3 ms·
I mean it is an infinite polynomial. Sometimes it’s a lot more useful to think of it that way and not in terms of compounding. Or you can think of the function
by jstx1 5y ago
I mean it is an infinite polynomial. Sometimes it’s a lot more useful to think of it that way and not in terms of compounding.
Or you can think of the function exp() represented by the Taylor series and e just happens to be exp(1). But the particular number itself isn’t as important as the function.
- dxbydt 5y ago<<< this is important <<< this is not important To be fair, neither is important. You don't have to reach for a transcendental if you want infinite polynomials, you can manufacture one for integers, rationals, irrationals...the familiar example - f(x) = 1 + 1/x + 1/x^2 + 1/x^3 + 1/x^4 + ... f(1) = 2
- jstx1 5y agoOops, I deleted that part before you posted the comment; didn't think it was worded well. I guess my point was that the specific value of 2.718... isn't as important as a lot of pop-math sources make it out to be.