Calculating Convergent Series: Tips for $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n^2 w^n$

In summary, the conversation discusses the summation of the series \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n^2 w^n, with a region of convergence of |w| < 1. Differentiation is suggested as a method for finding the sum, and the resulting equations and steps are shown. A URL is also provided for further assistance.
  • #1
cepheid
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Does anyone have tips on how to sum the following series?

[tex] \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n^2 w^n [/tex]

Region of convergence is for |w| < 1
 
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  • #2
Try to exploit it's similarity with a geometric series.
Hint: Differentiate.
 
  • #3
cepheid said:
Does anyone have tips on how to sum the following series?

[tex] \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n^2 w^n [/tex]

Region of convergence is for |w| < 1

[tex] (1) \ \ \ \ z \ = \ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} w^{n} \ = \ (1 \ - \ w)^{-1} \ = [/tex]

[tex] (2) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ 1 \ + \ w \ + \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} w^{n} [/tex]

[tex] 3 \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac {dz} {dw} \ = \ \left ( 1 \ - \ w \right )^{-2} = [/tex]

[tex] (4) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ 1 \ \ + \ \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot w^{n-1} \ = \ 1 \ \ + \ \ w^{-1} \cdot \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot w^{n} [/tex]

[tex] (5) \ \ \ \ \ \Longrightarrow \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot w^{n} \ = \ w \cdot \left( \left(1 \ - \ w \right)^{-2} \ - \ 1 \ \right) [/tex]

[tex] 6 \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac {d^{2}z} {dw^{2}} \ = \ 2 \cdot \left ( 1 \ - \ w \right )^{-3} \ = [/tex]

[tex] (7) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot ( n \ - \ 1 ) \cdot w^{n-2} \ = [/tex]

[tex] (8) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ w^{-2} \cdot \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot ( n \ - \ 1 ) \cdot w^{n} \ = [/tex]

[tex] (9) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ w^{-2} \cdot \left ( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n^{2} \cdot w^{n} \ - \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n \cdot w^{n} \right ) \ = [/tex]

[tex] (10) \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ = \ w^{-2} \cdot \left ( \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n^{2} \cdot w^{n} \ - \ w \cdot \left( \left(1 \ - \ w \right)^{-2} \ - \ 1 \ \right) \right ) \ [/tex]

[tex] (11) \ \ \ \ \color{red} \Longrightarrow \ \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} n^{2} \cdot w^{n} \ = \ 2 \cdot w^{2} \cdot \left ( 1 \ - \ w \right )^{-3} \ \ + \ \ w \cdot \left( \left(1 \ - \ w \right)^{-2} \ - \ 1 \ \right) [/tex]

[tex] (12) \ \ \ \ \color{red} \Longrightarrow \ \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n^{2} \cdot w^{n} \ \ = \ \ w \ \ + \ \ 2 \cdot w^{2} \cdot \left ( 1 \ - \ w \right )^{-3} \ \ + \ \ w \cdot \left( \left(1 \ - \ w \right)^{-2} \ - \ 1 \ \right) [/tex]



~~
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Just Wanted To Know How To Make The Summation And Powers
 
  • #5
Last edited:

1. What is a convergent series?

A convergent series is a mathematical series in which the terms of the sequence approach a finite value as the number of terms increases. This means that the sum of the terms in the series will eventually reach a finite value.

2. How do you determine if a series is convergent or divergent?

One way to determine if a series is convergent or divergent is by using the ratio test. If the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms in the series is less than 1, then the series is convergent. If the limit is greater than 1, then the series is divergent.

3. What is the purpose of calculating a convergent series?

The purpose of calculating a convergent series is to find the sum of an infinite number of terms. This can be useful in various fields of science and mathematics, such as in calculating probabilities, areas under curves, and in solving differential equations.

4. How do you calculate a convergent series?

To calculate a convergent series, you can use a formula or method specific to the type of series that you are working with. For example, to calculate the sum of a geometric series, you can use the formula S = a / (1 - r), where a is the first term and r is the common ratio. For more complex series, you may need to use techniques such as partial sums or the integral test.

5. What are some tips for calculating a convergent series?

Some tips for calculating a convergent series include understanding the properties and methods specific to the type of series you are working with, using the ratio test to determine convergence, and double-checking your calculations for accuracy. It may also be helpful to break the series into smaller parts and simplify as much as possible before attempting the calculation.

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