How can I swap the order of a finite product of infinite sums?

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with a derivation in a published paper where the authors seem to skip over a step and arrive at a different result. The specific issue is with swapping the order of a finite product and an infinite sum. The conversation ends with the person finding a solution to the problem.
  • #1
smart_ansatz
3
0
Hi this the first time I've got completely stuck and need some advice. I'm trying repeat a (supposedly simple) derivation that appeared in a recently published paper. The details are not important, but I am stuck on a part of that calculation that they skip over.

They have a finite product (over [tex]\nu[/tex]) of infinite sums and seem to wave a magic wand and arrive at an infinite sum of finite products, thus:

[tex]
\prod_{\nu} \sum_{k_{\nu}=-\infty}^{\infty} a_{k_{\nu}} \to \sum_{k}\prod_{\nu}a_{k_{\nu}}
[/tex]

This is clearly not a general statement as the trivial example below shows.

[tex]
\prod_{i=1}^{I}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^2} \ne \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^{2I}}
[/tex]

So does anyone have any idea how to swap the order of a finite product of an infinite sum? maybe there are some conditions [tex]a_{k_{\nu}}[/tex] has to obey for it to be valid.

Hope someone out there can help!
 
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  • #2
Your trivial example is incorrect. i doesn't appear in the terms of the left side.
 
  • #3
yes it does

[tex]
\prod_{i=1}^{I}\sum_{n}\frac{1}{n^2} = \left(\sum_{n}\frac{1}{n^2}\right)(\ldots) = \left(\frac{\pi^2}{6}\right)^I \ne \sum_{n}\left(\frac{1}{n^2}\right)^I
[/tex]

anyway, that's missing the point. We know this is not general. but is/are there any occasions when it can be done?
 
  • #4
ok I've solved it. The key was in the "sum over all possible k" on the right hand side. Cheers anyway.
 

FAQ: How can I swap the order of a finite product of infinite sums?

What is a product of infinite sum?

A product of infinite sum is a mathematical concept that involves multiplying an infinite number of terms in a sum. In other words, it is the result of multiplying an infinite series of numbers together.

How is a product of infinite sum calculated?

A product of infinite sum can be calculated using various methods, depending on the specific series involved. One common method is to use the Cauchy product, which involves multiplying each term in one series with each term in the other series and adding the products together.

What is the significance of a product of infinite sum in mathematics?

Products of infinite sums are important in various areas of mathematics, such as in calculus, number theory, and complex analysis. They can also be used to represent complicated functions and can help in solving differential equations.

What are some common examples of product of infinite sum?

One common example of a product of infinite sum is the geometric series, where each term is multiplied by a common ratio. Another example is the Taylor series, which is used to approximate functions in calculus.

What are the limitations of using product of infinite sum in calculations?

One limitation of using product of infinite sum is that it can be difficult to determine the convergence or divergence of a series, which is necessary for accurate calculations. Additionally, rounding errors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of the final result.

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