Help with finding the value of n

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the summation notation, specifically the evaluation of the sum $$\sum_{i=0}^{n} i$$ and its relation to the formula $$\frac{n(n+1)}{2}$$. Participants explore the properties of arithmetic progressions and seek clarification on the role of the variable $i$ in the summation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the summation and requests step-by-step assistance.
  • Another participant explains that the sum is a special case of an arithmetic progression and provides a breakdown of the formula for both even and odd values of $n$.
  • A later reply clarifies that $i$ is not fixed but ranges from $0$ to $n$, reinforcing the equivalence of the sum starting from $0$ and from $1$.
  • One participant reiterates the summation notation and its meaning, emphasizing the inclusion of $0$ in the sum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formula for the sum, but there is some confusion regarding the interpretation of the variable $i$ and the starting point of the summation. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved as participants seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Some participants may have different interpretations of the summation notation, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the step-by-step evaluation of the sum.

angelcause
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Hello, I am new with sigma and can't figure the below out, please help me.

$$\sum_{i=0}^{n}$$i=n(n+1)/2Thanks a million.
 
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Welcome to the forum!

This sequence is a special case of an arithmetic progression.

$$\sum_{i=1}^n i=1+2\dots+(n-1)+n=(1+n)+(2+n-1)+\dots=(n+1)+(n+1)+\dots$$

If $n$ is even, then the last sum has $n/2$ terms, so the result is $(n+1)n/2$. If $n$ is odd, then there are $(n-1)/2$ terms equal to $n+1$ and there remains the middle term of the original sequence, which is $(n+1)/2$. The total sum is $(n+1)(n-1)/2+(n+1)/2=(n+1)n/2$.

The link above has a simpler proof.
 
Thank you but the value for i is 0, can u please get it step by step
 
angelcause said:
the value for i is 0
In this sum, $i$ does not have a fixed value. Instead, the value of $i$ ranges from $0$ to $n$. But note that
\[
\sum_{i=0}^ni=0+1+\dots+(n-1)+n=1+\dots+(n-1)+n=\sum_{i=1}^ni.
\]
 
angelcause said:
Hello, I am new with sigma and can't figure the below out, please help me.

\displaystyle \sum_{i=0}^{n}i \;=\; \frac{n(n+1)}{2}

Thanks a million.
It says, "the sum of the i's as i goes from 0 to n".

\displaystyle \sum^n_{i-0}i \;=\;0 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + \cdots + n
 

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