# Apostol & floor function problem

Hi,

I'm working through some questions in Apostol's Calculus text (vol. 1). The problem is with ex. 7 on p.64. Here, he states that

"by changing the index of summation, note that

$$\sum_{n=a}^{b-1} [\frac{na}{b}] = \sum_{n=a}^{b-1} [\frac{a(b-n)}{b}][\tex] " I'm comfortable with the solution from this point on. I just don't see how these two are equivalent. Any help would be appreciated! p.s. Sorry about the LaTeX not displaying properly. Last edited: ## Answers and Replies cristo Staff Emeritus Science Advisor Hi, I'm working through some questions in Apostol's Calculus text (vol. 1). The problem is with ex. 7 on p.64. Here, he states that "by changing the index of summation, note that [tex]\sum_{n=a}^{b-1} [\frac{na}{b}] = \sum_{n=a}^{b-1} [\frac{a(b-n)}{b}]$$ "

I'm comfortable with the solution from this point on. I just don't see how these two are equivalent.

Any help would be appreciated!

p.s. Sorry about the LaTeX not displaying properly.

Are there any specific conditions on a,b and n?

(I can't see the answer to your question; just thought I'd get the LaTex working for you!)

quasar987
Homework Helper
Gold Member
It works if you make the change of index n=b-m. Then,

$$\sum_{n=a}^{b-1} [\frac{na}{b}] = \sum_{m=b-a}^{1} [\frac{a(b-m)}{b}]$$

You can use Gauss's sum $\sum_i^n i=n(n+1)/2$ to show that the equality you wrote is not true unless a=1 or a=b.

Last edited:
matt grime