Proving Infinite Sum of n^2 a^n/n! = a(1+a)e^a

In summary, the conversation is about finding a way to prove the equation \sum_n \frac{n^2 a^n}{n!}=a(1+a)e^a when n goes to infinity. The person asking the question knows how to prove a similar equation, but is unsure how to prove this one. Another person suggests using differentiation to solve both problems.
  • #1
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Hey!

Can someone tell me or just give a hint on how to show that:

[tex]\sum_n \frac{n^2 a^n}{n!}=a(1+a)e^a[/tex]

when n goes to infinity? I know how to show that:

[tex]\sum_n \frac{n a^n}{n!}=a e^a[/tex]

by using the facts that n/n! = 1/(n-1)! and a^n = a a^(n-1). But how can I prove the other one?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
After doing what you did in the second example, you'll be left with something like n a^n/(n-1)!. Rewrite the n in the numerator as (n-1) +1, and you'll get two familiar sums. Another way to do both problems would be to differentiate both sides, the sum term by term and the exponential as usual (using the chain rule in this case).
 
  • #3
Ahh, of course... thanks alot! :-)
 

1. What is the equation for "Proving Infinite Sum of n^2 a^n/n! = a(1+a)e^a"?

The equation is: ∑ (n^2 * a^n) / n! = a(1+a)e^a.

2. What is the meaning of the symbols in the equation?

The symbol ∑ represents a summation, or adding together, of all the terms that follow. n is a variable representing the number of terms in the series, a is a constant, and e is Euler's number (approximately equal to 2.71828). The ^ symbol denotes an exponent, and the / symbol represents division.

3. What does it mean to prove the infinite sum of this equation?

Proving the infinite sum means showing that as the number of terms in the series increases indefinitely, the sum of all those terms approaches a specific value. In this case, we are proving that the infinite sum of the equation ∑ (n^2 * a^n) / n! = a(1+a)e^a converges (approaches a specific value) to a(1+a)e^a.

4. What are some applications of this equation?

This equation has various applications in mathematics, particularly in the study of infinite series and their convergence. It also has applications in probability and statistics, as well as in physics and engineering. For example, this equation can be used to model the growth of a bacterial population, where a represents the initial number of bacteria, and n represents the number of generations.

5. How is this equation derived?

This equation can be derived using various mathematical techniques, such as Taylor series expansions, binomial expansions, and the ratio test for convergence of infinite series. The full derivation may be complex and require advanced mathematical knowledge, but it ultimately shows that the infinite sum of the equation ∑ (n^2 * a^n) / n! = a(1+a)e^a converges to a(1+a)e^a.

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