MHB Can we simplify calculating large sums of numbers?

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The discussion focuses on simplifying the calculation of large sums of numbers formed by distinct digits. A specific formula is proposed to express a number as 100A + 10B + C, leading to the conclusion that there are 210 different combinations of these digits. The sum S is calculated using the formula for the sum of the first n integers, resulting in a final value of 93240. The conversation then shifts to generalizing the approach for m-digit numbers with distinct digits, although one participant expresses difficulty in proving the generalized formula. Overall, the thread explores methods for efficiently calculating large sums in combinatorial contexts.
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View attachment 6242 uhh, how would we get a better way?
 

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I think I would express one particular number that can be made as:

$$100A+10B+C$$

There are $7\cdot6\cdot5=210$ different numbers that can be made, with each digit appearing $30$ times. Hence the sum $S$ will be given by:

$$S=30\cdot100\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{7}(k)+30\cdot10\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{7}(k)+30\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{7}(k)=30(100+10+1)\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{7}(k)=30\cdot111\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{7}(k)$$

Use the formula:

$$\sum_{k=1}^{n}(k)=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$

To complete the computation of the sum. :)
 
so is the answer 30*111*28?
 
Ilikebugs said:
so is the answer 30*111*28?

You are one step closer...now carry out the multiplication to get the number. :D
 
Is the sum 93240
 
Ilikebugs said:
Is the sum 93240

That's what I get. :D

As a follow-up, let's generalize a little here and say that the list of possible digits is $\{1,2,\cdots,n\}$ and we are going to sum up all the $m$ digit numbers having distinct digits, where $m\le n\le9$. Can you verify that:

$$S=\frac{1}{n}\prod_{k=n-m+1}^{n}(k)\cdot\sum_{k=0}^{m-1}\left(10^k\right)\cdot\sum_{k=1}^{n}(k)$$
 
No, I'm bad at proving things
 
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