  We consider the problem of including a finite number of scattering centers in
dynamical energy loss and classical DGLV formalism. Previously, either one or
an infinite number of scattering centers were considered in energy loss
calculations, while attempts to relax such approximations were largely
inconclusive or incomplete. In reality, however, the number of scattering
centers is generally estimated to be 4-5 at RHIC and the LHC, making the above
approximations (a priori) inadequate and this theoretical problem significant
for QGP tomography. We derived explicit analytical expressions for dynamical
energy loss and DGLV up to the $4^{th}$ order in opacity, resulting in complex
mathematical expressions that were, to our knowledge, obtained for the first
time. These expressions were then implemented into an appropriately generalized
DREENA framework to calculate the effects of higher orders in opacity on a wide
range of high-$p_\perp$ light and heavy flavor predictions. Results of
extensive numerical analysis, together with interpretations of nonintuitive
results, are presented. We find that, for both RHIC and the LHC, higher-order
effects on high-$p_\perp$ observables are small, and the approximation of a
single scattering center is adequate for dynamical energy loss and DGLV
formalisms.
