Finding the Sum of a particular Power Series

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the sum of the series ∑(n^2/2^n) from n=1 to infinity, which is calculated to be 6 using Mathematica. The user seeks to express this sum in terms of the geometric series formula. They propose using the derivative of the geometric series to derive the formula for ∑(n^2 x^n). The final approach involves differentiating the geometric series and manipulating it to achieve the desired result. The method shared proves effective in reaching the solution.
DivGradCurl
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I need to obtain the sum of the following series

\sum _{n=1} ^{\infty} \frac{n^2}{2^n}

Well, with the aid of Mathematica, I get the answer, which is 6. What I'm trying to do now is work my way backwards from there. I need to express it through the geometric series

\sum _{n=0} ^{\infty} x^n = \frac{1}{1-x}

In fact, my guess is that I should use

\sum _{n=1} ^{\infty} n x^{n-1} = \frac{1}{\left( x - 1 \right) ^2}

but it can't get it to fit in.

Thank you very much.
 
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If

S = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} x^n

then

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}n^2 x^n = x \frac {d}{dx} x \frac {dS}{dx}
 
Thank you so much. This definitely works out!
 
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