Binomial theorem with more than 2 terms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the application of the binomial theorem to infinite series, particularly in the context of power series and their convergence properties. Participants explore whether the binomial theorem can be applied when substituting an infinite series for the variable and the implications of convergence on the results obtained, especially in relation to finding residues in complex analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the binomial theorem is valid when replacing x with an infinite series, specifically asking about the convergence of the series.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for absolute convergence of all terms in the series for the application of the theorem.
  • A participant references a specific example involving the residue of a function and the application of the binomial theorem to a power series expansion of cos(z), questioning the modulus of the power series.
  • There is a clarification that cos(z) is represented by a single series, which leads to further discussion about the expansion of 1/cos(z) using the binomial theorem.
  • One participant introduces a limit involving the convergence of series and questions the relationship between limits of sequences.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the previous statements and their implications.
  • A later reply discusses the nature of power series as limits and the calculation of coefficients in the context of residues, questioning the relevance of convergence to obtaining correct coefficients.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the binomial theorem to infinite series and the necessity of convergence for accurate results. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of convergence on the validity of the binomial expansion in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on whether the modulus of the infinite series must be less than one for the binomial theorem to apply, nor on the impact of convergence on finding coefficients in power series expansions.

dyn
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Hi.
Is the binomial theorem ##(1+x)^n = 1+nx+(n(n-1)/2)x^2 + ….## valid for x replaced by an infinite series such as ##x+x^2+x^3+...## with every x in the formula replaced by the infinite series ?

If so , does the modulus of the infinite series have to be less than one for the series to converge ?
 
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You need to make sure that all ##x^n## converge absolutely.
 
My question arises from an example I have just come across regarding finding the residue of ##1/(z^5cos(z))## about the point z=0. The cos(z) is written out as a power series and then it seems the binomial theorem is applied to it with x replaced by the power series and n= -1. Is the modulus of that power series less than one ?
 
What do you mean? ##\cos(z)## is only one series.
 
The example expands ##1/coz(z)## as a binomial of the form ##(1+x)^n## with ## x## represented by the infinite power series starting with ##-z^2/2!## and ##n= -1##
 
So the question is whether ##\dfrac{1}{\lim_{n\to \infty}\sum_{k=0}^n a_k} = \lim_{n \to \infty} \dfrac{1}{\sum_{k=0}^n a_k}##, so what do you know about ##\lim_{n \to \infty} \dfrac{f_n}{g_n}##?
 
You've lost me now
 
A power series such as ##z^5\cos z## is a limit, as every infinite series. So we have the quotient ##1## divided by that limit of partial sums. You asked whether this can be calculated by as limit of ##1## divided by those partial sums. Write down what you have, with limits instead of ##\infty##. This is only a symbol. If you want to know what you can do with it, you have to use its definition.
 
If I am using the binomial expansion to find the residue ie. the coefficient of the ##1/z## term does it even matter if the series converges ? Whether it converges or not I should get the correct coefficient ?
 

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