What is wrong with my summation formula?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenge of formulating a general equation for calculating the number of onto (surjective) functions from a set of size M to a set of size N. The participant references "Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications 7th Edition" by Rosen, specifically pages 561 and 512, to develop their formula. They utilize the TI nSpire CX CAS calculator for verification but encounter discrepancies with a problem sourced from Chegg. The resolution involves correcting the variable notation from (m-k) to (n-k) in the summation formula, which aligns the participant's results with the expected outcomes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of onto (surjective) functions
  • Familiarity with summation notation and its applications
  • Knowledge of discrete mathematics concepts
  • Experience using the TI nSpire CX CAS calculator
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  • Research the combinatorial principles behind surjective functions
  • Study the use of sigma notation in mathematical formulations
  • Explore additional examples of onto functions in discrete mathematics
  • Learn about the implications of variable notation in mathematical equations
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Students and educators in discrete mathematics, mathematicians working with combinatorial functions, and anyone utilizing the TI nSpire CX CAS for mathematical computations.

DerekZ10
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Im trying to find a general formula I can store in my calculator that can find the number of onto (surjective) functions exists for a relation of when M is mapped to N.

I can't seem to find a nice formula for it, but based on the below material I will show you what I have developed.

From: Discrete Mathemeatics and Its Applications 7th Edition Rosen pg. 561
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From: Discrete Mathemeatics and Its Applications 7th Edition Rosen pg. 512
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Random Chegg Problem from Google Search I'm using to verify with:
wJUOwNS.png
Here is what I've formed, written out:
NqrU3l3.jpg


In the TI nSpire CX CAS, it's written like this:
iwIkElK.jpg


And as you can see, the chegg problem I'm trying to verify it with doesn't match!
But I think it should! If I manually iterate the function like so:

gyDYmtH.jpg
The values are correct and what Chegg is showing. What have I done wrong in my equation?
 
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Did you check that your summation formula matches the version that doesn't use sigma notation? i.e are all your ##m##s and ##n##s where they're supposed to be?
 
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Wow, good call! I don't know how I constantly was missing that the (m-k) portion that should have been (n-k). And I even had it right in the non iterative equation.
 

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