How can I get the sum inside the exponential?

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    Exponential Sum
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a summation involving exponential functions, specifically the expression \(\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}e^{2 \pi ift}\). Participants are exploring whether the provided equality holds and are examining the implications of the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the use of geometric series to simplify the summation. There are questions about the correctness of the expression and whether the summation index should be \(i\) or \(t\). Some participants suggest substituting variables to clarify the expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and corrections. There is acknowledgment of mistakes in the original formulation, and suggestions for simplification are being explored. Multiple interpretations of the summation and its relation to Euler's formula are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the correct setup of the summation and the implications of the variables involved, particularly in relation to the use of exponential functions and geometric series.

matlabber
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Homework Statement


Show if true:
[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}e^{2 \pi ift}=\frac{e^{2 \pi ifn}-1}{e^{2 \pi if}-1}=e^{\pi if(n-1)}\frac{e^{\pi ifn}-e^{-\pi i f n}}{e^{ \pi if}-e^{-\pi if}}\\\\\\\\[/tex]

Homework Equations



I'm really stuck here, just looking for a suggestion as to what equation to use...
Can I take the log? How can I get the sum inside the exponential?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Hint: Geometric series.
 


matlabber said:

Homework Statement


Show if true:
[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}e^{2 \pi ift}=\frac{e^{2 \pi ifn}-1}{e^{2 \pi if}-1}=e^{\pi if(n-1)}\frac{e^{\pi ifn}-e^{-\pi i f n}}{e^{ \pi if}-e^{-\pi if}}\\\\\\\\[/tex]
This does not look right, no matter how I read your sum. The expression is incorrect if the sum is over i; you should have a t somewhere on the right hand side. The expression is also incorrect if the sum is over t rather than i.

[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n-1} e^{2 \pi i f t} =<br /> \frac{e^{2\pi f n t} - e^{2\pi f t}} {e^{2\pi f t} - 1}<br /> = e^{2\pi f t} \frac{e^{2\pi f (n-1) t} - 1} {e^{2\pi f t} - 1}[/tex]

and

[tex]\sum_{t=1}^{n-1} e^{2 \pi i f t} =<br /> \frac{e^{2\pi i f n} - e^{2\pi i f}} {e^{2\pi i f} - 1}<br /> = e^{2\pi i f} \frac{e^{2\pi i f (n-1)} - 1} {e^{2\pi i f} - 1}[/tex]

Since you mentioned Euler in the title, I suspect it is the latter that you are supposed to prove.

Or perhaps it is

[tex]\sum_{t=0}^{n-1} e^{2 \pi i f t} =<br /> \frac{e^{2\pi i f n} - 1} {e^{2\pi i f} - 1}[/tex]
 


Hi,

You are correct my mistake.[tex]\sum_{t=0}^{n-1}e^{2 \pi ift}=\frac{e^{2 \pi ifn}-1}{e^{2 \pi if}-1}=e^{\pi if(n-1)}\frac{e^{\pi ifn}-e^{-\pi i f n}}{e^{ \pi if}-e^{-\pi if}}\\\\\\\\[/tex]
 
Last edited:


Using Geometric Series I get...

[tex]\frac{1-e^{2 \pi ifn}}{1-e^{2 \pi if}} =\frac{e^{2 \pi ifn}-1}{e^{2 \pi if}-1}[/tex]

Do I want to split up the pieces in the numerator? or Factor?
 
Last edited:


You have:

[itex]\frac{e^{2nx}-1}{e^{2x}-1}=\frac{e^{nx}}{e^{x}}\;\frac{e^{nx}-e^{-nx}}{e^x-e^{-x}}[/itex]

and the result follows simplifying the first factor in the right had side of the equality.
 


matlabber said:

Homework Statement


Show if true:
[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}e^{2 \pi ift}=\frac{e^{2 \pi ifn}-1}{e^{2 \pi if}-1}=e^{\pi if(n-1)}\frac{e^{\pi ifn}-e^{-\pi i f n}}{e^{ \pi if}-e^{-\pi if}}\\\\\\\\[/tex]

Homework Equations



I'm really stuck here, just looking for a suggestion as to what equation to use...
Can I take the log? How can I get the sum inside the exponential?

The Attempt at a Solution


How is this even related to Euler's formula, since i is an index? But, as vela said, geometric series makes it obvious here. But first you really have to simplify that mess. Replace 2πft with something else, like ##A##, or even ##x## since it isn't used so far.
 

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