Understanding Summation and Latex: A Simple Explanation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of summation notation and LaTeX formatting, particularly in the context of a mathematical expression involving limits and exponentials. Participants are exploring the rules for products inside sums and how to properly format their equations in LaTeX.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to format a summation in LaTeX and questions the rules for products inside sums.
  • Another participant attempts to provide a LaTeX representation of the summation but does not confirm its correctness.
  • A participant points out inconsistencies in the variables used in the expressions, noting the need for clarity regarding the constants involved.
  • One participant acknowledges missing details in their initial post and clarifies that the summation is over n1 from 0 to infinity, introducing constants x1 and x2.
  • There is a discussion about whether the sum of products can be simplified to the product of sums, with one participant reflecting on the potential for counterexamples.
  • The participant seeks guidance on how to simplify their sum, suggesting that the expected outcome might be related to the sum of the constants x1 and x2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the simplification of the sum or the rules governing products inside sums. There are multiple viewpoints and ongoing questions about the correct approach and formatting.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of variables and the need for further exploration of the properties of sums and products in algebra. The discussion reflects a mix of foundational understanding and uncertainty regarding LaTeX formatting.

quasar_4
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I feel so silly asking this question, but is (the summation is over n1 from 1 to infinity. I have no idea how to type it with the latex)

[tex]\sum[/tex](x1^n1)/n1!*(x^(n-n1))/(n-n1)!

= lim[tex](_{n1 \rightarrow \infty})[/tex] (1 + x/n1)^n1 * lim[tex](_{n1 \rightarrow \infty})[/tex] (1 + x/(n-n1))^(n-n1)

= exp(x1)*exp(x2)

?

I know it's simple, but I'm just not sure what the rules are for products inside sums. And also, how the heck do you learn the whole latex thing? I can't for the life of me it out.
 
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[tex]\sum[/tex] [tex]\frac{(x1^n^1)}{n1!}[/tex] [tex]\ast[/tex] [tex]\frac{(x^(^n^-^n^1^))}{(n-n1)!}[/tex]

is this correct so far?
 
quasar_4 said:
I feel so silly asking this question, but is (the summation is over n1 from 1 to infinity. I have no idea how to type it with the latex)

[tex]\sum[/tex](x1^n1)/n1!*(x^(n-n1))/(n-n1)!

= lim[tex](_{n1 \rightarrow \infty})[/tex] (1 + x/n1)^n1 * lim[tex](_{n1 \rightarrow \infty})[/tex] (1 + x/(n-n1))^(n-n1)

= exp(x1)*exp(x2)
?

I know it's simple, but I'm just not sure what the rules are for products inside sums. And also, how the heck do you learn the whole latex thing? I can't for the life of me it out.
Please start by telling us what the problem really is! In your first sum you have "x1" and "x". In second line, only "x" and then in the third line "x1" and "x2".
 
oh yes, it does seem that I missed some details (it was late at night :smile:).

The summation is over n1, from 0 to infinity, and there is an x1 and x2 (they're just constants). So it's just what offtheleft has written, except I forgot to put x2 instead of x on the second term At first I thought that this would just turn into two exponentials, because each of the pieces resemble exponentials, but I'm not so sure now. I don't know much about how sums fit into algebra (having only seen them for the most part in calculus and linear algebra, but never for the sake of learning their properties).

Is it ever the general case that the sum (x*y) = sum(x)*sum(y)? I guess I can answer my own question with a counterexample...

so in that case, how do I simplify my sum? In the end I think the correct answer is supposed to be an (x1+x2).
 

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