MathDB
Prove binomial sum for the polynomial P

Source: Baltic Way 1998

January 11, 2011
algebrapolynomialalgebra proposed

Problem Statement

Let Pk(x)=1+x+x2++xk1P_k(x)=1+x+x^2+\ldots +x^{k-1}. Show that k=1n(nk)Pk(x)=2n1Pn(x+12) \sum_{k=1}^n \binom{n}{k} P_k(x)=2^{n-1} P_n \left( \frac{x+1}{2} \right) for every real number xx and every positive integer nn.