Evaluate Sum of $$2(x_m-x_0)-3(y_n-y_0)$$ Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a double summation involving the expressions \(2(x_i-x_{i-1})\) and \(-3(y_j-y_{j-1})\). The original poster expresses disagreement with a provided answer and attempts to simplify the summation using properties of sigma notation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of the double summation and question the independence of the indexed terms. Some suggest that terms indexed by \(i\) are independent of \(j\) and thus contribute factors when summed over \(j\). Others inquire about the partition of intervals related to the variables involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights on the interpretation of the summation and clarifying the roles of the indexed variables. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of independent terms in the summation process.

Contextual Notes

There are two partitions given for the variables \(x\) and \(y\), but the original poster has omitted specific details about these intervals in their initial post, indicating a focus on the summation itself rather than the context of the partitions.

DryRun
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Homework Statement


$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]$$

Homework Equations


Multiple-sigma notation.

The Attempt at a Solution


I agree this seems like basic summation stuff, but i do not agree with the given answer. So, here is what I've done.

$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]
\\=2\sum_{i=1}^{m} (x_i-x_{i-1})-3\sum_{j=1}^{n}(y_j-y_{j-1})
\\=2(x_m-x_0)-3(y_n-y_0)$$

However, the given answer for this problem is:
$$2n(x_m-x_0)-3m(y_n-y_0)$$
 
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Do you know what the partition of the interval is? Was there an interval given in the question?
 
sharks said:

Homework Statement


$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]$$

Homework Equations


Multiple-sigma notation.


The Attempt at a Solution


I agree this seems like basic summation stuff, but i do not agree with the given answer. So, here is what I've done.

$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]
\\=2\sum_{i=1}^{m} (x_i-x_{i-1})-3\sum_{j=1}^{n}(y_j-y_{j-1})
\\=2(x_m-x_0)-3(y_n-y_0)$$

However, the given answer for this problem is:
$$2n(x_m-x_0)-3m(y_n-y_0)$$

The terms that are indexed with i are independent of j. So when you apply the j sum they will get added to themselves n times. So they will pick up a factor of n. Similarly for the terms indexed with j.
 
sharks said:

Homework Statement


$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]$$

Homework Equations


Multiple-sigma notation.


The Attempt at a Solution


I agree this seems like basic summation stuff, but i do not agree with the given answer. So, here is what I've done.

$$\sum_{i=1}^{m} \sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1})-3(y_j-y_{j-1})]
\\=2\sum_{i=1}^{m} (x_i-x_{i-1})-3\sum_{j=1}^{n}(y_j-y_{j-1})
\\=2(x_m-x_0)-3(y_n-y_0)$$
You're skipping some steps above.

After the first line you should have this:
$$ \sum_{i=1}^{m} \left(\sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1}] - \sum_{j=1}^{n}[3(y_j-y_{j-1})]\right)$$
The first sum isn't affected by j, so will simplify to n * the expression being summed. Something similar happens for the outer summation.

sharks said:
However, the given answer for this problem is:
$$2n(x_m-x_0)-3m(y_n-y_0)$$
 
Zondrina said:
Do you know what the partition of the interval is? Was there an interval given in the question?

Yes, there are two intervals given, but in this case, the answer still wouldn't be correct, so i omitted that part from the stated problem in the 1st post. Anyway, here they are:

Let ##P_1 = \{ x_0, x_1, x_2,..., x_m \} ## be a partition of ##[a_1, a_2]##
Let ##P_2 = \{ y_0, y_1, y_2,..., y_n \} ## be a partition of ##[b_1, b_2]##

Dick said:
The terms that are indexed with i are independent of j. So when you apply the j sum they will get added to themselves n times. So they will pick up a factor of n. Similarly for the terms indexed with j.

That just cleared up all my confusion! Clear and concise explanation. Thanks, Dick!

Mark44 said:
You're skipping some steps above.

After the first line you should have this:
$$ \sum_{i=1}^{m} \left(\sum_{j=1}^{n}[2(x_i-x_{i-1}] - \sum_{j=1}^{n}[3(y_j-y_{j-1})]\right)$$
The first sum isn't affected by j, so will simplify to n * the expression being summed. Something similar happens for the outer summation.

I had intentionally skipped those steps, as all the terms in i are independent of j, and all the terms in j are independent of i. So, in the expansion, i had wrongly assumed that expanding all the i terms with respect to j and all the j terms with respect to i, would give 1. Thanks for the help.
 

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