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Old 11-23-2008, 10:21 PM
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jwithnell jwithnell is offline.
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If you want to use a different calculator, the TI-89 has an actual sigma (uses the greek sigma) that you enter the expression, variable, start, and stop values. You get to it through the calculus functions (f3 key in "normal" home). It will do the summation symbolically, as well as nearly any other math symbolically, so you can get a useful answer.

The 83 and 84 series you have to combine the functions I mention above.

If you have Microsoft Math, you can also enter the expression directly on the computer. I believe the TI-nspire also includes a sigma.
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