Has anyone seen this problem before?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical limit involving the exponential function and a series, specifically the expression \lim_{n\to+\infty}e^{-n}\sum_{i=n}^{+\infty}\frac{n^i}{i!}. Participants explore its implications, potential solutions, and connections to probability theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the limit approaches zero, referencing the formula for approximating e.
  • Others argue that the series represents an approximation of e^n and question the validity of the limit approaching zero.
  • A participant proposes that the limit could be related to a probability problem, hinting at a connection to the Central Limit Theorem.
  • There are corrections regarding the formulation of the series, with some participants noting the importance of the starting index of the summation.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of taking n as a real number versus approaching infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the limit's value, with multiple competing views on whether it approaches zero or another value. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications and interpretations of the limit.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for careful consideration of the series' terms and the limits involved, indicating potential dependencies on definitions and assumptions that are not fully articulated.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mathematical limits, series approximations, and their applications in probability theory.

ZioX
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Cute solution.

\lim_{n\to+\infty}e^{-n}\sum_{i=n}^{+\infty}\frac{n^i}{i!}
 
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Has anyone? Is anyone working on this? I can give you a hint if it's needed. I thought this was really cool when I saw it the other day and I figured I would share it. Wasn't sure how well known this problem is.
 
Why don't you answer the (my) question in the math Q&A topic in the general math section, then you could post this as a problem.
 
that is the formula for e approximation. i did that in programming, but not approaching infinity, it should be real number.. i might be wrong.
 
etek said:
that is the formula for e approximation. i did that in programming, but not approaching infinity, it should be real number.. i might be wrong.

Sum begins at n, which is going to infinity.
 
the series is just e^n- s, where s is the partial sum of formal power series e^n truncated when i=n

so the limit becomes
lim n-> inf
1-e^{-n)*s

s goes to e^{n} and the whole thing goes to zero...?
 
Yea i get the same answer as tim, The whole thing goes to zero.

Edit: Working-

\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}\sum_{i=n}^{\infty}\frac{n^i}{i!}

\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}(e^n - \sum_{i=0}^n \frac{x^n}{n!})

\lim_{n\to\infty}(1 - \frac{\sum_{i=0}^n \frac{x^n}{n!}}{e^n})

1 - \frac{\lim_{n\to\infty}\sum_{i=0}^n \frac{x^n}{n!}}{\lim_{n\to\infty} e^n}

1 - \frac{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}}{e^n}

1 - \frac{e^n}{e^n}

Which is zero. I think i included enough obvious steps for everyone to follow :)
 
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Woah! Are you sure you can go here, man?

1 - \frac{\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}}{e^n}

I can give you guys a hint: I could've posted this in the probability forum.
 
if you graph this, this equation the domain is approximately (-inf, inf), while its range is the same which is infinity. ziox is right it's not zero, but if you take n as real number the equation solves the e approximation in e^n.
 
  • #10
Gib Z said:
\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}\sum_{i=n}^{\infty}\frac{n^i}{i!}

\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}(e^n - \sum_{i=0}^n \frac{x^n}{n!})
First correction
\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}\sum_{i=n}^{\infty}\frac{n^i}{i!}

\lim_{n\to\infty}e^{-n}(e^n - \sum_{i=0}^{n-1} \frac{n^i}{i!})
 
  • #11
By the way, is the limit = 0.5 = P[Z>0], Z~N(0,1).
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Yes.

CLT for the win.

My statistician friend gave me the problem, and I hacked away at it for a good 5 hours and finally got a very non-trivial solution.
 
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