MHB Differentiating a power series

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To prove that \( \frac{1}{(1 - x)^2} = 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 + \ldots \) for \( -1 < x < 1 \), differentiate the geometric series \( \frac{1}{1 - x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n \). The derivative of \( \frac{1}{1 - x} \) is \( \frac{1}{(1 - x)^2} \), which can also be expressed as \( 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 + \ldots \) after differentiation. This confirms that the series matches the derivative of the geometric series. The radius of convergence for both series is indeed \( R = 1 \).
tmt1
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I need to prove that for $-1 < x < 1$

$$\frac{1}{(1 - x)^2} = 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 ...$$

So, according to the textbook, the geometric series has a radius of convergence $R = 1$ (I'm not sure how this is true).

In any case we can compare it to:

$$\frac{1}{1 - x} =\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} x^n$$

If we differentiate it, we will get:

$$1 + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} (n + 1) x^n$$

(Or, $1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 + 5x^4 ...$)

So, somehow I need to prove that $\frac{1}{(1 - x)^2}$ is equal to the derivative of $\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} x^n$ and I'm not sure how to do that.
 
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tmt said:
I need to prove that for $-1 < x < 1$

$$\frac{1}{(1 - x)^2} = 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 ...$$

So, according to the textbook, the geometric series has a radius of convergence $R = 1$ (I'm not sure how this is true).

In any case we can compare it to:

$$\frac{1}{1 - x} =\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} x^n$$

If we differentiate it, we will get:

$$1 + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} (n + 1) x^n$$

(Or, $1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3 + 5x^4 ...$)

So, somehow I need to prove that $\frac{1}{(1 - x)^2}$ is equal to the derivative of $\sum_{n = 0}^{\infty} x^n$ and I'm not sure how to do that.

Hi tmt! ;)

You have found that if you take the derivative of $\sum x^n$, you get a match for the series.
What do you get if you take the derivative of $\frac 1{1-x}$, which is equal to that series?
 

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