Multinomial Theorem
The Multinomial Theorem states that
![\[(a_1+a_2+\cdots+a_k)^n=\sum_{\substack{j_1,j_2,\ldots,j_k \\ 0 \leq j_i \leq n \textrm{ for each } i \\ \textrm{and } j_1 + \ldots + j_k = n}}\binom{n}{j_1; j_2; \ldots ; j_k}a_1^{j_1}a_2^{j_2}\cdots a_k^{j_k}\]](http://latex.artofproblemsolving.com/4/5/c/45cb6228eda6d98ac694f0fa5bf19c95eb0edff4.png)
where 
is the multinomial coefficient 
.
Note that this is a direct generalization of the Binomial Theorem: when 
it simplifies to
![\[(a_1 + a_2)^n = \sum_{\substack{0\leq j_1, j_2 \leq n \\ j_1 + j_2 = n}} \binom{n}{j_1; j_2} a_1^{j_1}a_2^{j_2} = \sum_{j = 0}^n \binom{n}{j} a_1^j a_2^{n - j}\]](http://latex.artofproblemsolving.com/1/c/5/1c5dc64793d2f619276e8443c44d83a30551fdd2.png)
Contents
Proof
Using induction and the Binomial Theorem
Combinatorial proof
Problems
Introductory
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Intermediate
- The expression
is simplified by expanding it and combining like terms. How many terms are in the simplified expression?
(Source: 2006 AMC 12A Problem 24)
Olympiad
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