Precalculus: What is the value of this sigma notation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a sigma notation expression in precalculus, specifically involving two functions, f and g, with given summation values. Participants explore the implications of these functions being constants and the calculations involved in deriving the final value.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a sigma notation problem and provides initial summation values for f and g.
  • Another participant questions the definitions of f and g, suggesting they are implied constants.
  • Some participants calculate a potential value of 465 based on assumed constant values for f and g.
  • There is a suggestion that if f(i) and g(i) are constants, then g(i) could be calculated as 60/21.
  • One participant points out that there is no need to assume f(i) and g(i) are constants and provides a detailed breakdown of the sigma notation calculation.
  • Another participant acknowledges confusion regarding the indices for g(i) and suggests that the problem may not have a definite solution due to potential typographical errors in the original post.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether f(i) and g(i) should be treated as constants, and there is no consensus on the implications of the indices for g(i). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the assumptions and calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the functions f and g, and the potential typographical error in the problem statement may affect the interpretation of the indices.

ukumure
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Hi, I'm currently a Grade 11 student and I need help for this question (Precalculus):

If $\sum\limits_{i=1}^{50} f(i)=90$ and $\sum\limits_{i=30}^{50} g(i)=60$, what is the value of $\sum\limits_{i=1}^{50} (7 g(i)-f(i)+12)/(2)$?

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P.S. To those who could answer this, it would be a great help for me! Thank you so much!
 
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Do you have definitions for [math]f[/math] and [math]g[/math]?
 
Oh! Those definitions are implied... :poop:

[math]f(i)=1.8.[/math] and [math]g(i)=1.2[/math] both suffice as definitions for [math]f,\,g[/math] if I am not mistaken... After a few basic calculations we may arrive at:

[math]\frac{420-90+600}{2}=465[/math]. Do you see that too?

Hint: use the fact that summation is associative and sum each addend separately with all operations being applied according to BEDMAS. Brackets around the numerator are omitted but in accordance with notational convention they are implied. The string

[math](7g(i)-f(i)+ 12)/2[/math] may be more useful to you.
 
Last edited:
Greg said:
Oh! Those definitions are implied... :poop:

[math]f(i)=1.8.[/math] and [math]g(i)=1.2[/math] both suffice as definitions for [math]f,\,g[/math] if I am not mistaken... After a few basic calculations we may arrive at:

[math]\frac{420-90+600}{2}=465[/math]. Do you see that too?

Hint: use the fact that summation is associative and sum each addend separately with all operations being applied according to BEDMAS. Brackets around the numerator are omitted but in accordance with notational convention they are implied. The string

[math](7g(i)-f(i)+ 12)/2[/math] may be more useful to you.

Thank you so much for helping me! ♥️♥️♥️ This means a lot to me! Thank you!
 
Greg said:
Oh! Those definitions are implied... :poop:

[math]f(i)=1.8.[/math] and [math]g(i)=1.2[/math] both suffice as definitions for [math]f,\,g[/math] ...

If the assumption that both $f(i)$ and $g(i)$ are constants is correct, wouldn’t

$g(i) = \dfrac{60}{21}$ ?
 
skeeter said:
If the assumption that both $f(i)$ and $g(i)$ are constants is correct, wouldn’t

$g(i) = \dfrac{60}{21}$ ?

Yes, I agree. My error was missing [math]i[/math] = 30 and assuming [math]i[/math] = 1 .
 
skeeter said:
If the assumption that both $f(i)$ and $g(i)$ are constants is correct, wouldn’t

$g(i) = \dfrac{60}{21}$ ?
There is no need to assume that $f(i)$ and $g(i)$ are constants. You just need to use the fact that $$ \sum_{i=1}^{50} \frac{7 g(i)-f(i)+12}2 = \frac12\sum_{i=1}^{50} (7 g(i)-f(i)+12) = \frac12\left(7\sum_{i=1}^{50}g(i) - \sum_{i=1}^{50}f(i) + \sum_{i=1}^{50}12\right) = \frac12(7*60 - 90 + 600) = 465.$$
 
Opalg said:
There is no need to assume that $f(i)$ and $g(i)$ are constants. You just need to use the fact that $$ \sum_{i=1}^{50} \frac{7 g(i)-f(i)+12}2 = \frac12\sum_{i=1}^{50} (7 g(i)-f(i)+12) = \frac12\left(7\sum_{i=1}^{50}g(i) - \sum_{i=1}^{50}f(i) + \sum_{i=1}^{50}12\right) = \frac12(7*60 - 90 + 600) = 465.$$

take another look at the indices for g(i) in the original post ...
 
skeeter said:
take another look at the indices for g(i) in the original post ...
I should have looked more closely! As stated, the problem can have no definite solution.
 
  • #10
skeeter said:
take another look at the indices for g(i) in the original post ...

I got confused at the problem, especially the given i=30. But the instructor told me it was a typographical error. Thank you so much for your help! <3
 
  • #11
Aaargh!
 

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