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I'm figuring out a worst case analysis on a function. After converting it to a set of summations, and changing the sigma notations into summation formuale I ended up with:

N(N+1)(2N+1) / 6    +    N    -     N(N+1) / 2

Using LCD i was able to combine the first two components as:

 N(N+1)(2N+1) + 6N / 6

Leaving me with:

 N(N+1)(2N+1) + 6N / 6     -     N(N+1) / 2

Using LCD again, I'm guessing I would use an LCD of 6 then combine the two fractions as i did the first. But i am having trouble converting the top line of the second fraction. Do I multiply the whole expression by 3, or just numerics?

Many Thanks

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2 Answers 2

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$\dfrac{N(N+1)(2N+1)}{6} + N - \dfrac{ N(N+1)}{ 2}$

$=\dfrac{N(N+1)(2N+1)}{6} + \dfrac{6 N}{6} - \dfrac{ 3N(N+1)}{ 6}$

$=\dfrac{N(N+1)(2N+1) + 6 N - 3N(N+1)}{ 6}$

and you can simplify the numerator.

Incidentally this is $\displaystyle\sum_{i=1}^N i^2+1-i$ so it is quite easy to check your result for various small values of $N$.

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  • $\begingroup$ This is what i would have written, but incidentally my friend got toN(N+1)(2N+1-3)+6N/6 I just couldn't understand the missing transition in between. $\endgroup$
    – user1475128
    Commented Oct 14, 2013 at 13:36
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A good hint would be to write the second fraction as $$\frac{3N(N+1)}{6}$$ and then combine it with the first one.

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  • $\begingroup$ Nice hint, my friend! +1 $\endgroup$
    – amWhy
    Commented Oct 14, 2013 at 15:16
  • $\begingroup$ @amWhy: Thanks Amy for the support. ;-) $\endgroup$
    – Mikasa
    Commented Oct 14, 2013 at 17:25

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