Solving Summations with Modified Exponents

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The discussion centers on solving the summation problem involving the series \(\frac{1}{8}\sum^{\infty}_{n=2}n\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{n-2}\). Participants suggest using the formula for the sum of a geometric series and its differentiation to derive a solution. A key point raised is the need to adjust the exponent from \(n-2\) to \(n-1\) to apply the differentiation method correctly. The initial confusion about the index is acknowledged, leading to a realization that modifying the series appropriately simplifies the problem. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of careful manipulation of series terms in summation problems.
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Hi everyone.
I hardly remember the fomulas of summation of sequence.

I got this problem.

{\frac{1}{8}}\sum^{\infty}_{n=2}n({\frac{3}{4}})^{n-2}

The result is 2.5.
How can I solve this problem?

Thanks all. :)
 
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Assuming |r| < 1 then

\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} r^n = \frac{1}{1-r}

Differentiation both sides with respect to r gives:

\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n \cdot r^{n-1} = \frac{1}{(1-r)^2}

This should give you a push in the right direction.

(Warning: Be careful of your initial index.)

--Elucidus
 
You suggested me very good approach.
However, the problem still remains,,,

my equation is n vs (n-2), not n vs (n-1)

Thanks!
 
Raising it to the power of n-2 instead of n-1 is just dividing it by 3/4. You should be able to find a way to modify your series so that you have an n-1 in the exponent
 
Office_Shredder said:
Raising it to the power of n-2 instead of n-1 is just dividing it by 3/4. You should be able to find a way to modify your series so that you have an n-1 in the exponent

You are absolutely right.
I was so stupid.

Thank you ;-)
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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