Sum over k from 0 to an even n of abs(k/n - 1/2)*C(n,k)=(1/2)*C(n,n/2)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical identity involving the sum of the absolute difference between k/n and 1/2 multiplied by the binomial coefficient C(n,k) for even n. It establishes that the sum can be expressed as (1/2)*C(n,n/2) by analyzing the symmetry of binomial coefficients and the behavior of the absolute function. Key formulas referenced include the binomial theorem, specifically ∑_{k=0}^n C(n,k) = 2^n and ∑_{k=0}^n kC(n,k) = n2^{n-1}, which are essential for deriving the identity for any even n.

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  • Understanding of binomial coefficients (C(n,k))
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neginf
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Odd number of terms so there is a middle term. It is equal to 0.
Since C(n,k)=C(n,n-k), abs(k/n - 1/2)=abs([n-k]/n - 1/2), and what's in the abs() increases and is positive k goes from 0 to n/2 -1,
the sum is twice the sum of the first n/2 - 1 terms, 2*(1/2 - k/n)*C(n,k).
Added C(n,k) from 0 to n, C(n-1,k-1) from 1 to n-1 separately. Still do not see how to get.
Specific examples are equal to (1/2)*C(n,n/2) but how can this be shown for any even n ?
 
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Theese two formulas should be useful:
[itex]\sum_{k=0}^nC(n,k)=2^n[/itex]
[itex]\sum_{k=0}^nkC(n,k)=n2^{n-1}[/itex]
Does it help?
 

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