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For some $$n \ne 10,$$ let the coefficients of the 5th, 6th and 7th terms in the binomial expansion of $$(1+x)^{n+4}$$ be in A.P. Then the largest coefficient in the expansion of $$(1+x)^{n+4}$$ is:
Coefficients of 5th, 6th and 7th terms of $$(1+x)^{n+4}$$ are in arithmetic progression. Let N = n + 4 so that the coefficient of the rth term is $$\binom{N}{r-1}$$. Hence the 5th term has coefficient $$\binom{N}{4}$$, the 6th term has coefficient $$\binom{N}{5}$$, and the 7th term has coefficient $$\binom{N}{6}$$.
Imposing the arithmetic progression condition yields $$2\binom{N}{5} = \binom{N}{4} + \binom{N}{6}$$. Using the identities $$\binom{N}{5} = \frac{N-4}{5}\binom{N}{4}$$ and $$\binom{N}{6} = \frac{N-5}{6}\binom{N}{5}$$ and dividing through by $$\binom{N}{4}$$ gives $$2\frac{N-4}{5} = 1 + \frac{(N-4)(N-5)}{30}$$.
Multiplying both sides by 30 leads to $$12(N-4) = 30 + (N-4)(N-5)$$. Setting $$m = N-4$$ transforms this into $$12m = 30 + m(m-1)$$, or $$m^2 - 13m + 30 = 0$$. Factoring, $$(m-3)(m-10) = 0$$ so that $$m = 3$$ or $$m = 10$$. Thus $$N = 7$$ or $$N = 14$$, giving $$n = 3$$ or $$n = 10$$. Excluding $$n = 10$$, we have $$n = 3$$ and hence $$N = 7$$.
In the expansion of $$(1+x)^7$$ the largest binomial coefficient is $$\binom{7}{3} = \binom{7}{4} = 35$$.
The correct answer is Option 3: 35.
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