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I would like an hint to solve this equation: $\forall n\geq 1$ $\sum_{k=0}^{2^n-1}e^{itk}=\prod_{k=1}^{n}\{1+e^{it2^{k-1}}\} \qquad \forall t \in \mathbb{R}.$

I went for induction but without to much success; I will keep trying, but if you have an hint...

Many thanks.

3 Answers 3

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Hint: Note that the sum on the left is a geometric series. Without worrying yet about division by $0$, we get that the sum is $\frac{1-e^{2^nit}}{1-e^{it}}.$ For the induction, perhaps use the fact that $1-e^{2^{n+1}it}=(1-e^{2^{n}it})(1+e^{2^{n}it}).$

Once you have worked through the idea, note the following slicker but equivalent calculation. There are two cases, $e^{it}=1$ and $e^{it}\ne 1$. In the second case, multiply each side by $1-e^{it}$. Admire the beautiful collapse on both the left-hand side and the right-hand side.

For the right-hand side, which is less familiar, look for example at $(1+a)(1+a^2)(1+a^4)(1+a^8),$ and multiply on the left by $1-a$.

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    Thanks you a lot. The geometric series was the key. I don't know way but I didn't see it. Many thanks again!2012-03-20
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Fix $n\in \mathbb{N}$ and $t\in \mathbb{R}$.

  1. If $t=0 \mod 2\pi$, your equality is obviously true, for it reduces to: $\sum_{k=0}^{2^n -1} 1 =2^n = \prod_{k=1}^n 2$ (remember that $e^{\imath\ t}$ is $2\pi$-periodic).

  2. Now, assume $t\neq 0 \mod 2\pi$. Evaluate separately: $\begin{split} (1-e^{\imath\ t})\ \sum_{k=0}^{2^n-1}e^{itk} &= \sum_{k=0}^{2^n-1}e^{itk} - \sum_{k=1}^{2^n}e^{itk}\\ &= 1-e^{\imath\ t\ 2^n} \end{split}$ and: $\begin{split} (1-e^{\imath\ t})\ \prod_{k=1}^{n} (1+e^{it2^{k-1}}) &= (1-e^{\imath\ t})\ (1+e^{\imath\ t})\ \prod_{k=2}^{n} (1+e^{it2^{k-1}})\\ &= (1-e^{\imath\ t\ 2})\ (1+e^{\imath\ t\ 2})\ \prod_{k=3}^{n} (1+e^{it2^{k-1}})\\ &= (1-e^{\imath\ t\ 4})\ (1+e^{\imath\ t\ 4})\ \prod_{k=4}^{n} (1+e^{it2^{k-1}})\\ &= \cdots\\ &= (1-e^{\imath\ t\ 2^{n-1}})\ (1+e^{\imath\ t\ 2^{n-1}})\\ &= 1-e^{\imath\ t\ 2^n}\; ; \end{split}$ therefore you got: $(1-e^{\imath\ t})\ \sum_{k=0}^{2^n-1}e^{itk} = (1-e^{\imath\ t})\ \prod_{k=1}^{n} (1+e^{it2^{k-1}})\; ,$ which yields the desidered equality (because $1-e^{\imath\ t}\neq 0$).

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    Un saluto dal Daje.2012-03-20
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Let us consider the polynomial $P = \sum_{k=0}^{2^n -1 } X^k $ and $P_2 = \prod_{k=1}^{n} (1+X^{2^{k-1}})$. There exist a full combinatorial proff of this result. Hint : if you develop the second term and examine all power of $X$ you could find all the binary development of integer between $0$ and $2^{n}-1$. If you want that I complete the proof, ask me.

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    Thanks. I am reading your comment and try to do by myself (if I am able or I'll ask for an hint).2012-03-20