What is the Result of an Infinite Series in Terms of x for x < 1?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the result of an infinite series in terms of x for x < 1, specifically focusing on the expression involving the sum of a series in the numerator and denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the behavior of the series as x approaches 1, with one participant noting the known result for the denominator and questioning the behavior of the numerator. Another suggests integrating as a potential approach to find the result.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared their findings regarding the series, including results obtained through differentiation. There is an ongoing exploration of alternative methods, such as integration, to achieve the same result, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of x being less than 1 and are discussing the implications of this condition on the convergence of the series.

benf.stokes
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Homework Statement



Hi,

How do i determine de result in terms of x of this series for x < 1:

(Sum(i=0..+infinity; i*x^i))/(Sum(i=0..+infinity;x^i)

Thanks


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that (Sum(i=0..+infinity;x^i) will tend do 1/(1-x) but i don't know what the numerator will tend to

Thanks
 
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Hi benf.stokes! :smile:

(have a sigma: ∑ and an infinity: ∞ and try using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box :wink:)
benf.stokes said:
(Sum(i=0..+infinity; i*x^i))/(Sum(i=0..+infinity;x^i)

I know that (Sum(i=0..+infinity;x^i) will tend do 1/(1-x) but i don't know what the numerator will tend to

Thanks

Hint: integrate. :smile:
 
Thanks, I figured it out but by differentiating (sorry for the delay but I was netless for a few days):

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}x^n=\frac{1}{1-x}[/tex]

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}nx^{n-1}=\frac{1}{(1-x)^2}[/tex]

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}nx^n=\frac{x}{(1-x)^2}[/tex]

How would it be done by integrating? The other way around?
 
Last edited:
Sum the integral, and then differentiate that sum. :smile:
 

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