Bracket notation for the `coefficient of' operator

Abstract

When $G(z)$ 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.