How to Change the Order of a Double Sum?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the manipulation of a double sum involving binomial coefficients and the goal of expressing it in a polynomial form with respect to the variable x. Participants explore methods to change the order of summation and simplify the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a double sum and seeks assistance in factoring out x from the inner sum.
  • Another participant suggests using the binomial theorem to simplify the inner sum to the form (b + x)^i.
  • A participant clarifies their intention to express the sum as a polynomial in x, specifically in the standard polynomial form.
  • Another participant introduces the Iverson bracket as a tool for changing the order of sums and provides a detailed transformation of the original double sum.
  • Subsequent responses express appreciation for the suggested methods and tools, indicating a positive reception of the proposed solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the utility of the binomial theorem and the Iverson bracket for manipulating the sums, but there is no consensus on the final form of the expression or the best approach to achieve the desired polynomial representation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarity on the assumptions regarding the indices of summation and the specific conditions under which the transformations are valid.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced mathematical techniques for manipulating sums, particularly in combinatorial contexts or polynomial expressions.

geor
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[SOLVED] Changing order of a double sum

Hello everybody,

I am a bit confused here, any help would be greatly appreciated..
I have this double sum:

[tex]\sum_{i=0}^{n-1}a_i \sum_{j=0}^{i} {i \choose j} b^{i-j}x^j[/tex]

How can I take x out of the inner sum?

Thank you very much in advance...
 
Last edited:
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Would it be helpful to use the binomial theorem?

[tex]\sum_{j=0}^{i} {i \choose j} b^{i-j}x^j = (b + x)^i[/tex]
 
Thanks for taking the time to answer!

Well, no, I started from there, I want to write this as a polynomial of x in the usual way, that is, in the form:

a_n*x^n+...+a_1*x+a_0

I want to have only x there...
 
It is possible, is it not?!
 
Whoops, I thought I had hit the submit button hours ago, but apparently I didn't.

For changing order of sums, the Iverson bracket
http://xrl.us/befjqx
is a useful tool.

[tex] \sum_{i=0}^{n-1}a_i \sum_{j=0}^{i} \binom{i}{j} b^{i-j} x^j[/tex]
[tex] =<br /> \sum_{i,j} [0 \le j \le i][0 \le i \le n-1] a_i \binom{i}{j} b^{i-j} x^j[/tex]
[tex] =<br /> \sum_{i,j} [0 \le j \le i \le n-1] a_i \binom{i}{j} b^{i-j} x^j[/tex]
[tex] =<br /> \sum_{j,i} [0 \le j \le n-1][j \le i \le n-1] a_i \binom{i}{j} b^{i-j} x^j[/tex]
[tex] =<br /> \sum_{j=0}^{n-1} x^j \sum_{i=j}^{n-1} a_i \binom{i}{j} b^{i-j}.[/tex]
 
Thanks so much for the help!
 
What a nice tool! I was struggling for so much time trying to change that variables!
 

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