Sum of Products of N Natural Numbers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a general formula for the sum of all possible products of pairs of natural numbers from a given set. Participants explore approaches to derive this formula, particularly focusing on sets of consecutive natural numbers and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an example with the set {1, 2, 3} to illustrate the problem of summing products of pairs of numbers.
  • Another participant attempts to derive a formula using a summation approach but encounters issues with negative terms that complicate the calculation.
  • A later reply suggests a specific formula for the sum, $$S_n = \frac1{24}n(n+1)(n+2)(3n+1)$$, and proposes proving it by induction, indicating a method to transition from $$S_n$$ to $$S_{n+1}$$.
  • Further, a participant confirms the formula derived from another's idea and provides a breakdown of the steps leading to the formula, expressing gratitude for the assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the derivation methods, as there are differing approaches and some unresolved issues with negative terms in the calculations. Multiple competing views remain regarding the correct formulation and proof of the sum.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note complications arising from negative terms in their calculations, which they suggest should be ignored, but the implications of this are not fully resolved. The discussion also highlights the dependence on specific definitions of the sets involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in combinatorial mathematics, summation techniques, or those exploring properties of natural numbers may find this discussion relevant.

mathworker
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If we are given with set of n natural numbers and asked to find the sum of all possible products of two number..
E.G:
{1,2,3} is given then ,
1*1+1*2+1*3+2*2+2*3+3*3=s
how to find the general formula of SUM for given n-tuple containing consecutive natural numbers not necessarily starts with 1 or at least first N natural numbers
 
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Re: sum of products of N

i tried with following approach ,
S=$$\sum n^2 + \sum n(n-1)...\sum n(n-(n-1))$$...
and tried finding sum by splitting terms but it gone wrong 'cause there are some negative terms which are meant to be ignored(Lipssealed)
 
Re: sum of products of N

mathworker said:
i tried with following approach ,
S=$$\sum n^2 + \sum n(n-1)...\sum n(n-(n-1))$$...
and tried finding sum by splitting terms but it gone wrong 'cause there are some negative terms which are meant to be ignored(Lipssealed)
You should be able to check that the formula for $S_n$ is $S_n = \frac1{24}n(n+1)(n+2)(3n+1)$. Prove this by induction, noting that to get from $S_n$ to $S_{n+1}$ you need to add the terms $(n+1)(1+2+\ldots+(n+1)).$
 
yeah i got from Opalgs idea,
$$Sn - S(n-1)=n(n(n+1))/2$$
$$S(n-1)-S(n-2)=(n-1)(n-1)n/2[/math]
and by canceling up to $$S_0$$
$$Sn = \sum n^2(n+1)/2$$
$$=n(n+1)(n+2)(3n+1)/24$$
thanks oplag...:D
 

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