Summation Notation for [(i^3)/(N^3)]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding summation notation, specifically for the expression involving the sum of cubes divided by \(N^3\). The original poster expresses confusion about how to handle the variable \(N\) in the context of summation, contrasting it with a fixed number like 6.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of summing terms \(N\) times, questioning how to represent and compute the summation of cubes divided by \(N^3\). There is an attempt to identify the first few terms of the summation and to clarify the notation used.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided examples of the first few terms in the summation and discussed the structure of the expression. There is an acknowledgment of the need to use ellipses to represent the continuation of the series. However, no consensus on a complete solution has been reached, and further exploration of the summation formula is suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of summation notation and its implications when dealing with variable limits, particularly in the context of homework constraints that may require specific forms or proofs.

Lo.Lee.Ta.
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I think I get summation notation when when there are more numbers than variables
6
Ʃ i/6 <---I can figure that out.
i=1

But I'm confused on how to find what this equals:
N
Ʃ (i^3)/(N^3) = ?
i=1

How do you add something N times? ...I could deal with a number like 6, but I'm confused about N...

Any help? :/

Thank you! :)
 
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Lo.Lee.Ta. said:
I think I get summation notation when when there are more numbers than variables
6
Ʃ i/6 <---I can figure that out.
i=1

But I'm confused on how to find what this equals:
N
Ʃ (i^3)/(N^3) = ?
i=1

How do you add something N times? ...I could deal with a number like 6, but I'm confused about N...

Any help? :/

Thank you! :)

The first term in the summation is 1/N3.
The second term is 8/N3.

Can you continue?
What is the last term in the summation?

You will necessarily need to use an ellipsis (i.e., "..." ) when you expand this summation.
 
So the (N)^3 in denominator is just kept as (N)^3!

Okay, would this be the answer then:

1/(N^3) + 8/(N^3) + 27/(N^3) + ... + ((N-1)^3)/(N^3) + (N^3)/(N^3)
 
Lo.Lee.Ta. said:
So the (N)^3 in denominator is just kept as (N)^3!

Okay, would this be the answer then:

1/(N^3) + 8/(N^3) + 27/(N^3) + ... + ((N-1)^3)/(N^3) + (N^3)/(N^3)

Yes, if that's the form you want the answer in. If you actually want to sum it up there is a formula for 1^3+2^3+3^3+...+N^3. Just like there is a formula for 1+2+3+...+N=(N+1)N/2. Probably easiest to try and look it up unless you are required to prove it.
 

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