Proof of ## \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{nX^n}{n}= Xe^X##

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the series identity ## \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{nX^n}{n!} = Xe^X ## and related expressions. Participants explore the Taylor expansion of the exponential function and the implications of differentiating this series to derive the desired results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference the Taylor expansion of the exponential function, ## e^X = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{X^n}{n!} ##, and discuss the differentiation of this series.
  • One participant notes that differentiating the series leads to the same expression, questioning how to derive the series identities from this.
  • Another participant suggests that the issue lies in canceling terms inappropriately and encourages following through with the original differentiation plan.
  • A later reply introduces a method involving the manipulation of derivatives and multiplication by ## x ## to derive the series identities, indicating a potential approach to proving the results.
  • There is mention of using induction to generalize the results for higher powers of ## n ## in the series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate method to derive the series identities, with no consensus on a single approach. Some participants challenge the correctness of earlier steps, while others propose alternative methods without resolving the disagreement.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of careful manipulation of series and derivatives, indicating that assumptions about convergence and the validity of operations may be relevant but are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying series expansions, differentiation techniques in calculus, or seeking to understand proofs related to exponential functions in mathematics.

WMDhamnekar
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TL;DR
Proofs of ##1) \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{nX^n}{n!}= Xe^X, 2) \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{n^2X^n}{n!}= Xe^X + X^2e^X##
I know the Taylor expansion of exponential, ##\exp(x)=\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{X^n}{n!}##

But if I calculate first and second derivatives of both sides of the above formula, L.H.S and R.H.S remain the same as before i-e ##e^X##

So, how can I get the proofs of both series?
 
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WMDhamnekar said:
So, how can I get the proofs of both series?
Where exactly is the problem?
 
PeroK said:
Where exactly is the problem?
I computed the first derivative of ##e^X = \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{X^n}{n!}## as follows:

##\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{nX^{n-1}}{n(n-1)!} =\displaystyle\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{X^{n-1}}{(n-1)!}= e^X##Derivative of ##e^X ## is ##e^X## So, what is wrong here?
 
WMDhamnekar said:
Derivative of ##e^X ## is ##e^X## So, what is wrong here?
That's not what you were asked to do.
 
I think I seev where you're trying to go with this, and you would save yourself a lot of pain if you just didn't cancel the n from the numerator and denominator and followed through on your original plan. What do you need to do to get to the desired function?
 
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Office_Shredder said:
I think I seev where you're trying to go with this, and you would save yourself a lot of pain if you just didn't cancel the n from the numerator and denominator and followed through on your original plan. What do you need to do to get to the desired function?
Author said he differentiated twice ##e^X =\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{X^n}{n!} \Rightarrow(1)##

In my opinion, the first and second derivatives of (1) are not the proofs of ##a) \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{nX^n}{n!}= Xe^X , b) \displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{n^2X^n}{n!}= Xe^X + X^2e^X##
 
Differentiate, then multiply by x!
 
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Office_Shredder said:
Differentiate, then multiply by x!
I thought over the last night for many hours to find out author's intention behind his statement that he differentiated the Taylor expansion of exponential , ##e^X## twice. Then I realized what he wants to tell the readers. It is a trick to realize our goal.
 
If f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n x^n then
<br /> x \frac{df}{dx} = x \sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n x^{n-1} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty na_n x^n and <br /> \begin{split}<br /> x^2 \frac{d^2f}{dx^2} + x\frac{df}{dx} &amp;= x\frac{d}{dx}\left( x \frac{df}{dx}\right) \\<br /> &amp;= \sum_{n=0}^\infty n^2 a_nx^n.\end{split} Setting f(x) = e^x proves the results.

By induction, one has <br /> \sum_{n=0}^\infty n^k a_n x^n = \left( x \frac{d}{dx}\right)^k f which is useful in finding \sum n^ka_n if \sum a_nx^n is known and has radius of convergence greater than 1.
 
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