Undergrad Bounds on Chebyshev Function ##\theta (x)##

  • Thread starter Thread starter Physicist97
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bounds Function
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the bounds of the Chebyshev function ##\theta (x)##, specifically the assertion that ##\theta (x) < x## for very large values of ##x##, as suggested by Dusart. The best-known bound is ##|\theta(x) - x| < 0.007 \frac{x}{\ln x}## for ##x > 10^7##. However, the proof of ##\theta (x) < x## remains unverified, raising questions about the difficulty of establishing this bound or the existence of counter-examples. The participants express a need for references to Dusart's work and further clarification on the asymptotic behavior of ##\theta(x)##.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime number theory
  • Familiarity with the Chebyshev function and its significance
  • Knowledge of asymptotic notation and behavior
  • Basic comprehension of logarithmic functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Dusart's proofs regarding the Chebyshev function
  • Examine the implications of the bound ##|\theta(x) - x| < 0.007 \frac{x}{\ln x}##
  • Explore asymptotic analysis techniques in number theory
  • Investigate existing literature on counter-examples to Chebyshev bounds
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, number theorists, and researchers interested in prime number distributions and the properties of the Chebyshev function.

Physicist97
Messages
31
Reaction score
4
Hello,

I remember reading somewhere that Dusart proved that ##\theta (x)<x## for very large ##x##. Where ##\theta (x)## is the first Chebyshev function (the sum of the logarithms of all primes less than or equal to ##x##). I couldn't find any source for this and was wondering if anybody had one, or maybe knew Dusart's proof of it. Also I wondered what are currently the best bounds on ##\theta (x)## ?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
It seems no one has proven ##\theta (x)<x## . Is it simply hard to prove or has there been some counter-example to this bound?
 
Have you searched the internet on the Chebyshev function? There must be plenty of entries I guess.

Edit: Sorry, too late now for me to think about how Dusart's result match with the asymptotic behavior ##\theta(x) \sim x##.
 
I have searched the Internet for quite some time now, but the best bounds I could find were the ones you linked to that Dusart published. I had heard mention on a similar sight that Dusart had proven the tighter bound I mentioned before, but no reference was given. That's why I thought of asking on here, and to me it seems that bound hasn't been proven yet. Thank you for the help, knowing ##\theta (x)<x## isn't proven yet is good enough info for me :) .
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K