This summation sums to zero. Why?

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    Summation Sums Zero
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a mathematical summation presented in a paper, specifically questioning why the expression sums to zero under certain conditions. Participants explore the implications of the variables involved, including definitions and specific values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the summation's validity and requests hints regarding its zero sum.
  • Another participant asserts that the equality may not hold universally and suggests that it depends on the definitions of λ, r, and L, asking for more details.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the need for more information about λ, r, and L, specifying that λ values are positive and r is constrained between 1 and L.
  • A different participant challenges the previous assertions by providing a specific example with defined values for λ, r, and L, demonstrating that the summation does not equal zero in that case.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity of the summation equating to zero, with some suggesting it depends on specific definitions while others provide counterexamples that suggest it does not hold true.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the outcome may depend on the definitions and values assigned to λ, r, and L, indicating that assumptions about these variables are crucial to the discussion.

EngWiPy
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Hi,

I am reading a paper, and at some point the authors claim that:

\sum_{m=1}^{L+1}\frac{\prod_{\substack{l=1\\l\neq m}}^{L+1}\frac{\lambda(m)}{\lambda(m)-\lambda(l)}}{\lambda^r(m)}=0

the question is HOW?

Any tiny hint will be highly appreciated.

Thanks
 
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In general there is no equality.
It must depend on the definitions of λ, r and L.
Can you provide more details?
 
Amir Livne said:
In general there is no equality.
It must depend on the definitions of λ, r and L.
Can you provide more details?

Lambdas are positive numbers, r is between 1 and L. That is all
 
I don't think that is correct.

Define \lambda(m)=m, and pick L=r=2. Then
\frac{\frac{\lambda(1)}{\left(\lambda(1)-\lambda(2)\right)\left(\lambda(1)-\lambda(3)\right)}}{\lambda(1)^2}+\frac{\frac{\lambda(2)}{\left(\lambda(2)-\lambda(1)\right)\left(\lambda(2)-\lambda(3)\right)}}{\lambda(2)^2}+\frac{\frac{\lambda(3)}{\left(\lambda(3)-\lambda(1)\right)\left(\lambda(3)-\lambda(2)\right)}}{\lambda(3)^2}=\frac{1}{2}-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{6}=\frac{1}{6}
 

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