Integration and Computing Area

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the sum of cubes from 100 to 250, specifically the expression \(\sum_{k=100}^{250} k^3\). Participants are exploring methods to compute this sum, including the use of known formulas for summing cubes and the potential application of definite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the sum by subtracting two sums of cubes but expresses confusion about the correct bounds. Some participants suggest using definite integrals as an alternative approach, questioning the relationship between integration and the sum of cubes.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different methods to approach the problem, with some guidance offered on correcting the bounds in the original poster's method. There is an ongoing exploration of the connections between summation and integration, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of examples for the original poster, which may be influencing their understanding of the problem. Additionally, the relevance of the problem to the stated topic of "integration" and "Computing area" is questioned by one participant.

Beeorz
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Homework Statement


Evaluate the sum:
[tex]\sum_{k=100}^{250} k^3[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]\sum_{j=1}^{N} j^3 = \frac{n^2(n+1)^2}{4}[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


Little confused as how to integrate from 100 to 250. I have no examples to go off of and what I try is incorrect. But here's what I tried:
[tex]\sum_{k=1}^{250} k^3 - \sum_{k=1}^{100} k^3 = \sum_{k=100}^{250} k^3[/tex]

984390625-25502500=958888135 (incorrect)

Any suggestions? I'm sure this is relatively easy but I just haven't seen it before and thus don't know how to go about solving it. Thanks in advance!
 
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You know in sigma notation, [tex]\sum_{k= m}^{n} f(k)[/tex]

n is the ending value of k & m is the starting value of k. So;

Why can't you subtract the solutions of the definite integrals, [tex]\int^{250}_{100} x^3 dx[/tex] and [tex]\int^{100}_{1} x^3 dx[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
Beeorz, you're method will work out if you correct the bounds.
[tex] \sum_{k=1}^{100} k^3 = k_1^3 + k_2^3 + ... + k_99^3 + k_100^3[/tex]

If you subtract that from [tex]\sum_{k=1}^{250} k^3[/tex] , then you are left with

[tex] \sum_{k=101}^{250} k^3[/tex]

You should subtract [tex]\sum_{k=1}^{99} k^3[/tex] from the sum from 1 to 250 in order to get the answer.
 
What in the world does this have to do with either "integration" or "Computing area"?
 

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