Coefficients in a quotient of sums

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coefficient of the order \( x^j \) term in the quotient of two infinite power series, represented as \( \frac{\Sigma_{n}^{\infty}a_nx^n}{\Sigma_{m}^{\infty}b_mx^m} \). Participants suggest using polynomial long division as a method to extract the desired coefficient. A reference to a specific example on page 3 of the document found at http://www2.fiu.edu/~aladrog/IntrodPowerSeries.pdf is provided, illustrating the division process. The method is confirmed to be effective for the purpose of finding the coefficient.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infinite power series
  • Familiarity with polynomial long division
  • Basic knowledge of coefficients in series expansions
  • Access to mathematical resources, such as the provided PDF document
NEXT STEPS
  • Study polynomial long division techniques in detail
  • Explore examples of power series and their coefficients
  • Review the document at http://www2.fiu.edu/~aladrog/IntrodPowerSeries.pdf for practical applications
  • Investigate convergence criteria for infinite power series
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus or series expansions, and anyone interested in advanced algebraic techniques for analyzing power series.

Sturk200
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Is there a general way to express, for instance, the coefficient of the order $x^j$ term in the expression

$$\frac{\Sigma_{n}^{\infty}a_nx^n}{\Sigma_{m}^{\infty}b_mx^m}$$ ?

Basically I am working with a quotient of two infinite power series and I want to know the term in this quotient that is proportional to a particular power of the expansion variable. Am I even guaranteed that there will be such a term? How do I find it?
 
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Sturk200 said:
Is there a general way to express, for instance, the coefficient of the order $x^j$ term in the expression

$$\frac{\Sigma_{n}^{\infty}a_nx^n}{\Sigma_{m}^{\infty}b_mx^m}$$ ?

You could try doing division, similar to the way that one divides one polynomial by another polynomial. There's an example on page 3 of http://www2.fiu.edu/~aladrog/IntrodPowerSeries.pdf
 
Stephen Tashi said:
You could try doing division, similar to the way that one divides one polynomial by another polynomial. There's an example on page 3 of http://www2.fiu.edu/~aladrog/IntrodPowerSeries.pdf

That was a bit tedious, but I think it actually worked for my purpose. Thanks!
 

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