Sum of (n+1) terms in exponential series

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding a simplified expression for the finite sum S = 1 + x/1! + x^2/2! + ... + x^n/n!. Attempts to derive S using Taylor's expansion and hyperbolic functions like cosh(x) and sinh(x) have not yielded satisfactory results. It is noted that while the infinite series converges to e^x, the finite sum does not have a straightforward representation. Some participants mention that the sum can be related to the incomplete Gamma function, but this is considered complex. The conversation emphasizes the challenge of simplifying the finite sum compared to the infinite series.
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Homework Statement



S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried with Taylor's expansion, coshx and sinhx expansions. But cannot see consequence.
 
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ssd said:

Homework Statement



S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried with Taylor's expansion, coshx and sinhx expansions. But cannot see consequence.
As far as I know, all you can get is ##e^x -\sum_{k=0}^n \frac{x^k}{k!} = r_n(x)## with some boundaries ##c \le r_n(x) \le C##
 
ssd said:

Homework Statement



S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried with Taylor's expansion, coshx and sinhx expansions. But cannot see consequence.
According to Maple, the sum can be expressed in terms of an incomplete Gamma function ##\Gamma(n+1,x)## and some other factors, but I am not sure you would call that "simple".
 
ssd said:
S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.
Just to check, S isn't given like this, is it?
S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n! + ...
 
Mark44 said:
Just to check, S isn't given like this, is it?
S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n! + ...
No, only n+1 terms.
 
ssd said:

Homework Statement



S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.
Those already look like simple terms to me. :oldsmile:
 
ssd said:

Homework Statement



S = 1+ x/1! +x2/2! +x3/3! +...+xn/n!
To find S in simple terms.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried with Taylor's expansion, coshx and sinhx expansions. But cannot see consequence.
s=ex
 
coolul007 said:
s=ex
No: absolutely not! The infinite sum is ##e^x## but--at least in the initial post--the OP is asking about the finite sum, just for the first ##n+1## terms of the exponential series.
 
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