1. Write down the general term of the binomial expansion
The general term is given by:
Tr+1=(r18)(x)18−r(−2x51)r
Tr+1=(r18)x18−r(−21)rx−5r
Tr+1=(r18)(−21)rx18−6r
2. Find the value of $r$ for the term independent of $x$
For the term independent of x, the power of x must be 0:
18−6r=0
6r=18
r=3
3. Calculate the term independent of $x$
Substitute r=3 into the general term:
T4=(318)(−21)3
T4=816×(−81)
T4=−102