Proof of Exp(x)*Exp(y)=Exp(x+y) - Help Appreciated!

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    Exponential Series
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the identity exp(x) * exp(y) = exp(x + y), focusing on the mathematical steps involved in deriving this result from the series definitions of the exponential function. Participants seek clarification on specific steps in the proof, particularly the transition between certain lines in the derivation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Cliowa presents a detailed proof using series expansions for exp(x) and exp(y) and seeks clarification on the transition from the fourth to the fifth line.
  • Another participant points out a typo in the fifth line and notes that the change involves altering the order of summation.
  • A third participant questions the correctness of the formula used to evaluate the product of the infinite series, referencing the Cauchy product of series and providing a link for further reading.
  • Cliowa expresses gratitude for the clarification and indicates that the explanation has helped them understand the proof better.
  • Another participant suggests that the initial lines derive the Cauchy product and recommends applying the referenced form directly to the first line of the proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the mathematical steps, particularly regarding the application of the Cauchy product. Some participants agree on the validity of the transition from line 3 to line 4, while others remain uncertain about the justification for this step.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of absolute convergence in the context of series products, though this aspect is not fully detailed in the exchanges. There are also references to specific mathematical techniques that may require additional context for clarity.

cliowa
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This should be a proof of the fact that exp(x)*exp(y)=exp(x+y). Have a look at it:
<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \exp(x)\cdot\exp(y)&amp;=\left(\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k!}\right)\cdot\left(\sum_{\ell=0}^{\infty}\frac{y^{\ell}}{\ell!}\right)\\<br /> &amp;=\sum_{k,\ell=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^ky^{\ell}}{k!\ell!}=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\left(\sum_{\ell=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^ky^{\ell}}{k!\ell!}\right)\\<br /> &amp;\stackrel{(\ell=n-k)}{=}\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\left(\sum_{n=k}^{\infty}\frac{n!}{n!}\frac{x^ky^{n-k}}{k!(n-k)!}\right)\\<br /> &amp;=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\left(\sum_{n=k}^{\infty}\left(\begin{array}{*{1}{c}}n\\k\end{array}\right)\frac{x^ky^{n-k}}{n!}\right)\\<br /> &amp;=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{\left(\sum_{k=0}^n\left(\begin{array}{*{1}{c}}n\\k\end{array}\right)x^ky^{n-k}\right)}{n!}\\<br /> &amp;=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(x+y)^n}{n!}=\exp(x+y)<br /> \end{align*}<br />
Now, I understand everything fairly well, except for one step: what is the operation to get from the 4th line to the 5th?
Help will be appreciated very much.
Best regards...Cliowa
 
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There's a typo, the 5th line should be:

=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{\left(\sum_{k=0}^n\left (\begin{array}{*{1}{c}}n\\k\end{array}\right)x^ky^ {n-k}\right)}{n!}

They've just changed the order of summation.
 
A little help from Rudin

I'm not sure the formula used to evaluate the product of the infinite series [going from line # 3 -> #4] is correct (though it may well be correct), Rudin gives the formula for the Cauchy product of series as it is presented in this http://mwt.e-technik.uni-ulm.de/world/lehre/basic_mathematics/di/node14.php3 .

A quick version is:

Suppose \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n and \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} b_n converge absolutely. Then

\left( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a_n\right) \left( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} b_n\right) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{k=0}^{n} a_{k}b_{n-k} also converges absolutely.

Alternately, look here, under the heading A Variant.
 
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@shmoe: Thanks a lot, you really opened my eyes. Thank you very much. It seems clear now.

@benorin: I do think going from line 3 to 4 is alright, because all you do is you write n!/(k!*n-k)!) as the binomial coefficient of n and k, which works fine. Thanks anyway, the link was quite useful.

Best regards...Cliowa
 
Lines 1 to 5 are essentially deriving the Cauchy product for these two series (with some algebraic simplification mixed in and not mentioning where absolute convergence is used). cliowa, you might want try to applying the form benorin gave to line 1 directly.
 

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