# Start indexing at 0 for RSolve without giving an initial value [closed]

I am trying to use RSolve with indexing beginning at 0. Whenever I enter a basic command such as to solve a difference equation such as $a_{n} = 2a_{n-1} + 1$:

RSolve[a[n + 1] - 2 a[n] == 1, a[n], n]


it gives the solution

{{a[n] -> -1 + 2^n + 2^(-1 + n) C[1]}}


Which is the solution if indexing begins at 1. I am interested in finding a solution where indexing begins at 0. I know that this can be achieved by giving an initial value for x[n], however I am looking for a way to get a solution without specifying an initial value. Is this possible? Perhaps we could specify the range of values for n? Thanks.

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## closed as off-topic by Szabolcs, rasher, Jens, RunnyKine, Oleksandr R.Jun 11 '14 at 8:00

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"Which is the solution if indexing begins at 1." $\leftarrow$ This is incorrect. The solution is generally valid for all integer $n$, not just positive ones. It does not require any starting index. This is usually true even if you do give an "initial" condition. The only difference will be that a constant won't appear in the solution. –  Szabolcs Jun 10 '14 at 22:50
This question appears to be off-topic because it is due to a mathematical misunderstanding. –  Szabolcs Jun 10 '14 at 22:53
You should read this reference page. You will find that the index 1 in C[1] has nothing to do with the index n in you recurrence equation, but is an artifact of Mathematica's internal book keeping. –  m_goldberg Jun 11 '14 at 0:27

The solution provided is indefinite and requires initial condition. It applies to n=0, eg if a[0]=b, then C[1]=2b. You can simply specify your initial condition, e.g.

RSolve[{a[n + 1] - 2 a[n] == 1, a[0] == b}, a[n], n]


This yields:

{{a[n] -> -1 + 2^n + 2^n b}}


and perhaps your desired from (note I have used the recurrence I your text and not in your code).

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