How do you simplify summation expressions?

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The discussion centers on simplifying summation expressions, specifically addressing confusion around the transition from summing indices starting at different values. Participants clarify that when summing from p=3 to n, one can adjust the limits by adding known quantities from p=1 to 2. There is a debate about the correctness of a specific summation formula, with some asserting it is incorrect while others reference tools like Wolfram Alpha to validate their results. The key takeaway is that understanding how to manipulate summation limits is crucial for simplifying expressions correctly. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of clarity in summation notation and the need for careful verification of mathematical statements.
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I understand that they have done \displaystyle\sum_{r=k-1}^{2k} r =\sum_{r=1}^{2k}r - \sum_{r=1}^{k-1-1}r

But where did r = 1 come from as r = k-1 before is what I don't understand.

Also this question:

Show that \displaystyle\sum_{p=3}^{n}(4p+5) = (2n+11)(n-2)
\displaystyle4\sum_{p=1}^{n}p + 5\sum_{p=1}^{n}1 = ...

How do you go from p=3 to p=1
 
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synkk said:
s5enh3.png


I understand that they have done \displaystyle\sum_{r=k-1}^{2k} r =\sum_{r=1}^{2k}r - \sum_{r=1}^{k-1-1}r

But where did r = 1 come from as r = k-1 before is what I don't understand.

I'll break this down to simple numbers, but the same logic applies for your problem.

Lets say you are asked for the sum 3+4+5. Doing this in summation form, you could add the numbers from 1 to 2 i.e 1+2 and subtract it from the sum of 1 to 5, i.e 1+2+3+4+5, which gives you the same result.

Other way of seeing this is, say you are asked to find the sum S. You introduce another quantity Q such that you know the value of S+Q and Q. Subtracting these known values, you can find S.
 
Infinitum said:
I'll break this down to simple numbers, but the same logic applies for your problem.

Lets say you are asked for the sum 3+4+5. Doing this in summation form, you could add the numbers from 1 to 2 i.e 1+2 and subtract it from the sum of 1 to 5, i.e 1+2+3+4+5, which gives you the same result.

Other way of seeing this is, say you are asked to find the sum S. You introduce another quantity Q such that you know the value of S+Q and Q. Subtracting these known values, you can find S.

I can see how it applies to the first question, but not second going from p=3 to p=1 makes no sense to me.
 
synkk said:
I can see how it applies to the first question, but not second going from p=3 to p=1 makes no sense to me.

Well, the second question is wrong. Or you might not have read it properly.

That's why I didn't include it in my quote :-p
 
@ Infinitum, wait, really? Because Wolfram Alpha and I both got the provided answer...

@ synkk: \displaystyle \sum_{p=1}^{n} 4p + 5 = \displaystyle \sum_{p=1}^{2} 4p + 5 + \displaystyle \sum_{p=3}^{n} 4p+5
 
got it guys thanks
 
professordad said:
@ Infinitum, wait, really? Because Wolfram Alpha and I both got the provided answer...

The summation you are trying to prove is of course correct. What's wrong is...

\displaystyle\sum_{p=3}^{n}(4p+5) = \displaystyle4\sum_{p=1}^{n}p + 5\sum_{p=1}^{n}1
 

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