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Why shouldn't this prove the Prime Number Theorem?
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$begingroup$
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
nt.number-theory prime-numbers
New contributor
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
nt.number-theory prime-numbers
New contributor
$endgroup$
11
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
11
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
6
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
nt.number-theory prime-numbers
New contributor
$endgroup$
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
nt.number-theory prime-numbers
nt.number-theory prime-numbers
New contributor
New contributor
New contributor
asked 5 hours ago
Fourton.Fourton.
422
422
New contributor
New contributor
11
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
11
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
6
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago
add a comment |
11
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
11
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
6
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago
11
11
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
11
11
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
6
6
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
You ask:
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
As pointed out by the users @wojowu and @PeterHumphries,
it is true that the PNT is equivalent to
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=o(1),$$
and it is relatively easy to prove that
$$lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s}=0.$$
The real difficulty lies in proving that
$$lim_{xrightarrow infty} sum_{nleq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}=
lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s},$$
which is highly nontrivial and requires intricate arguments.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
You ask:
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
As pointed out by the users @wojowu and @PeterHumphries,
it is true that the PNT is equivalent to
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=o(1),$$
and it is relatively easy to prove that
$$lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s}=0.$$
The real difficulty lies in proving that
$$lim_{xrightarrow infty} sum_{nleq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}=
lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s},$$
which is highly nontrivial and requires intricate arguments.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You ask:
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
As pointed out by the users @wojowu and @PeterHumphries,
it is true that the PNT is equivalent to
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=o(1),$$
and it is relatively easy to prove that
$$lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s}=0.$$
The real difficulty lies in proving that
$$lim_{xrightarrow infty} sum_{nleq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}=
lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s},$$
which is highly nontrivial and requires intricate arguments.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
You ask:
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
As pointed out by the users @wojowu and @PeterHumphries,
it is true that the PNT is equivalent to
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=o(1),$$
and it is relatively easy to prove that
$$lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s}=0.$$
The real difficulty lies in proving that
$$lim_{xrightarrow infty} sum_{nleq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}=
lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s},$$
which is highly nontrivial and requires intricate arguments.
$endgroup$
You ask:
Denote by $mu$ the Mobius function. It is known that for every integer $k>1$, the number $sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^k}$ can be interpreted as the probability that a randomly chosen integer is $k$-free.
Letting $krightarrow 1^+$, why shouldn't this entail the Prime Number Theorem in the form
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=0,$$
since the probability that an integer is ``$1$-free'' is zero ?
As pointed out by the users @wojowu and @PeterHumphries,
it is true that the PNT is equivalent to
$$sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n}=o(1),$$
and it is relatively easy to prove that
$$lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s}=0.$$
The real difficulty lies in proving that
$$lim_{xrightarrow infty} sum_{nleq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}=
lim_{srightarrow 1^+} sum_{n=1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s},$$
which is highly nontrivial and requires intricate arguments.
answered 11 mins ago
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kodlu
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11
$begingroup$
It is true that the PNT is equivalent to $sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n} = o(1)$. It is also relatively easy to prove that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = 0$. The hard part is proving that $lim_{s searrow 1} sum_{n = 1}^{infty} frac{mu(n)}{n^s} = lim_{x to infty} sum_{n leq x} frac{mu(n)}{n}$. This is highly nontrivial!
$endgroup$
– Peter Humphries
5 hours ago
11
$begingroup$
In general, limit of sums of series $neq$ sum of limits of series. In this particular case, the equality does hold, but it requires intricate arguments to prove, which you see in any proof of PNT.
$endgroup$
– Wojowu
5 hours ago
6
$begingroup$
I think this question should be reopened, and the comments made by Peter Humphries and Wojowu posted as an answer. The question might be borderline too elementary for MO but it is natural and I'm sure I'm not the only one to have been confused by this at some (embarrassingly recent) point, it's a bit silly to close when, in effect, the answer is there.
$endgroup$
– Gro-Tsen
4 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
I agree with Fourton and have voted accordingly
$endgroup$
– Yemon Choi
4 hours ago