We define the first difference of a function by (x) = (x +

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We define the first difference δ ƒ of a function ƒ by δ ƒ(x) = ƒ(x + 1) − ƒ(x).

Show that if

P(x) = x(x + 1) 2

then δP = (x + 1). Then apply Exercise 46 to conclude that

1+2+3+...+ n = n(n + 1) 2

Data From Exercise 46

We define the first difference δ ƒ of a function ƒ by δ ƒ(x) = ƒ(x + 1) − ƒ(x).

Suppose we can find a function P such that δP(x) = (x + 1)k and P(0) = 0. Prove that P(1) = 1, P(2) = 1k + 2k, and, more generally, for every whole number n,

P(n) = 1 + 2+...+n't

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Calculus

ISBN: 9781319055844

4th Edition

Authors: Jon Rogawski, Colin Adams, Robert Franzosa

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