Can the Harmonic Sum be Proven Using a Newer Method?

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    Harmonic Sum
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equation $$\sum_{k\geq 1} \frac{H^2_k}{k^2}=\frac{17}{4}\zeta(4)=\frac{17\pi^4}{360}$$, where $$H^2_k$$ represents the square of the k-th harmonic number. This proof was originally provided by D. Borwein and J. M. Borwein in their 1995 paper titled "On an intriguing integral and some series related to $\zeta(4)$". Participants express difficulty in understanding the corollary work and seek simpler methods to approach the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic numbers, specifically $$H_k$$.
  • Familiarity with the Riemann zeta function, particularly $$\zeta(4)$$.
  • Knowledge of series convergence and manipulation techniques.
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and integral calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the original paper by D. Borwein and J. M. Borwein for detailed proof techniques.
  • Explore alternative proofs of the harmonic sum using modern mathematical tools.
  • Investigate the properties of the Riemann zeta function and its applications in series.
  • Learn about integral calculus methods that simplify complex series proofs.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying advanced calculus, and anyone interested in number theory and series convergence will benefit from this discussion.

alyafey22
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Prove the following

$$\sum_{k\geq 1} \frac{H^2_k}{k^2}=\frac{17}{4}\zeta(4)=\frac{17\pi^4}{360}$$

$$\mbox{where }\,\,H^2_k =\left( 1+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}+\cdots \frac{1}{k}\right)^2$$​
 
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Actually , I haven't even tried it . I was reading the paper and thought it is a good exercise. I will look for a solution of my own .
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Actually , I haven't even tried it . I was reading the paper and thought it is a good exercise. I will look for a solution of my own .
Ouch! I thought that paper was pretty brutal. I could follow the work on the integral but got lost on the Corollary work. I was kind of hoping you had a newer (and simpler) view on the matter.

-Dan
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Actually , I haven't even tried it . I was reading the paper and thought it is a good exercise. I will look for a solution of my own .

Zaid,

When a problem is posted here in the Challenge Questions and Puzzles sub-forum, it is expected that you already have a solution ready to post after giving our members a fair amount of time to solve it, as per http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f28/guidelines-posting-answering-challenging-problem-puzzle-3875/.
 
MarkFL said:
Zaid,

When a problem is posted here in the Challenge Questions and Puzzles sub-forum, it is expected that you already have a solution ready to post after giving our members a fair amount of time to solve it, as per http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f28/guidelines-posting-answering-challenging-problem-puzzle-3875/.

I know the solution , it is in the paper . But it is very long and requires lots of things to work out . I was hoping for someone to post a newer method .

If that doesn't suit here , you can move the topic to an appropriate section .
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
I know the solution , it is in the paper . But it is very long and requires lots of things to work out . I was hoping for someone to post a newer method .

If that doesn't suit here , you can move the topic to an appropriate section .

No need, I interpreted your statement "I haven't even tried it" as meaning you had not attempted the problem. :D
 

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