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Is there any software where this kind of symbolic calculation is possible?

s = 0
for i = 1 to m
   j = 2 i + a - t
   if (j > 0) s = s + a

I want s as a function of m,a,t, where m,a,t are integers. This is a toy example. In my calculation a lot of if/else, minimum of two values, etc., are involved.

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  • $\begingroup$ Mathematica can certainly handle this, but I don't see this a symbolic calculation if all the actual arguments are going to be integer values. I suggest you elaborate on how you intend to use unbound symbols in your work. $\endgroup$
    – m_goldberg
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 1:40
  • $\begingroup$ @m_goldberg perhaps he means to evaluate his statement symbolically into closed form. OP, could you please clarify? $\endgroup$
    – VF1
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 1:54
  • $\begingroup$ Otherwise, OP, I recommend taking a look at this. What you wrote in psuedocode can easily be transcribed into MMA. $\endgroup$
    – VF1
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 1:59
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, I want closed form of s. Will you kindly explain how to write this code? $\endgroup$
    – user46185
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 2:23

1 Answer 1

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If I understand you, then:

Sum[Boole[2 i + a - t > 0] a, {i, 1, m}]

Mathematica graphics

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    $\begingroup$ I gotta learn how to use Boole better! $\endgroup$
    – Mark McClure
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 3:28
  • $\begingroup$ @user46185 I see that you Accepted this answer. Were you able to adapt this to your larger problem? You mentioned "a lot of if/else" -- generally you want to use Boole and Piecewise which are mathematical constructs rather than If/Which etc. flow control functions, when using Sum, Product etc. to compute a symbolic equivalent. $\endgroup$
    – Mr.Wizard
    Commented Dec 15, 2012 at 5:33

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