# Thread: The binomial theorem when n is not an integer

1. ## The binomial theorem when n is not an integer

How do we expand binomial expressions when n is not an integer, for example $\sqrt{1+x}$?

2. Originally Posted by Hibachi
How do we expand binomial expressions when n is not an integer, for example $\sqrt{1+x}$?
$\sqrt{1+x}$ can be written as $(1+x)^{\frac{1}{2}}$.

You just use the usual binomial formula but with the value $\frac{1}{2}$

3. Originally Posted by Hibachi
How do we expand binomial expressions when n is not an integer, for example $\sqrt{1+x}$?
If you have $\sqrt{1+x}$ as your exponent, e.g., $(a+b)^{\sqrt{1+x}}$, then you won't be using binomial expansion. Perhaps you're supposed to use logarithms.

Edit: Seems I misinterpreted your question. At any rate, maybe this link on Newton's generalized binomial theorem will help.

4. Originally Posted by craig
$\sqrt{1+x}$ can be written as $(1+x)^{\frac{1}{2}}$.

You just use the usual binomial formula but with the value $\frac{1}{2}$
Then how do you calculate the factorial for $\sum_{k=0}^{n} {\frac{1}{2} \choose k}x^k$? I thought they were defined for just (positive) integers. Also, the number of terms is not even finite, so I'm not sure whether I can use that formula.

5. Originally Posted by undefined
Edit: Seems I misinterpreted your question.
Sorry. It was my fault. I should have worded it better.
At any rate, maybe this link on Newton's generalized binomial theorem will help.
Got it! Thank you. Little bit got confused about as to what $\frac{(r)_k}{k!}$ meant initially but got it. Thanks again.