Summation of 1/p: Logarithmic Growth of N

In summary, the equation \sum_{p\leq N}\frac{1}{p}=\log\log N + A + O(\frac{1}{\log N}) states that the sum of the reciprocals of all primes up to N is approximately equal to the logarithm of the logarithm of N plus a constant A and a term that can be expressed as a constant times 1/(log N). However, this does not mean that the O term can simply be replaced with a constant, as it only implies that the difference between the two is bounded by a constant in a certain range of n. The expression A + O(\frac{1}{\log N}) provides more information about the lower order terms
  • #1
Dragonfall
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[tex]\sum_{p\leq N}\frac{1}{p}=\log\log N + A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex]

Does it mean that we can simply replace the O part with a function that is a constant times 1/(log N)? What would be the difference between [tex] A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex] and [tex]O(1)[/tex]?
 
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  • #2
Dragonfall said:
Does it mean that we can simply replace the O part with a function that is a constant times 1/(log N)?

No it doesn't. If f(n)=g(n)+O(h(n)) then there is a constant C where |f(n)-g(n)|<=C*h(n) in some suitable range of n. It does NOT mean f(n)=g(n)+C*h(n). Consider cos(x)=O(1) but we don't have cos(x)=constant.

Dragonfall said:
What would be the difference between [tex] A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex] and [tex]O(1)[/tex]?

The first gives more information (it implies the second but not vice versa). Even if you don't know the constant A (it can be expressed in terms of an infinite sum over the primes here though) it still says something about the structure of the lower order terms.
 

1. What is the summation of 1/p?

The summation of 1/p is a mathematical series that calculates the sum of the reciprocals of positive integers, where p represents the index or position of the term in the series. It is also known as the harmonic series.

2. What is logarithmic growth?

Logarithmic growth is a type of growth pattern in which the quantity being measured increases slowly at first, then rapidly, and finally levels off at a constant rate. It is characterized by a curved line on a logarithmic scale graph.

3. How does the summation of 1/p relate to logarithmic growth?

The summation of 1/p is an example of logarithmic growth because as the index or position of the term increases, the sum increases at a slower rate, approaching a constant value. This is similar to how logarithmic growth approaches a constant rate of growth.

4. What is N in the context of "Logarithmic Growth of N"?

N in this context represents the final value or limit that the logarithmic growth is approaching. It can also be thought of as the maximum value that the series will reach.

5. How is the summation of 1/p used in science?

The summation of 1/p is used in various scientific fields, such as physics and biology, to model and analyze patterns of growth or decay. It can also be used to approximate the value of certain mathematical constants, such as the Euler-Mascheroni constant.

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