Understanding Complex Numbers and Their Proof: A Step-by-Step Explanation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding a proof involving complex numbers, specifically how to simplify the expression Im(e^{i\theta}\sum(re^{2i\theta})^{n}) to Im(e^{i\theta}\frac{1}{1-re^{2i\theta}}). The key transition occurs because the sum represents a geometric series, which can be simplified using the formula for infinite series when the common ratio r is less than 1. Participants clarify that the condition r < 1 is essential for the convergence of the series. Additionally, there are tips on using LaTeX for mathematical notation. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing geometric series in complex number proofs.
Perillux
I'm looking at a problem involving complex numbers and a proof. It shows the solution too, but I don't get how they did a certain step.
At one step they end up with this: (NOTE: the sigma should have 'n=0' on bottom and infinity on top, but I don't know how to do that in latex. If someone knows, please share):
Im(e^{i\theta}\sum(re^{2i\theta})^{n})
Then in the next step they get from the above to the below:
Im(e^{i\theta}\frac{1}{1-re^{2i\theta}})
If someone could please explain how they are equal I would greatly appreciate it.

I didn't include the default template for threads on this section of the forum because I don't think it really applies to this question, if I'm wrong then I appologize. I didn't really attempt much of a solution, other than just writing out the sums to see if I could do anything with that... no luck.
 
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The way to do limits on the sum is \sum^{\infty}_{0}. You can use ^{} or _{} to put things at top or bottom of anything you want, generally.

The reason that they can get rid of the sum is that it is a geometric series, which has the explicit formula
\sum^{\infty}_{k=0}ar^{k} = \frac{a}{1-r}
When r&lt;1 (do you see why r must be less than 1?).

Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_series#Formula
 
Of course! It even says 0 < r < 1 in the problem, lol, can't believe I overlooked that.

Thank you
 
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