multiply n and x

Multiply n and x to find the approximate value. \(1 +(3000)(0.0002) = 1 + 0.6\)

Add 1 to the product of n and x

Add 1 to the product of n and x obtained in the previous step. \(1 + 0.6 = 1.6\) Now, compare the value obtained with the given options. We find that the approximate value of \((1.0002)^{3000}\) is close to 1.6, which is option (c).

Key concepts

Binomial Theorem

Binomial Theorem is a powerful tool in algebra used to expand expressions that are raised to a power. The classic form of the theorem applies to expressions of the type \((a + b)^n\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are any numbers, and \(n\) is a positive integer. According to the theorem, you can expand the expression into a sum involving terms of the form \(a^{n-k}b^k\), where \(k\) takes on values from 0 up to \(n\).

For small values of \(b\) relative to \(a\), especially when \(b\) is a fraction and \(n\) is large, approximations are often used to simplify the calculations. This involves using only the first few terms of the binomial expansion – typically just \(a^n\) and \(na^{n-1}b\). This shortcut is incredibly useful for estimating the value of large exponents, as seen in the given exercise, where we approximate \((1.0002)^{3000}\) by only considering the first two terms of the binomial expansion.

Exponents and Powers

Exponents and powers are mathematical shorthand for expressing repeated multiplication. When you raise a number \(a\) to the power \(n\), denoted \(a^n\), you are multiplying \(a\) by itself \(n\) times. It's a basic yet essential concept across various branches of mathematics and is particularly crucial when working with large numbers or small fractions.

Understanding how to manipulate exponents is key when expanding binomial expressions. Rules such as the power of a product, the product of powers, and the power of a power come into play when you work through binomial expansions. These rules simplify complex algebraic expressions and make it easier to handle large calculations, like finding the value of \((1.0002)^{3000}\) without the need for computational tools.

Approximation Techniques

Approximation techniques allow mathematicians and students alike to find near-enough values of complicated expressions without going through arduous and time-consuming calculations. There are various methods to approximate values, such as rounding, using significant figures, and applying the Binomial Theorem for expressions with large exponents.

One common approximation for \((1 + x)^n\), where \(x\) is very small, is to use only the first two terms of its binomial expansion: \(1 + nx\). This simplifies the problem considerably and provides a result that is close enough to the actual value for practical purposes. In our exercise, the approximation technique significantly reduces calculation time and complexity, leading us to the answer without actually calculating the full binomial expansion of the expression.