MHB A 'not too challenge' question....

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The discussion revolves around the sum of the series $\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{1-\zeta(n)\}$, where $\zeta(s)$ is the Riemann Zeta Function. The unexpected simplicity of the final result is highlighted, with the calculation showing that the sum equals -1, contrary to initial assumptions. The approach involves interchanging the order of summation and applying the telescoping series technique. Participants emphasize the challenge lies in recognizing the correct result rather than the complexity of the calculations. Ultimately, the conclusion is that the sum of the series is -1.
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The challenging aspect to the question is the unexspected semplicity of the final result...

Find the sum of the series...

$\displaystyle \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{1-\zeta(n)\}$ (1)

... where...

$\displaystyle \zeta(s)= \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{s}}$ (2)

... is the Riemann Zeta Function...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
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chisigma said:
The challenging aspect to the question is the unexspected semplicity of the final result...

Find the sum of the series...

$\displaystyle \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{1-\zeta(n)\}$ (1)

... where...

$\displaystyle \zeta(s)= \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{s}}$ (2)

... is the Riemann Zeta Function...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

$\displaystyle\sum_{n=2}^{\infty }(1-\zeta(n))=\sum_{n=2}^{\infty }\sum_{k=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k^n}=\sum_{k=2}^{\infty }\sum_{n=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k^n}=\sum_{k=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k^2}(1+\frac{1}{k}+\frac{1}{k^2}+\cdots)=\sum_{k=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k^2}\cdot\frac{k}{k-1}=\sum_{k=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k(k-1)}=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty }\frac{1}{k(k+1)}=1$, where the last equality it by telescoping:$\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{t}\frac{1}{k(k+1)}=\sum_{k=1}^{t}( \frac{1}{k}-\frac{1}{k+1})=\frac{1}{1}-\frac{1}{t+1}\to1$ as $t\to\infty$.
 
The real 'challenge' was in the fact that the correct result is...

$\displaystyle \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \{1-\zeta(n)\}= -\sum_{n=2}^{\infty}\sum_{k=2}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k^{n}}=...=-1$

... that isn't 1 of course (Wasntme)...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
I have been insisting to my statistics students that for probabilities, the rule is the number of significant figures is the number of digits past the leading zeros or leading nines. For example to give 4 significant figures for a probability: 0.000001234 and 0.99999991234 are the correct number of decimal places. That way the complementary probability can also be given to the same significant figures ( 0.999998766 and 0.00000008766 respectively). More generally if you have a value that...

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