# What is the value of Exponential Geometric Sum?

The sum in question is $$\sum_{k=0}^\infty x^{a^k}.$$ This comes from a more difficult summation, but if I can find the value of this one then the other one is solved.

Does anyone know the exact value of this? Any help in that direction would be really appreciated.

The original problem is in this post: A tricky infinite sum-- solution found numerically, need proof

$X Y^{\alpha} + X^2 Y^{\alpha + \alpha^2} +X^3 Y^{\alpha + \alpha^2 + \alpha^3} + ...=\sum\limits_{j = 1}^{\infty}X^j \prod\limits_{k = 1}^{j}Y^{\alpha^k}$ where $0 < \alpha < 1, 0 < X < 1$ and $Y>0$

• I'm afraid not. All that's clear is that, in order for the sum to be convergent, $|x|<1$. Perhaps putting up the original question would be more useful ? – Lucian Jan 3 '14 at 17:30
• It would definitely help if you put up the original question. – user98602 Feb 15 '14 at 8:12
• There it is. @Mike – ReverseFlow Feb 15 '14 at 8:24
• It looks as if my answer to math.stackexchange.com/questions/664438/… might match your problem. If it is so, and the approach meets your needs in principle then it might be adapted/refined if needed/if possible. – Gottfried Helms Feb 17 '14 at 17:33
• Also you might google for "lacunary series". – Gottfried Helms Feb 17 '14 at 18:13