I have problem evaluating the expression h = exp(x)/(exp(exp(x))-1) for large negative x. This expression is actually the probability
that y = 1 when y is a Poisson random variable truncated at 0, hence must satisfy 0 <= h <= 1. However, when
x < -18, I may get an h value that is larger than 1 while the true value should be a quantity that is smaller than but very close to 1.
For example when x = -19, h = 1.00000000031174. I tried to use different form of h and none of
them give me an h value that is less than or equal to 1. I also tried to find patterns, but discovered none: for some x < -18, h is below 1; for others
h is greater than 1. Is there any trick that enables me to obtain theoretically correct results from this expression?


Thanks.

Zhen Chen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
423 Guardian Drive -- 625 Blockley Hall
Philadelphia, PA� 19104-6021

voice:� 215-573-8545
fax:��� 215-573-4865
email:� [EMAIL PROTECTED]

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