Math Problem - Binomial Coefficients + Harmonic Numbers
Problem
Prove that
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)Hr=n1
Solution
Beginning with the LHS
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)Hr
We apply the integral representation of the harmonic sum and interchange the integral and sum (because the sum is finite).
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)Hr=r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)∫011−x1−xrdx=∫011−x1r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)(1−xr)dx.
Splitting the inner sum:
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)(1−xr)=r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)−r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)xr.
Applying the binomial identities we get
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)xr=1,=1−(1−x)n,
Substituting back
r=1∑n(−1)r−1(rn)Hr=∫011−x(1−x)ndx=∫01(1−x)n−1dx=n1
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