Summation simpilification process

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a summation involving the digamma function, specifically the expression sum(1/(25+n*B)) from n=0 to (N/2)-1, where the goal is to find the value of B for various values of N while keeping the result within a specified range for A. Participants explore the challenges of computing this summation manually and seek a simpler formula or method for evaluation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a summation and expresses difficulty in simplifying it for manual calculation.
  • Another participant reformulates the summation and suggests a relationship involving the digamma function, questioning the clarity of the original notation.
  • There is a discussion about the feasibility of computing the summation by hand versus using computational tools, with some humor about the limitations of manual calculations.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the required accuracy for the results, with suggestions to evaluate the summation on a real computer and fit an approximating function for use on an embedded device.
  • One participant mentions the Wikipedia article on the digamma function as a potential resource for computation and approximation methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of the problem and the challenges of manual computation. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to simplify the summation or the accuracy requirements for the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the results must be real-valued and discuss the implications of allowing inaccuracies in the calculations. There are also references to specific ranges for A and N, which may influence the methods used for approximation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for those interested in computational methods for evaluating summations, particularly in the context of embedded systems or when dealing with special functions like the digamma function.

baby_1
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TL;DR
convert a summation to a specific formula
Hello,
Here is my summation:
sum(1/(25+n*B)),n=0 to (N/2)-1:=A
where A is between .01 to 2, N is between 10 to 2000 and I need to find the B for different values of N. I calculate this summation online (check here)
But the Digamma function makes the output function complex and it is not easy to solve with a calculator or even by hand. I need to calculate the result of this summation with hand easily. Is there any way to convert my summation to simple formula? something like this
 
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baby_1 said:
$$sum(1/(25+n∗B)),n=0to(N/2)−1:=A$$
A few hashes to enclose wolfram input does not a decent ##\TeX## ouput make, as you can see ...

I don't understand what you mean with ##:=A## but I can imagine you mean the equation
$$\sum_{n=0}^{{N\over 2}-1} {1\over Bn+25} = A $$ That looks a lot better, don't you think ?

So am I right in assuming you want to find B(N, A) satisfying$$
{\psi^{(0)}\Bigl ({N\over 2} + {25\over B}\Bigr ) -
\psi^{(0)} \Bigl ( {25\over B}\Bigr )\over B }= A
$$where N = 10 ... 20000 and A = 0.01 ... 2 ##\qquad ## ?

baby_1 said:
not easy to solve with a calculator or even by hand
Quite !
Good thing we have computers nowadays.

I need to calculate the result of this summation with hand easily
Well, then you have a problem ! You could make a table and write it on your hand, but if you don't have very big hands it will be hard to read.

Any chance of a compromise ? Can you compute the table and do a fit to a suitable function ? What accuracy is required ?

baby_1 said:
Is there any way to convert my summation to simple formula?
Wouldn't Wolfram have shown that if it was so easy as in your examples ?

(Disclaimer: no expert with di gamma. If x is real, is ##\psi^{0}(x) \ ## real ? Must be isn't it ? )

##\ ##
 
I really appreciate your time and explanation.
Yes, I need to find B based on the given variables values. what is the simplest function of digamma to solve with the small computers ( I need to run a simple program on an embedded computer which has a 1Mhz CPU(Yes 1Mhz not 1Gihz), the result should be real not a complex value.
 
Last edited:
You still have a problem. And (for me) an undetermined problem: if you can allow 20% inaccuracy it's a different problem than if you need double precision accuracy.

I would try to evaluate/solve on a real computer and then fit a suitable approximating function that can be ported to the embedded device.

The result is real because all terms in the sums are real, right ?

You don't even need the digamma: just run the summation for N = 10 ... 20000 and do a hit and miss (or something better) on B. Keep the B(N,A) that have A in the right range. Once you have enough points, search for an approximating function with Tablecurve or similar.

An exploring excursion with excel can get you started for the first step:

[edit] checking :wink: -- after 'discovering' that ##\ A < 0.04 \ ## does not solve, no matter which B and N :biggrin:

1613341168825.png
I didn't try any fitting yet (don't have Tablecurve).

##\ ##
 

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Last edited:
The Wikipedia article on the digamma function includes a section on "computation and approximation" which might prove useful.

(The digamma function is defined as the derivative of a function which is real valued for positive reals, so will itself be real-valued for positive reals.)
 
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