Question about Sigma and Sum Notation

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The discussion revolves around understanding sigma notation and the calculation of the sum of a specific series defined by the formula tn = 2n - 1. Participants clarify that to find the sum from n=1 to n=7, one should compute the series as 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13, resulting in a total of 49. There is confusion about whether to add or multiply the terms, with clarification that the initial task is to sum the values. Additionally, the forum provides resources for using LaTex to express mathematical equations accurately. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the problem and applying the appropriate mathematical operations.
Bucs44
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Here is the problem I'm at currently. I'm not sure that I'm on the right track or not. Also I'm not sure what numbers I should be plugging into the equation. I think it would be 2 through 6 but...?

The sum of elements in the set {ti | i = 3 } #7 on top of sigma notation

tn = 2n - 1, n greater than or equal to 1

Here is my calculation so far:

i1 + i2 + i3 + i4 + i5 + i6 + i7 = (1-1)+(2-1)+(3-1)+(4-1)+(5-1)+(6-1)+(7-1)

Where do I go next?
 
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just use the formula sigma(i, i from 1 to n) = n(n+1)/2.

In this question, there are only 7 terms, so you can also add up by hand.
 
Tom1992 said:
just use the formula sigma(i, i from 1 to n) = n(n+1)/2.

In this question, there are only 7 terms, so you can also add up by hand.

I don't understand that - why would I be adding if ti = 2n - 1?
 
I don't really understand your question. Is it calculate \sum_{n=1}^7t_n, where tn=2n-1?

If not, please could you quote the exact question as written. (NB, click on the formula to get the code for the LaTex equation)
 
Yes sorry - I'm not able to write it exactly - don't have math software - but how you have shown it is correct
 
Bucs44 said:
Yes sorry - I'm not able to write it exactly - don't have math software -

Note that the software is preloaded into the forum, and so anyone can write in LaTex. See here for a tutorial.

but how you have shown it is correct

If my sum above is correct, then you simply sum over n in the range 1 to 7. So, \sum_{n=1}^7(2n-1)= (2*1-1)+(2*2-1)+ \cdots Do you see where I'm going here? Just plug in the remaining values of n, and then simplify the sum (to obtain a number) which will be the answer.
 
cristo said:
Note that the software is preloaded into the forum, and so anyone can write in LaTex. See here for a tutorial.



If my sum above is correct, then you simply sum over n in the range 1 to 7. So, \sum_{n=1}^7(2n-1)= (2*1-1)+(2*2-1)+ \cdots Do you see where I'm going here? Just plug in the remaining values of n, and then simplify the sum (to obtain a number) which will be the answer.

Okay - so I do that up to 7 and then add them together or subtract?

I'd get 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 49
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to obtain the product, I simply multiply those numbers for my total?
 
Bucs44 said:
Okay - so I do that up to 7 and then add them together or subtract?

I'd get 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 49

Thats right, you add the terms.

Bucs44 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to obtain the product, I simply multiply those numbers for my total?

Is this a different question now? Do you want to find \Pi_{n=1}^7(2n-1)? If so, yes, you would multiply the terms.
 

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