How can we solve sums of powers of integers using differences and integrals?

In summary, the conversation discusses how to solve a sum involving a finite number of terms raised to a power. The participants suggest using the property of differences and integrating the summands to find a solution, specifically using the gamma function. They also mention trying the ansatz y(n) = K(n) with K(n) as a polynomial of degree m+1, but it did not yield the expected results.
  • #1
eljose
492
0
Let,s suppose we want to do this sum:

[tex] 1+2^{m}+3^{m}+...+n^{m} [/tex] n finite

then we could use the property of the differences:

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{n}(y(k)-y(k-1))=y(n)-y(0) [/tex]


so for any function of the form f(x)=x^{m} m integer you need to solve:

[tex] y(n)-y(n-1)=n^{m} [/tex] i don,t know how to solve

it..:frown: :frown: i have tried the ansatz y(n)=K(n) with K(n) a Polynomial of degree m+1 but i don,t get the usual results for the sum..could someone help?..
 
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1. What is the sum of powers of integers?

The sum of powers of integers is a mathematical calculation where each integer is raised to a given power and then all the results are added together. It can be represented as 1n + 2n + 3n + ... + kn, where n is the power and k is the highest integer.

2. What is the formula for finding the sum of powers of integers?

The formula for finding the sum of powers of integers is (k(k+1)/2)n+1, where n is the power and k is the highest integer. This formula is derived from the Faulhaber's formula for the sum of n-th powers of the first k positive integers.

3. What is the significance of sum of powers of integers in mathematics?

The sum of powers of integers has many applications in mathematics, including in number theory, combinatorics, and calculus. It is also used to calculate the area under a curve in calculus and to find solutions to certain polynomial equations.

4. Are there any special cases for the sum of powers of integers?

Yes, there are several special cases for the sum of powers of integers. One example is when n is equal to 1, the sum becomes the triangular numbers. Another example is when n is equal to 2, the sum becomes the square pyramidal numbers.

5. How is the sum of powers of integers related to geometric series?

The sum of powers of integers is closely related to geometric series, as it can be seen as a special case of a geometric series with a common ratio of 1. This means that the sum of powers of integers can also be calculated using the formula a(1-rn)/(1-r), where a is the first term and r is the common ratio.

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