Discrete mathematics--An easy doubt on the notations of sums

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation and representation of sums in the context of a multivariable function defined as $$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}$$. Participants explore alternative ways to express this function, particularly through the introduction of the term $$\psi_{j}(x)=\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}$$.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that it is correct to express $$f(x,y)$$ as $$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\psi_{j}(x)$$.
  • Others suggest that the definition of $$\psi_j$$ should specify the legitimate values of $$j$$ to avoid ambiguity.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of using Einstein's summation convention to write $$f(x,y)=y^j\psi_j(x)$$, though they express uncertainty about this approach.
  • One participant notes that the inner sum may be strange under the condition $$j-m \le 0$$.
  • Another participant suggests using $$\psi_{j,m}(x)$$ to clarify the notation and avoid ambiguity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the notation and representation of the sums, indicating that multiple competing views remain. There is no consensus on the best approach to define $$\psi_j$$ or the implications of the inner sum.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining the legitimate values of $$j$$ in the context of the summation, which may affect the interpretation of the function $$f(x,y)$$.

V9999
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TL;DR
Here, I present a silly question about the notation of sums.
I have a doubt about the notation and alternative ways to represent the terms involved in sums.

Suppose that we have the following multivariable function,

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}$$.

Now, let ##\psi_{j}(x)=\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}##. In the light of the foregoing, is it correct to express ##f(x,y)## as follows

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\psi_{j}(x)$$ ?

Thanks in advance!
 
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V9999 said:
TL;DR Summary: Here, I present a silly question about the notation of sums.

I have a doubt about the notation and alternative ways to represent the terms involved in sums.

Suppose that we have the following multivariable function,

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}$$.

Now, let ##\psi_{j}(x)=\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}##. In the light of the foregoing, is it correct to express ##f(x,y)## as follows

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\psi_{j}(x)$$ ?

Thanks in advance!
Yes.

I think - not sure, look it up - with Einstein's summation convention you can even write ##f(x,y)=y^j\psi_j(x).##
 
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V9999 said:
Now, let ##\psi_{j}(x)=\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}##. In the light of the foregoing, is it correct to express ##f(x,y)## as follows

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\psi_{j}(x)$$ ?
Yes, but you might want to be specific in your definition of ##\psi_j## about the legitimate values of ##j##. In the original summation, the legitimate values of ##j## are known.
 
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V9999 said:
TL;DR Summary: Here, I present a silly question about the notation of sums.

I have a doubt about the notation and alternative ways to represent the terms involved in sums.

Suppose that we have the following multivariable function,

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}$$.

Now, let ##\psi_{j}(x)=\sum^{j-m}_{i=0}x^{i+j}##. In the light of the foregoing, is it correct to express ##f(x,y)## as follows

$$f(x,y)=\sum^{m}_{j=0}y^{j}\psi_{j}(x)$$ ?

Thanks in advance!
##j-m\le 0##. Inner sum is strange.
 
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I would rather write that as ##\psi_{j,m}(x)## to avoid any ambiguity. Also what mathman said...
 
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fresh_42 said:
Yes.

I think - not sure, look it up - with Einstein's summation convention you can even write ##f(x,y)=y^j\psi_j(x).##
Hi, fresh_42. I hope you are doing well. Thank you very and very much for your comments.
 
FactChecker said:
Yes, but you might want to be specific in your definition of ##\psi_j## about the legitimate values of ##j##. In the original summation, the legitimate values of ##j## are known.
Hi, FactChecker. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the great insight and I will take it under consideration.
 
Office_Shredder said:
I would rather write that as ##\psi_{j,m}(x)## to avoid any ambiguity. Also what mathman said...

Hi, Office_Shredder. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the great insight and I will take it under consideration.
 

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