Power Series Expansion Homework: Multiplication & n-k Addition Method

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the multiplication of power series, specifically focusing on the application of the Cauchy product. Participants are examining a problem related to manipulating series and summations to derive a solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a double sum and the correct interpretation of indices in the context of power series multiplication. There are attempts to clarify the role of the variable "k" in the summation and how it relates to the series being multiplied.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the structure of the problem and suggesting that a double sum may be necessary. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance regarding the Cauchy product and the formulation of the series has been introduced.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the manipulation of indices and the specific terms involved in the series, indicating a need for further clarification on the setup and assumptions of the problem.

tak13
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I am doing this multiplication with power series and I am just stuck at this one and other questions that similar to this one.
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9526/img1261r.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



It seems that I suppose to add n-k wherever I see a "n" but it doesn't seem right.
The highlighted part is the part where I stuck.
The answer for this problem is the one that I circled.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
There should be a double sum there, with a sum over k from k = 0 to n. Then you should be able to just solve what that sum would be.
 
Ah yes, I know the part I highlighted should have the Sum of N parenthesis then the Sum of K but I don't know how they get to that answer.
 
tak13 said:
...

The Attempt at a Solution



It seems that I'm supposed to add n-k wherever I see a "n" but it doesn't seem right.
The highlighted part is the part where I stuck.
The answer for this problem is the one that I circled.
What do you get if you multiply the first few terms of f(x) times the first g(x) ?

(fg)(x) = (1 + 2(x-2) + 3(x-2)2 + 4(x-2)3 + ... ) (1 + (x-2) + (x-2)2 + (x-2)3 + ...)

What is the "k" in your sum?
 
You are using the Cauchy product:

(\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_nx^n)(\sum_{n=0}^\infty b_nx^n)=(\sum_{n=0}^\infty c_nx^n)

where

c_n = \sum_{k=0}^n a_kb_{n-k}

In your case ak = k+1 and bk = 1. Figure out what you get for cn.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K