sum command...

[AlexFekken]

(10-11-2017 01:41 PM)webmasterpdx Wrote:  It doesn't act like that pseudocode. It has to calculate it so it can handle an algebraic sum and get algebraic results....which is a lot more sophisticated.

I have no problem with "sophisticated", but I do have a problem with arguments based on what one of my professors used to call "proof by mathematical intimidation". :-) Can you pleae explain what you mean?

In the mean time:

[1] By providing an explicit upper bound (5000) you were asking for a rational number, not an algebraic expression. So regardless of the algortihm being used why would you complain about CAS trying to give you exactly what you asked for?

[2] If you are trying to suggest that there should be a magical short-cut to doing the calculation, similar to when you would be adding n^2 instead of n^(-2), then I doubt that one exists. But that's just based on my gut feeling, so feel free to correct me.

Of course that would not change the fact that in the end you are still asking for a rational number. The very worst thing CAS could do is to silently slip out of exact mode and give me an approximation when I clearly asked for an exact result (or I would be using Home mode).