Bracket notation for the `coefficient of' operator

dc.creatorKnuth, Donald E.
dc.date1994-02-23
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T09:15:04Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T09:15:04Z
dc.descriptionWhen $G(z)$ is a power series in $z$, many authors now write `$[z^n] G(z)$' for the coefficient of $z^n$ in $G(z)$, using a notation introduced by Goulden and Jackson in [\GJ, p. 1]. More controversial, however, is the proposal of the same authors [\GJ, p. 160] to let `$[z^n/n!] G(z)$' denote the coefficient of $z^n/n!$, i.e., $n!$ times the coefficient of $z^n$. An alternative generalization of $[z^n] G(z)$, in which we define $[F(z)] G(z)$ to be a linear function of both $F$ and $G$, seems to be more useful because it facilitates algebraic manipulations. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the properties of such a definition. The remarks are dedicated to Tony Hoare because of his lifelong interest in the improvement of notations that facilitate manipulation.
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/math/9402216
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/math/9402216
dc.identifierA Classical Mind, essays in honour of C. A. R. Hoare, 1994
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/152895
dc.subjectClassical Analysis and ODEs
dc.titleBracket notation for the `coefficient of' operator
dc.typetext

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