Find Sum of Power Series: Hint and Tips

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the sum of the power series \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty nx^{n+1}\), which falls under the subject area of series and sequences in calculus. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin the problem and seeks hints rather than a complete solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers taking the derivative to simplify the series but is unsure if this will lead to a more manageable form. They also mention attempting to use integration but feel uncertain about the next steps. Other participants suggest factoring out \(x^2\) and integrating the resulting series, prompting further exploration of familiar series forms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing hints and suggestions. There is an acknowledgment of the need for practice, and while some guidance has been offered, no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that they are required to show work, which may be influencing their approach to the problem. There is also a sense of uncertainty about the familiarity of the series forms being discussed.

PCSL
Messages
146
Reaction score
0
I have to find the sum of the power series: [tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty nx^{n+1}[/tex]

I know the I'm supposed to show work but I don't have any idea where to start. I'm not asking for you to do the problem for me, just a hint.

The only idea I had was to take the derivative to get rid of the n+1 in the exponent but I'm not sure if [tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty n(n+1)x^{n}[/tex] is any easier to solve.

Also I tried looking at the integral but again didn't see what to do
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{nx^{n+2}}{n+2}[/tex]

Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try factoring out [itex]x^2[/itex] and see if the resulting series reminds you of something familiar.
 
awkward said:
Try factoring out [itex]x^2[/itex] and see if the resulting series reminds you of something familiar.

So then I would have:

[tex]x^2\sum_{n=1}^\infty nx^{n-1}[/tex]

That doesn't look familiar.. should it?
 
PCSL said:
So then I would have:

[tex]x^2\sum_{n=1}^\infty nx^{n-1}[/tex]

That doesn't look familiar.. should it?

Integrate [itex]\displaystyle nx^{n-1}[/itex]
 
SammyS said:
Integrate [itex]\displaystyle nx^{n-1}[/itex]

I guess I just need more practice with these. Thank you, I don't think I would have thought of that any time soon ;).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K