Sum of a power series in terms of x

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The discussion focuses on finding the sum of the power series Σ^(∞)_{n=0} (x+1)^n / (n+2)! as a function of x. The hint provided suggests comparing it to the Taylor series expansion of e^x. The user initially struggles with the (n+2)! term but eventually factors the series correctly and realizes the importance of the indices. After some back-and-forth, they conclude that the sum can be expressed as e^(x+1) - 2 - x, leading to the final expression involving e^(x+1) and (x+1)^2. The conversation highlights the step-by-step process of manipulating the series to arrive at the solution.
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Hello, I need to find the sum(as a function of x) of the power series \Sigma^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{(x+1)^n}{(n+2)!}

The hint i was given was compare it to the Taylor series expansion of ex.

Im not sure even how to start this problem and any help is much appreciated.
 
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Do you know this series?

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}
 
jbunniii said:
Do you know this series?

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}

yes, that's the expansion for ex. Its the (n+2)! in the original problem that's confusing me.
 
Factor out \frac{1}{(x + 1)^2}.
 
ok i factored and came up with:

<br /> <br /> \frac{1}{(x+1)^2} \sum_2^\infty \frac{(x+1)^n}{n!} <br /> <br />

Do the indices matter? If not then it becomes

\frac{e^{x+1}}{(x+1)^2}
 
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The indices (you should call them limits) do matter. What two terms do you have to add to

\sum_2^\infty \frac{(x+1)^n}{n!}

to make it equal to ex+1?
 
I would have to add the first two terms of the sum if the limits started at 0 which would be

1 + (x+1)

<br /> <br /> 1 + (x+1) + \frac{e^{x+1}}{(x+1)^2}<br /> <br />?
 
Yes, the first two terms. But your answer is not correct.

1 + (1 + x) + \sum_2^\infty \frac{(x+1)^n}{n!} = e^{x+1}

This means

\sum_2^\infty \frac{(x+1)^n}{n!} = e^{x+1} - 2 - x

Substitute this back in

\frac{1}{(x+1)^2} \sum_2^\infty \frac{(x+1)^n}{n!}
 
<br /> <br /> \frac{e^{x+1} - x - 2}{(x+1)^2}<br /> <br />

yes?
 
  • #10
Correct.
 
  • #11
thank you for the help dx :!)
 

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