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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a multiplication problem involving power series using the Cauchy product formula. The user is attempting to compute the coefficients of the resulting series from the multiplication of two power series, specifically \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \). The correct approach involves recognizing that the coefficients \( c_n \) can be derived from the formula \( c_n = \sum_{k=0}^n a_k b_{n-k} \), where \( a_k = k+1 \) and \( b_k = 1 \). The solution requires a double summation to accurately compute the coefficients.

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  • Understanding of power series and their expansions
  • Familiarity with the Cauchy product of series
  • Basic knowledge of summation notation and index manipulation
  • Experience with mathematical series and coefficients
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  • Practice deriving coefficients from power series multiplications
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on power series and their applications, as well as educators looking for examples of series multiplication techniques.

tak13
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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.
 
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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.
 

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