Solving Equation with Summation Properties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation involving summation properties, specifically the expression for the sum of k^2 f(k) from k=1 to n. Participants explore various approaches to manipulate and transform the summation, while also addressing specific cases and examples.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to solve the equation ∑{k=1,n} [k^2 f(k)], particularly for the case where f(k) = 1/k.
  • Another participant notes that there is no general formula for arbitrary functions f but mentions an easy formula for the specific case.
  • A participant presents a transformation for ∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] into a double summation, suggesting a similar approach for ∑{k=1,n} [k^2·f(k)].
  • Some participants express that their attempts to apply the transformation for k^2·f(k) do not yield the expected results, highlighting discrepancies in the summation forms.
  • There is a discussion about the validity of certain summation identities, with some participants asserting that specific transformations do not hold.
  • One participant inquires about finding an equivalent expression for ∑{k=1,n} [k^2·2^(-k)] without sigma notation.
  • Another participant mentions that WolframAlpha can compute the result, indicating that the focus may not be on solving but rather on rewriting the summation.
  • There is a meta-discussion about the thread title and its relevance to the content being discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the methods for transforming the summation or on the validity of certain identities. Multiple competing views and approaches remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the transformations and their applicability, indicating that the discussion is limited by the specific forms of f(k) and the assumptions made in the manipulations.

Jhonny
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Hello, I can not find the way to solve the following equation:
sum of k^2 f(k) from k=1 to n.

In Particular, k^2 * (1/k)
 
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There is no general formula for arbitrary functions f.
In your specific example, there is a very easy one that you'll find in every collection of sum formulas.
 
I have found how to solve ∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)], for example:

∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ]
Dem:
∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = 1·f(1) + 2·f(2) + 3·f(3) + ... + n·f(n) = f(1) + f(2) + f(2) +
+ f(3) + f(3) + f(3) + ... + f(n) + ... + f(n) = [f(1) + f(2) + f(3) + ... + f(n)] +
+ [f(2) + f(3) + ... + f(n)] + [f(3) + ... + f(n)] + ... + f(n) =
= ∑{j=1,n} [f(j)] + ∑{j=2,n} [f(j)] + ∑{j=3,n} [f(j)] + ... + ∑{j=n,n} [f(j)] =
= ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ]

However, I need to solve ∑{k=1,n} [k^2·f(k)]
 
That is not "solving", it is transforming one expression into another, here a sum into a double sum.

You can do the same scheme here. Let g(k)=k*f(k) and apply the formula you found for k*g(k).
Do the same thing again and you get a triple sum over f(m)
 
I already tried that, but it didn't work.
For example:

∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = 1·f(1) + 2·f(2) + 3·f(3) + ... + n·f(n) = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ]

But,

∑{k=1,n} [k^2·f(k)] = 1·f(1) + 4·f(2) + 9·f(3) + ... + n^2·f(n) ≠ ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} ∑{i=j,n}[[f(i)]] ]
 
It seems to be that:
Although: ∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ] holds,
∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [j*f(j)] ] = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} ∑{i=j,n}[[f(i)]] ] does not hold.
 
Jhonny said:
I already tried that, but it didn't work.
For example:

∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = 1·f(1) + 2·f(2) + 3·f(3) + ... + n·f(n) = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ]

But,

∑{k=1,n} [k^2·f(k)] = 1·f(1) + 4·f(2) + 9·f(3) + ... + n^2·f(n) ≠ ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} ∑{i=j,n}[[f(i)]] ]
That's not what I suggested.

Jhonny said:
It seems to be that:
Although: ∑{k=1,n} [k·f(k)] = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [f(j)] ] holds,
∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} [j*f(j)] ] = ∑{k=1,n} [ ∑{j=k,n} ∑{i=j,n}[[f(i)]] ] does not hold.
Right, as you start the multiplications with j=k, not with 1. There is a way to avoid that.
 
mfb said:
That's not what I suggested.

Right, as you start the multiplications with j=k, not with 1. There is a way to avoid that.

How can I solve: ∑{k=1,n} [k^2· 2^(-k)]
 
Last edited:
Jhonny said:
How can I solve: ∑{k=1,n} [k^2· 2^(-k)]
As you have already been told, you are not "solving" these summations. Instead, you are writing them in a different form.

Please ask your question in such a way that makes it clear what you want to happen.
 
  • #10
I need to find an equivalent expression without the sigma notation of the expression: ∑{k=1,n} [k^2· 2^(-k)]
 
  • #11
It is possible with the ideas given in the thread.

In case you are just interested in the result, WolframAlpha can calculate it - I copied your equation 1:1, didn't even need reformatting. I just changed the brackets so the forum displays the link correctly.
 
  • #12
Sigma (##\Sigma##) is the greek symbol used for sums. The question is about properties of sums.
 
  • #13
veronica100 said:
hello,
what is sigma properties??

mfb said:
Sigma (##\Sigma##) is the greek symbol used for sums. The question is about properties of sums.
I have changed the title of this thread to "Summation properties".
 
  • #14
Mark44 said:
I have changed the title of this thread to "Summation properties".
What a pitty. ∑ properties would have been far more interesting.
 
  • #15
fresh_42 said:
What a pitty. ∑ properties would have been far more interesting.
Are you referring to sigma-algebras (##\sigma-\text{algebras}##) and the like? If so, lowercase ##\sigma## (sigma) is used.
In any case, and interesting or not, the title now reflects what the OP asked.
 
  • #16
Mark44 said:
Are you referring to sigma-algebras (##\sigma-\text{algebras}##) and the like? If so, lowercase ##\sigma## (sigma) is used.
In any case, and interesting or not, the title now reflects what the OP asked.
I meant hyperons and yes, it was meant to be both funny and a food for thought. But hey, I'm new and I'am trying to get used to the language here. Jokes don't seem to rank very high. Ok, lesson learned.
 

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