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Possible Duplicate:
How can I evaluate $\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{2n}{3^{n+1}}$

please help me with this $$\sum\limits_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{k}{3^k}$$

I need just a hint, not a full answer. Thanks!

  • 1
    A hint? Sure! $$\frac{\mathrm d}{\mathrm dx}\frac1{1-x}=\frac1{(1-x)^2}$$2012-02-09
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    A hint is to do $\sum_{k=0}^\infty kx^k$ first, then substitute $x=1/3$. Is that enough?2012-02-09
  • 0
    A [similar](http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/90637/what-is-the-limit-of-sum-limits-n-1-inftyn2-3n/90723) question. Also, see [this](http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/30732/how-can-i-evaluate-sum-n-1-infty-frac2n3n1)2012-02-09

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There are several ways to do this. One involves the fact that $$ \frac{k}{3^k} = kx^k = x\cdot kx^{k-1} = x\cdot \frac{d}{dx} x^k $$ where $x=1/3$, and $\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^\infty x\cdot \frac{d}{dx} x^k$ can be found.

Another looks like this: $$ \sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{k}{3^k} = \sum_{k=1}^\infty \frac{k}{3^k} = \left\{\begin{array}{cccccccccccccccc} & & 1/3 \\ & + & 1/9 & + & 1/9 \\ & + & 1/27 & + & 1/27 & + & 1/27 \\ & + & 1/81 & + & 1/81 & + & 1/81 & + & 1/81 \\ & + & \cdots \end{array}\right. $$

Then you can sum the first column, then the second column, etc., and finally find the sum of all of the column sums.

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$$\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}{kr^k}=\frac{r}{(r-1)^2}$$ In your case $r=\frac{1}{3}$

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    Quote: *I need just a hint, not a full answer*. Unquote.2012-02-09