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For a nonnegative integer-valued random variable, the probability generating function iswith $0\le s\le 1$ always allowed. Its derivative at $1$ from below gives the expectation when finite.

The waiting time $N$ has the positive-integer geometric distribution $P(N=j)=p{q}^{j-1}$. For the capped geometric waiting time, $X=j<k$ exactly when $N=j$, while $X=k$ occurs whenever $N\ge k$. Thus the terminal mass is $q^{k-1}$, givingThe finite sum is a polynomial; any apparent singularity of the rational expression is removable. This includes $k=1$, where $G_X(s)=s$.

Differentiating the rational form at $s=1$ yieldsAs a second interpretation, the expectation is the sum of the tail probabilities $P(X\ge j)=q^{j-1}$ for $1\le j\le k$. Their finite geometric sum gives the same answer.