Tell me more ×
Mathematics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people studying math at any level and professionals in related fields. It's 100% free, no registration required.

Does there exist a closed form for finite summation of the sequence $\sum^n_{i=1}{e^i/i}$ ?

share|improve this question
Yes it does. Is that a homework problem? – AD. Feb 13 at 20:04
I think it is fair to say that there is no reasonably elementary closed form for this value. – copper.hat Feb 13 at 20:26

3 Answers

Take the derivative of the function $f(x) = \sum_{i = 1}^n \frac{x^i}{i}$ which is easier to compute.

share|improve this answer
2  
Uh? No matter what $\,n\,$ is chosen?! – DonAntonio Feb 13 at 20:04
@DonAntonio I think $e=0$, right. – AD. Feb 13 at 20:06
You are right, I edit. – Damien L Feb 13 at 20:06
1  
And how do you integrate the result? – copper.hat Feb 13 at 20:09
I still can't see how that sum is "easier" to compute...perhaps an integral, though...? – DonAntonio Feb 13 at 20:09
show 2 more comments

$$f(x):=\sum_{k=1}^nx^{k-1}=\sum_{k=0}^{n-1}x^k=\frac{1-x^{n-1}}{1-x}$$

Integrate indefinitely the above:

$$\int f(x)\,dx=\sum_{k=1}^n\int x^{k-1}dx=\sum_{k=1}^n\frac{x^k}{k}\ldots$$

share|improve this answer
1  
How do you extract the result from the integral? – copper.hat Feb 13 at 20:14
Integrate the RHS of the first line wrt $\,x\,$ ... – DonAntonio Feb 13 at 20:16
An formula involving an integral isn't really much more of a closed form than a formula involving a summation. – Hurkyl Feb 13 at 20:17
Well @Hurkyl, that may depend on the OP, but I'd agree with you in general. Anyway that's an option for him... – DonAntonio Feb 13 at 20:19
@DonAntonio: I understand the underlying idea, but what integration limits do you use? (Or are you integrating in $\mathbb{C}$?) – copper.hat Feb 13 at 20:20
show 4 more comments

Maple writes it as $$\sum_{i=1}^n \frac{{\rm e}^i}{i} = -\Phi \left( {{\rm e}},1,n \right)\; {{\rm e}^{n}}-\ln \left( -{{\rm e}}+1 \right) +{\frac {{{\rm e}^{n}}}{n}}$$

where $\Phi$ is the Lerch Phi function.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.