# Homework Help: Oh wow, a math question came up at work! Finite series

1. Apr 1, 2008

### blochwave

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Being professionals now we've all forgotten our math skills and I'm trying to impress everyone. P=sum from k=0 to n of (x)^(m-k)*(1-x)

Sorry for the hurried lack of latex, it's x^(m-k), and that term is multiplied by (1-x)

2. Relevant equations
Uh-oh

3. The attempt at a solution

Unfortunately this isn't really homework and I don't even know where to start, so I guess it'd be too much to ask to just do it! If someone could just get me started methinks hazy memories could kick in

Last edited: Apr 1, 2008
2. Apr 1, 2008

### tiny-tim

Hi blochwave!

Well, most of it is constant, so it's (x^m)(1-x)∑x^(-k),

(or is it (x^-m)(1-x)∑x^k ?)

so all you have to sum is ∑x^(-k).

(or ∑x^k)

3. Apr 1, 2008

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
I assume you mean,

$$P = \sum_{k=0}^{n} x^{n-k}(1-x) = (1-x)\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{x^n}{x^k}$$

$$= (1-x)\left(x^n+x^{n-1} + x^{n-2} + \ldots + x^2 + x +1\right)$$

$$= \left(x^n+x^{n-1} + x^{n-2} + \ldots + x^2 + x +1\right) - \left(x^{n+1}+x^{n} + x^{n-1} + \ldots + x^3 + x^2 +x\right)$$

Notice that all the terms where the exponent is between n and 1 inclusive cancel leaving,

$$P = 1-x^{n+1}$$

Edit: Ooops, I thought the m was an n, never mind. See TT's post.

4. Apr 1, 2008

### blochwave

You guys rock so hard

EDIT: Unfortunately I don't

A)It WAS x^(m-k), m is a constant distinct from n, sorry

it was (1-x)^k, to make it I believe more difficult

Last edited: Apr 1, 2008
5. Apr 1, 2008

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
So the series is,

$$P = \sum_{k=0}^{n}x^{m-k}\left(1-x\right)^k$$

Correct?

6. Apr 1, 2008

### blochwave

Yes, I wrote it down this time to avoid further embarrassment >_>

7. Apr 1, 2008

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
The contribution from the x(m-k) term will be similar to the series detailed in post #3. For the contribution of the parenthesised term, one may consider using the binomial theorem.

Edit: I'm curious as to your line of work, in what context did the series arise?

Last edited: Apr 1, 2008
8. Apr 1, 2008

### blochwave

I don't even know what he's doing it for, it's something to do with probabilities like I said

Check this though: I did the ratio convergence test to make sure he didn't ask a stupid question, forgetting that it only works if the series is geometric

Well if you divide any subsequent terms you get x^-1(1-x), which I realized is r

so the series can be written as x^m[r]^k, if a=x^m, r is that thing above(I checked this for at least the first few terms), you can just write down the solution to a geometric series using those terms and BAM

Did I do good? He's an aerospace engineer and I have a degree in physics, we work for an engineering consulting type place. I felt obliged to solve this after I didn't know his other question of which was more efficient, a turbofan or turboprop :(

Edit: Well duh, it's a finite series, I shouldn't have even been doing a convergence test, BUT in the process I found out I could rewrite it as a geometric series, and right is right. I hope

Last edited: Apr 1, 2008
9. Apr 1, 2008

### Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
You know what, that's real nice blochwave, I didn't spot that. Looks good to me