Deriving Identity: A Proof for S^{p}_{n} = 1^p + ... + n^p

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on deriving the identity for the sum of powers, specifically S^{p}_{n} = 1^p + ... + n^p, leading to the equation (p+1)*S^{p}_{n} + (p+1 choose 2)*S^{p-1}_{n} + ... + S^{0}_{n} = (n+1)^(p+1) - 1. Key equations mentioned include S^{1}_{n} = n(n+1)/2, S^{2}_{n} = n(n+1)(2n+1)/6, and S^{3}_{n} = [1+2+...+n]^2. The discussion highlights the use of combinatorial identities and telescoping series to simplify the left-hand side of the equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of combinatorial identities, specifically binomial coefficients.
  • Familiarity with power sums and their formulas, such as S^{1}_{n} and S^{2}_{n}.
  • Knowledge of telescoping series and their properties.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills to rearrange and simplify equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of power sum formulas, focusing on S^{p}_{n} for various values of p.
  • Learn about binomial coefficients and their applications in combinatorial proofs.
  • Explore the concept of telescoping series and how they can be applied to simplify complex sums.
  • Investigate advanced techniques in algebraic manipulation to solve polynomial identities.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying combinatorics, mathematicians interested in polynomial identities, and educators teaching algebraic techniques for summation and series.

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deriving identity - need help!

Homework Statement



Derive for S[tex]^{p}_{n}[/tex] = 1^p + ... + n^p the identity

(p+1)*S[tex]^{p}_{n}[/tex] + (p+1 choose 2)*S[tex]^{p-1}_{n}[/tex] + ...+S[tex]^{0}_{n}[/tex] = (n+1)^(p+1) - 1

Homework Equations



Um, I know that the S[tex]^{1}_{n}[/tex] = n(n+1)/2
S[tex]^{2}_{n}[/tex] = n(n+1)(2n+1)/6
S[tex]^{3}_{n}[/tex] = [1+2+...+n]^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I have NO idea how to show this. I tried writing out some of the terms, but I didn't really get anywhere. I am completely lost as to how my lhs is supposed to become (n+1)^ anything... yeah... all I know is that I can write out the p choose n kind of terms, but so far that hasn't really yielded anything useful. Please help! I am so confused! :cry:
 
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sorry, I don't know why this posted twice or how to delete the other one!
 


I'll give you a hint. Write C(n,m) for "n choose m". Now the sum for k=0 to n C(n,i)*k^i is (1+k)^n, right? So the sum for k=0 to n-1 of C(n,i)*k^i is (1+k)^n-k^n. If you sum over k, do you see a telescoping series?
 

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