Question about Sigma and Sum Notation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding sigma and sum notation, specifically in the context of a sequence defined by tn = 2n - 1. Participants are exploring how to calculate the sum of the first seven terms of this sequence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the correct interpretation of the sigma notation and the sequence definition. There are questions about which numbers to use in the summation and how to approach the calculation. Some express confusion regarding the relationship between the sequence and the summation process.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the summation process, with some participants offering guidance on how to compute the sum of the sequence. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly concerning the transition from summation to multiplication.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in expressing mathematical notation due to lack of software, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. There is also a reference to the forum's LaTex capabilities, suggesting that participants could improve their communication of mathematical expressions.

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 [tex]\sum_{n=1}^7t_n[/tex], 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, [tex]\sum_{n=1}^7(2n-1)= (2*1-1)+(2*2-1)+ \cdots[/tex] 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, [tex]\sum_{n=1}^7(2n-1)= (2*1-1)+(2*2-1)+ \cdots[/tex] 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 [tex]\Pi_{n=1}^7(2n-1)[/tex]? If so, yes, you would multiply the terms.
 

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