Use Fourier Analysis to solve

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the convolution of a sequence defined as f[k] = 1/k!. Participants are tasked with finding a simple formula for fsub2[k], which is the convolution of f[k] with itself. The context is rooted in Fourier analysis and combinatorial interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between convolution and power series, with one participant attempting to derive a base case. Questions arise regarding the proper formulation of the convolution and its implications.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the convolution more carefully, suggesting that writing out the terms explicitly may reveal connections to known series or expansions. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the sequence f is defined only for non-negative integers, and there is uncertainty about the recognition of the resulting series from the convolution. The discussion includes considerations of factorials and potential connections to binomial expansions.

corey2014
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

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...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K