osx - python loop OverflowError: (34, 'Result too large') -

python 2.5 on osx

i got overflowerror: (34, 'result large') following code:

x = 1.04 in range(2, 101):   x += x**i print x  

so instead, used code below; no error generated.

x = 0 in range(1, 101):   x += 1.04**i print x 

the result 1287.12865279 , seems miles away maximum float. if need use different type handle floating point calculation, why latter code work while former 1 doesn't? i'm puzzled..... help&explanation on resolving error appreciated.

in first example, setting x result of calculation. use x base next loop, instead of 1.04. thus, values become large soon.

before result becomes large, x has following values:

2.1216 11.6713174057 18567.4643593 2.2068000989e+21 1.15498932026e+128