Difference between revisions of "2008 Mock ARML 2 Problems/Problem 8"
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==Solution== | ==Solution== | ||
− | The motivating factor for this solution is the form of the first summation, which might remind us of the expansion of the coefficients of the product of two | + | The motivating factor for this solution is the form of the first summation, which might remind us of the expansion of the coefficients of the product of two polynomials (or [[generating functions]]). |
Let <math>x</math> be an arbitrary number; note that | Let <math>x</math> be an arbitrary number; note that | ||
− | <center><math> | + | <center><math>\left[\sum_{j = 0}^{\infty} a_jx^j\right]^2 = (a_0 + a_1 \cdot x + a_2 \cdot x^2 + \cdots)^2\\ = a_0^2 + (a_0a_1 + a_1a_0)x + (a_0a_2 + a_1a_1 + a_2a_0)x^2 + \cdots</math></center> |
By the given, the coefficients on the right-hand side are all equal to <math>1</math>, yielding the [[geometric series]]: | By the given, the coefficients on the right-hand side are all equal to <math>1</math>, yielding the [[geometric series]]: | ||
<center><math>\left[\sum_{j = 0}^{\infty} a_jx^j\right]^2 = 1 + x + x^2 + \cdots = \frac{1}{1-x}</math></center> | <center><math>\left[\sum_{j = 0}^{\infty} a_jx^j\right]^2 = 1 + x + x^2 + \cdots = \frac{1}{1-x}</math></center> |
Latest revision as of 00:57, 31 May 2016
Problem
Given that and
for all non-negative integers
, evaluate
.
Solution
The motivating factor for this solution is the form of the first summation, which might remind us of the expansion of the coefficients of the product of two polynomials (or generating functions).
Let be an arbitrary number; note that
![$\left[\sum_{j = 0}^{\infty} a_jx^j\right]^2 = (a_0 + a_1 \cdot x + a_2 \cdot x^2 + \cdots)^2\\ = a_0^2 + (a_0a_1 + a_1a_0)x + (a_0a_2 + a_1a_1 + a_2a_0)x^2 + \cdots$](http://latex.artofproblemsolving.com/7/b/b/7bb6ab2c660599307d7ea9e7833b15383a114efb.png)
By the given, the coefficients on the right-hand side are all equal to , yielding the geometric series:
![$\left[\sum_{j = 0}^{\infty} a_jx^j\right]^2 = 1 + x + x^2 + \cdots = \frac{1}{1-x}$](http://latex.artofproblemsolving.com/a/1/d/a1df83022460cfdef2f4aa2f07fe4381d8738873.png)
For , this becomes
, and the answer is
.
See also
2008 Mock ARML 2 (Problems, Source) | ||
Preceded by Problem 7 |
Followed by Final Question | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 |