Class Notes: Sigma

Definition and Concept:

Sigma (Σ) is the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet, often used as a symbol in
various fields, including mathematics, statistics, science, and engineering.
In mathematics, sigma represents the summation notation, indicating the sum of
a sequence of numbers.

Summation Notation:

Σ (Sigma) notation is a concise way to represent the sum of a series of terms.

It involves an expression written below the sigma symbol, indicating the terms
to be summed, and the range of values for which the sum is taken.

Components of Σ Notation:

The expression to the right of the sigma represents the term to be summed.
The variable below the sigma indicates the starting value of the summation.
The upper limit of the summation is usually indicated above the sigma symbol.
The symbol 'n' is commonly used as the variable, but other letters can be used
as well.

Examples:

∑(i = 1 to 5) i
This notation represents the sum of integers from 1 to 5: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5
= 15.

∑(k = 0 to 3) 2^k
This represents the sum of the powers of 2 for k ranging from 0 to 3: 2^0 +
2^1 + 2^2 + 2^3 = 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 15.

∑(j = 1 to n) j^2
This represents the sum of squares of integers from 1 to n.

Applications:

Sigma notation is used to simplify and represent complex sums in mathematics,

physics, and engineering.
It's commonly used to calculate the total value of sequences, series, and
mathematical expressions involving summation.

Common Properties:

The order of the terms in the sum does not affect the final result.
A constant factor can be taken out of the sum: ∑(i = 1 to n) c * f(i) = c * ∑(i
= 1 to n) f(i).

Conclusion:

Sigma notation, represented by the Greek letter Σ, is a powerful tool in

mathematics for expressing and calculating the sums of sequences and series.
It simplifies the representation of complex mathematical expressions involving
summation.