2018 · Q21
On simplification the product (x₁ − y₁)(x₂ + y₂) ... (x₁₀ + y₁₀), how many such terms are there which will have only single x and rest y's?
general-mental-abilityquantitative-aptitude
- A2¹⁰
- B10
- C20
- D1
Explanation
Each factor contributes one chosen symbol, so a term with exactly one x takes x from exactly one factor and y from the other nine. Taking x1 from the first factor gives 1 way and forces y elsewhere; taking −y1 from the first factor lets the single x come from any one of the remaining nine factors (9 ways). That gives 1 + 9 = 10 such terms. The option 2¹⁰ counts all terms, and 20 double-counts. Hence the answer is 10.