Why Does the Summation Use n-1 and i² in This Limit Calculation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit calculation involving a summation of terms, specifically addressing the use of \(n-1\) in the upper limit of the summation and the transformation of the variable \(i\) to \(i-1\) leading to \(i^2\). Participants explore the implications of these transformations in the context of Riemann sums and limits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the use of \(n-1\) in the summation and how \(i^2\) is derived from the original expression.
  • Another participant explains that substituting \(k = i-1\) allows the summation to be rewritten, leading to the limits of summation changing from \(i=1\) to \(i=n\) into \(k=0\) to \(k=n-1\).
  • It is noted that the term at \(i=0\) contributes zero to the sum, justifying the change in the limits of summation.
  • A later reply mentions that the limit represents the Riemann sum of \(x^2\) over the interval \([0, 1]\), linking the discussion to integral calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the transformation of the summation and its implications, but there is no explicit consensus on the broader context or significance of the limit as it relates to Riemann sums.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the foundational assumptions regarding the limit or the nature of the summation, leaving open questions about the implications of the transformation and the interpretation of the limit.

karush
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11.2 nmh{2000}
Find a formula for the sum of $n$ terms
Use the formula to find the limit as $n\to\infty$

$\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}

\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\frac{1}{n^3}(i-1)^2=

\displaystyle \lim_{x\to\infty}\frac{1}{n^3}

\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{n-1}i^2$

This was from an solution to the problem but i didn't understand the $n-1$ on top of the $\Sigma$ or how they got the $i^2$ from the given. there are more steps but ?? about this one
thnx ahead

my try at LateX today lots of previewing
 
Last edited:
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They have replaced i with i+1. It's sort of like a substitution for sums.

Suppose we let k = i-1, then k = 0 when i = 1 and n-1 when i = n, thus we have:

$\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{i=1}^{n}(i-1)^2 = \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}k^2 $

But k is a dummy variable so we can replace it with, say, i, and we have:

$\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}k^2 = \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{i=0}^{n-1}i^2 = \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}i^2$

Where in the last step we wrote the sum from i = 1 because the term at i = 0 is 0.
 
Last edited:
well that makes sense... they just didn't mention anything about it...
 
By the way, this limit is the Riemann sum of x² over [0, 1]:

$\displaystyle \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{i=1}^{n-1}i^2 = \lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{i=1}^{n}i^2 = \int_{0}^{1}x^2\;{dx} = \frac{1}{3}.$
 
https://dl.orangedox.com/GXEVNm73NxaGC9F7Cy
 

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