Find the finite sum of the square and cube exponent of integers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding formulas for the finite sums of squares and cubes of integers, specifically the sums \(\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^2\) and \(\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^3\). Participants explore various methods for deriving these formulas, including telescoping series and combinatorial identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a known formula for the sum of the first \(n\) integers and seeks similar formulas for the sums of squares and cubes.
  • Another participant suggests using a telescoping method to derive the formula for \(\sum_{i=1}^n i^2\), leading to the expression \(\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}\).
  • The same participant proposes a method for finding \(\sum_{i=1}^n i^3\) using the identity \((n+1)^4 - 1^4\).
  • A later reply reiterates the initial inquiry about finding formulas for the sums and introduces a general formula involving binomial coefficients, which relates the sums of powers to the polynomial expansion of \((n+1)^{k+1}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for deriving the sums, as multiple approaches are proposed and discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical techniques and identities, but the assumptions and conditions under which these methods apply are not fully explored or agreed upon.

Amer
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Hey,
it is clear for me that
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}

how to find a formula for
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^2
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^3
Thanks
 
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One method is to use telescoping.

$$(n+1)^3-1^3$$​

$$=\ \sum_{i=1}^n\left[(i+1)^3-i^3\right]$$

$$=\ \sum_{i=1}^n\left[3i^2+3i+1\right]$$

$$=\ 3\sum_{i=1}^ni^2+\frac32n(n+1)+n$$

From this you should get $$\sum_{i=1}^ni^2=\frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}6$$.

For $$\sum_{i=1}^ni^3$$, try $$(n+1)^4-1^4=\sum_{i=1}^n\left[(i+1)^4-i^4\right]$$.
 
Re: find the finite sum of the square and cube exponent of integers

nice method thanks
 
Re: find the finite sum of the square and cube exponent of integers

Amer said:
Hey,
it is clear for me that
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}

how to find a formula for
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^2
\sum_{i=1}^{n} i^3
Thanks

In general if...

$\displaystyle S_{n,k}= \sum_{i=1}^{n} i^{k}$ (1)

... then...

$\displaystyle \binom{k+1}{1}\ S_{n,1} + \binom{k+1}{2}\ S_{n,2} + ... + \binom{k+1}{k}\ S_{n,k}= (n+1)^{k+1} - (n+1)$ (1)

From (1) You easily obtain... $\displaystyle S_{n,k}= \frac{1}{\binom{k+1}{k}}\ \{(n+1)^{k+1} - (n+1) - \sum_{i=1}^{k-1}\ \binom {k+1}{i} S_{n,i}\ \}$ (2)

The (2) allows You, given $S_{n,1}$ to find $S_{n,2}$ and given $S_{n,1}$ and $S_{n,2}$ to find $S_{n,3}$ and if You want You can proceed... Kind regards $\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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