Use Fourier Analysis to solve

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The discussion focuses on solving a convolution problem involving the function f[k] = 1/k!. Participants suggest using the relationship between convolution and power series to derive a formula for fsubm[k]. The convolution is expressed as g(n) = ∑ f(k)f(n-k), leading to terms involving factorials. There's a hint towards recognizing connections to binomial expansions, which could simplify the problem. Overall, the conversation emphasizes careful formulation and exploration of the convolution's properties to find a solution.
corey2014
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Homework Statement


let f[k]=1/k!, then let fsub2[k]=f[k] convoluted with f[k]
what is a simple formula for fsubm[k]?


Homework Equations


f[k] convoluted with f[k] = summation from negative infinity to infinity of 1/m! * 1/(n-m)!


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried a base case, but now I feel like this should be e^x, because the rest of the terms will drop out? Please Help I don't really know where to start...
 
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corey2014 said:

Homework Statement


let f[k]=1/k!, then let fsub2[k]=f[k] convoluted with f[k]
what is a simple formula for fsubm[k]?

Homework Equations


f[k] convoluted with f[k] = summation from negative infinity to infinity of 1/m! * 1/(n-m)!

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried a base case, but now I feel like this should be e^x, because the rest of the terms will drop out? Please Help I don't really know where to start...

You don't have any x in your sequence. Do you know the relation between convolution of sequences and power series? This problem can be done using that, if you know it, or it can be worked directly. But I think you want to write the convolution more carefully. Your sequence f is only defined for k = 0,1,2... and the convolution of f with itself would be$$
f\star f = g \hbox{ where }g(n)=\sum_{k=0}^n f(k)f(n-k)$$If you write out ##g(n)## for your particular function, you might be surprised and recognize it from somewhere.
 
Last edited:
no I don't know it, or maybe I just don't recognize it... When i broke it down I got 1/n!+1/(n+1)!+...+1/(n+1)!+1/n!
 
LCKurtz said:
You don't have any x in your sequence. Do you know the relation between convolution of sequences and power series? This problem can be done using that, if you know it, or it can be worked directly. But I think you want to write the convolution more carefully. Your sequence f is only defined for k = 0,1,2... and the convolution of f with itself would be$$
f\star f = g \hbox{ where }g(n)=\sum_{k=0}^n f(k)f(n-k)$$If you write out ##g(n)## for your particular function, you might be surprised and recognize it from somewhere.

corey2014 said:
no I don't know it, or maybe I just don't recognize it... When i broke it down I got 1/n!+1/(n+1)!+...+1/(n+1)!+1/n!

Each term in the sum for ##g(n)## would have two factorials, one for ##f(k)## and one for ##f(n-k)## wouldn't it? Substitute your formulas for ##f## directly in the sum for ##g(n)## and leave the summation sign in. What do you get? See if you can find any connection to binomial expansions.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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