Calculating Ratio of Determinants for $a,b$ Real Coefficients

In summary, the conversation discusses the ratio of determinants in the context of real coefficients and a specific power series. It is shown that the ratio is independent of the index k, and the proof involves comparing coefficients and solving simultaneous equations.
  • #1
lfdahl
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Let $a$ and $b$ be real coefficients ($b \ne 0$), and let $(x^2+ax+b)^{-1} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k$
for sufficiently small $|x|$.

Show, that the ratio of determinants:

$\begin{vmatrix} c_k & c_{k+1} \\ c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \end{vmatrix} / \begin{vmatrix} c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \\ c_{k+2} & c_{k+3} \end{vmatrix}$

- is independent of $k$.
 
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  • #2
lfdahl said:
Let $a$ and $b$ be real coefficients ($b \ne 0$), and let $(x^2+ax+b)^{-1} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k$
for sufficiently small $|x|$.

Show, that the ratio of determinants:

$\begin{vmatrix} c_k & c_{k+1} \\ c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \end{vmatrix} / \begin{vmatrix} c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \\ c_{k+2} & c_{k+3} \end{vmatrix}$

- is independent of $k$.
[sp]If \(\displaystyle (x^2+ax+b)^{-1} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k\) then \(\displaystyle 1 = (x^2+ax+b)\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k\). Compare the coefficients of $x^{k+2}$ and $x^{k+3}$ on both sides: $$\begin{aligned}c_k + ac_{k+1} + bc_{k+2} &= 0, \\ c_{k+1} + ac_{k+2} + bc_{k+3} &= 0.\end{aligned}$$ Solve those simultaneous equations for $a$ and $b$ to get $$b = \begin{vmatrix} c_k & c_{k+1} \\ c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \end{vmatrix} \bigg/ \begin{vmatrix} c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \\ c_{k+2} & c_{k+3} \end{vmatrix}.$$ Since the left side of that equation is independent of $k$ so is the right side.[/sp]
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
[sp]If \(\displaystyle (x^2+ax+b)^{-1} = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k\) then \(\displaystyle 1 = (x^2+ax+b)\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}c_kx^k\). Compare the coefficients of $x^{k+2}$ and $x^{k+3}$ on both sides: $$\begin{aligned}c_k + ac_{k+1} + bc_{k+2} &= 0, \\ c_{k+1} + ac_{k+2} + bc_{k+3} &= 0.\end{aligned}$$ Solve those simultaneous equations for $a$ and $b$ to get $$b = \begin{vmatrix} c_k & c_{k+1} \\ c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \end{vmatrix} \bigg/ \begin{vmatrix} c_{k+1} & c_{k+2} \\ c_{k+2} & c_{k+3} \end{vmatrix}.$$ Since the left side of that equation is independent of $k$ so is the right side.[/sp]
Thankyou for the correct answer, Opalg! - and for your participation!(Handshake)
 

1. What is the purpose of calculating the ratio of determinants for real coefficients?

The ratio of determinants for real coefficients is often used in linear algebra to solve systems of equations, find inverses of matrices, and determine the existence of solutions to linear equations. It is also used in geometry to find the area and volume of shapes.

2. How do you calculate the ratio of determinants for real coefficients?

The ratio of determinants is calculated by taking the determinant of the matrix with the coefficients of interest, and dividing it by the determinant of the matrix with the remaining coefficients. This can be done by hand or by using a calculator.

3. Can the ratio of determinants for real coefficients be negative?

Yes, the ratio of determinants can be negative. This happens when the two determinants have opposite signs, resulting in a negative overall ratio. This can occur when there is a negative coefficient in one of the matrices, or when there is a negative determinant in one of the matrices.

4. What does the ratio of determinants tell us about the system of equations or matrix?

The ratio of determinants can tell us several things about the system of equations or matrix. If the ratio is non-zero, it means that the system has a unique solution and the matrix is invertible. If the ratio is zero, it means that the system has no solution and the matrix is not invertible. If the ratio is infinite, it means that the system has infinitely many solutions and the matrix is not invertible.

5. Can the ratio of determinants for real coefficients be used to solve any type of equation or system?

No, the ratio of determinants is only used for systems of linear equations and matrices. It cannot be used to solve other types of equations such as quadratic or exponential equations. Additionally, the ratio can only be calculated for square matrices, so it cannot be used for rectangular matrices.

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