TITLE: Find the value of sum (n/2^n)
QUESTION [7 upvotes]: I have the series $\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{n}{2^n}$. I must show that it converges to 2. 
I was given a hint to take the derivative of $\sum_{n=0}^\infty x^n$ and multiply by $x$ , which gives 
$\sum_{n=1}^\infty nx^n$ , or $\sum_{n=0}^\infty nx^n$. 
Clearly if I take $x=\frac{1}{2}$ , the series is  $\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{n}{2^n}$. How do I proceed from here?

REPLY [7 votes]: Notice that if $|x|<1$ then the original series converges with 
$$
\sum_{n=0}^\infty x^n \;\; =\;\; \frac{1}{1-x}.
$$
Computing the derivative and plugging in $x=\frac{1}{2}$ should hopefully seem easier now.