Help with alternating series sum

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The discussion centers on finding the sum of the alternating series 1 - e + e²/2! - e³/3! + e⁴/4! + ... The user initially attempted to express the series as a summation but struggled with the Ratio Test. They then recalled the MacLaurin series for e^x and realized that substituting x with -e would yield the desired alternating series. This insight led to a successful identification of the series sum. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing patterns in series expansions.
Abyssnight
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Homework Statement



Given the following: 1 - e + e2/2! - e3/3! + e4/4! + ...
Find the sum of series

Homework Equations



The MacLaurin equation for ex

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I thought that it would look like \sum(-1)^n\frac{e^n}{n!}
Tried the Ration Test and got no where. So I'm just kind of stumped
 
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Consider the MacLaurin series for ex.

ex = 1 + x + x2/2! + x3/3! + x4/4! ...

Now, what do you think you need to put into x to get the alternate series in your question?
 
Wow, haha. I must have had a long night to for some reason miss the obvious. x = -e and it works. Thank you haha.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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