I've seen this around, even on Wolfram|Alpha, and I don't know what it means.
What does $\sum$ mean without a starting index and limit?
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calculus
algebra-precalculus
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0writing down the entire formula would $b$e helpful for a correct interpretation – 2012-03-25
1 Answers
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The sign $\sum$ denotes an indefinite summation, that is $g(n) = \sum f(n)$ (summation over $n$ is implied), such that $g(n+1) - g(n) = f(n)$.
For example $\sum n = \frac{n^2 - n}{2}$, since $\frac{(n+1)^2 - n-1}{2} -\frac{n^2-n}{2} = n$.
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2Sometimes $\sum$ may mean indefinite summation. But the author should say so, if it does. In "calculus" or "precalculus" (the labels in this question) it probably does not mean indefinite summation. – 2012-03-25