Sum of Infinite Series: TI and Book Solutions

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The discussion centers on the evaluation of the infinite series S, specifically the sums S_book and S_TI, where S_book is incorrectly stated as 0 and S_TI is correctly calculated as e^8 - 1. The discrepancy arises from the misunderstanding that the series terms, given by 8^k/k!, are positive for all k, thus invalidating the claim that the sum could equal zero. Dan asserts that the book's solution is incorrect based on this reasoning.

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karush
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$\tiny{206.b.46}$
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_{book}&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}
\frac{8^k}{k! }=0\\
S_{TI}&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}
\frac{8^k}{k! }=e^8-1\\
\end{align*}
$\textsf{ 2 different answers?}$
 
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I would say your book is wrong. :)
 
karush said:
$\tiny{206.b.46}$
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S_{book}&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}
\frac{8^k}{k! }=0\\
S_{TI}&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}
\frac{8^k}{k! }=e^8-1\\
\end{align*}
$\textsf{ 2 different answers?}$
Consider the fact that (8^k)/k! are positive for all k. Thus they cannot sum to 0.

-Dan
 

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