Undergrad  Simplifying Summation Algebra with Differential Equations

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The discussion revolves around simplifying series solutions of differential equations, specifically addressing the cancellation of terms in a fraction of sums. The original poster questions whether the term \(x^n\) can be canceled across the numerator and denominator. Responses clarify that such cancellation is not valid, as it does not hold true for general series. Instead, it is suggested to combine the two sums into one and to rewrite the first sum starting from \(n=2\) for clarity. The overall consensus emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the series when attempting simplifications.
crazycool2
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Hi, I'm working with series solutions of differential equations and I have come across something that has troubled me other courses as well. given that
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+e^{-x} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n \\
\text{where}\\
e^{-x}=\frac{1}{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}\\
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+\frac{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n }{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}
\end{equation}
now my problem is I have the xn in every term and the limits are the same, but I have a fraction of sums and I want to a way to make it simpler. can the xn cancel each other in the fraction. if so
i then have
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n*n!
\end{equation}
Is this even allowed?
 
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crazycool2 said:
Hi, I'm working with series solutions of differential equations and I have come across something that has troubled me other courses as well. given that
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+e^{-x} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n \\
\text{where}\\
e^{-x}=\frac{1}{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}\\
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+\frac{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n }{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}
\end{equation}
now my problem is I have the xn in every term and the limits are the same, but I have a fraction of sums and I want to a way to make it simpler. can the xn cancel each other in the fraction. if so
i then have
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n*n!
\end{equation}
Is this even allowed?
No, this is not correct.

You can see this even by just looking at three terms: there is no reason why
##\frac{c_0+c_1x +c_2x²}{1+x+x²/2}=c_0+c_1 +c_2 2##
would be correct in general.
 
crazycool2 said:
Hi, I'm working with series solutions of differential equations and I have come across something that has troubled me other courses as well. given that
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+e^{-x} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n \\
\text{where}\\
e^{-x}=\frac{1}{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}\\
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+\frac{ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}c_{n}x^n }{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}}
\end{equation}
now my problem is I have the xn in every term and the limits are the same, but I have a fraction of sums and I want to a way to make it simpler. can the xn cancel each other in the fraction. if so
i then have
\begin{equation}
\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_{n+2}x^n+ \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} c_n*n!
\end{equation}
Is this even allowed?
No. Cancelling works when the same factor appears in both numerator and denominator.
 
crazycool2 said:
Is this even allowed?
Hi crazycool2:

NO!

Take a look at making your cancellation with respect to a similar finite sum.

(a +bx+cx2) / (1 + x/1 + x2/2) =? (a+b+c)/(1+1+1/2)​

I understand that this insight will not help you simplify the DE solution you have. I am not sure what kind of simplification you need, but I suggest you start by combining the two sums into one. To do this first rewrite the first sum to be from 2 to ∞.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
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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