Can we find the value of log(p) using the Chebyshev function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Chebyshev function and its relationship to the logarithm of prime numbers, particularly exploring whether the Chebyshev function can be used to derive expressions for log(p) through its connection to the von Mangoldt function and the zeros of the Riemann zeta function. The scope includes theoretical aspects of number theory and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the Chebyshev function can be used to calculate log(p) by analyzing the differences between its values at consecutive integers, particularly at prime powers.
  • Others argue that while the Chebyshev function can express the von Mangoldt function, it may not provide a practical method for determining primality or calculating log(p) efficiently.
  • A later reply questions the utility of transforming variables in the context of the Chebyshev function, suggesting that such transformations do not yield significant insights.
  • Participants discuss the implications of the asymptotic behavior of the Chebyshev function and its derivative, raising concerns about the validity of certain claims regarding their relationships.
  • One participant provides a correction regarding the definitions of the Chebyshev function and the von Mangoldt function, emphasizing the need for precision in mathematical discussions.
  • Another participant shares a method for reading zeta zeros into Mathematica, indicating a practical approach to exploring the properties of the Chebyshev function.
  • There is mention of a surprising article linking the Chebyshev function to the Riemann hypothesis, though the credibility of the author is questioned by other participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and implications of using the Chebyshev function to derive log(p). While some acknowledge its theoretical connections, others contest its effectiveness in practical applications, leading to an unresolved discussion with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the accuracy of the zeros of the zeta function and the assumptions made regarding the behavior of the Chebyshev function and its derivatives. The discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in using these functions for prime number determination.

eljose
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let be the Chebyshev function:

[tex]\psi(x)= x- \sum_{\rho} \frac{ x^{\rho}}{\rho}+C-log(1-x^{2})[/tex] (1)

Where the sum is over the Non trivial zeros of [tex]\zeta(s)[/tex]

then we have that [tex]\psi(n) -\psi(n-1)=\Lambda (n)[/tex] where the Lambda function is only nonzero witha value of log(p) for n=p^{k} with k a positive integer...my question is.. if we use (1) to calculate Chebyshev function..couldn't we get an expression for the log(p)?..thanks.
 
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Another question if we have that:

[tex]\psi(x)-x=\Omega (x^{1/2})[/tex] then setting x=exp(u) so

[tex]\psi(e^u )-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] now if we put [tex]\psi(e^u ) =g(u)[/tex] my question is if for g(u) we have:

[tex]g(u)-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex]
 
It's called the von Mangoldt Function (the thing you called the Lambda Function).
 
eljose said:
...my question is.. if we use (1) to calculate Chebyshev function..couldn't we get an expression for the log(p)?..thanks.

Not sure what you want here, given a p you can find log(p) with a calculator.

If you are hoping to use the explicit formula to determine if a specific number is prime by using it to find psi(n) and psi(n-1) exactly (or at least accurately enough to determine if lambda(n)>0) then you are out of luck. You are better off with the usual primality testing algorithms.

If you just want to express lambda(n) as a big fat sum over the zeros of the zeta function, then of course this will work.

eljose said:
Another question if we have that:

[tex]\psi(x)-x=\Omega (x^{1/2})[/tex] then setting x=exp(u) so

[tex]\psi(e^u )-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] now if we put [tex]\psi(e^u ) =g(u)[/tex] my question is if for g(u) we have:

[tex]g(u)-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex]

Sure, but why? This change of variables that you seem to love x->e^u does nothing profound at all.
 
But why not?..in fact if you knew:

[tex]\psi(n)-\psi(n-1)=\Lambda (n)[/tex] then you could use a computer to represent n=2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,.... and when you have a "peak" of the function different from 0 you know you're dealing with a prime..

the problem of [tex]g(u)-e^u = \Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] is in my opinion to find if the derivative of the function above will satisfy:

[tex]g' (u)-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] and what can we say about the quotient [tex]\frac{f(x)}{x}[/tex] if f(x) satisfies [tex]f(x)= \Omega (x)[/tex]
 
eljose said:
But why not?

because you've not proven it allows us to do anything more easily than we already can. It is trivial to come up with methods that allow you to find primes and factorize integers, but they are almost always worse than just doing trial division, unless you happen to be Pollard.

..in fact if you knew:

[tex]\psi(n)-\psi(n-1)=\Lambda (n)[/tex] then you could use a computer to represent n=2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,.... and when you have a "peak" of the function different from 0 you know you're dealing with a prime..
and how are you going to find these peaks?
 
eljose said:
But why not?..in fact if you knew:

[tex]\psi(n)-\psi(n-1)=\Lambda (n)[/tex] then you could use a computer to represent n=2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,.... and when you have a "peak" of the function different from 0 you know you're dealing with a prime..

As always, do it. Of course you can use the explicit formula to find psi(n) as accurately as you need by taking enough terms in the sum. The problem is the 'enough' required to get 'accurately as you need' will be 'so many this is a terrible way of doing things'.

What you should do is go to odlyzko's website and download a bunch of zeros. Take a look at the explicit formula with the sum truncated to some finite number of terms, 10, 100, 1000, etc, try different values. Plot a graph of psi(x) and what this truncated version of the left hand side gives. See how far out this is close enough to determine psi(x). (there's free software you can use, like pari/gp, so no complaining about not being able to do this).

Failing that there used to be websites that had java animations of this. Go find one at look at it (I've given links before, not going to bother finding them again).

eljose said:
the problem of [tex]g(u)-e^u = \Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] is in my opinion to find if the derivative of the function above will satisfy:

[tex]g' (u)-e^u =\Omega (e^{u/2})[/tex] and what can we say about the quotient [tex]\frac{f(x)}{x}[/tex] if f(x) satisfies [tex]f(x)= \Omega (x)[/tex]

The derivative of g is zero almost everywhere, psi is a step function with jumps at the prime powers, so no, the derivative of g does not satisfy what you've claimed.

Derivatives don't work this way with asymptotics. if f(x)=x*sin(x^2) then clearly f(x)=O(x) but does f'(x)=O(1)?
 
Can I be picky? You guys get annoyed by that? That's not quite right up there and I just wish to be precise as best as I can at my meager level of familiarity with the subject.

Chebyshev's function is:

[tex]\psi(x)=\sum_{p^n\leq x} ln(p)[/tex]

Von Mongoldt's explicit expression is:

[tex]\psi_o(x)=x-\sum_{\rho}\frac{x^{\rho}}{\rho}-C-1/2 ln(1-\frac{1}{x^2})[/tex]

The two functions are related however:

[tex]\psi(x)=\left\{<br /> \begin{array}{rcl}<br /> \psi_o(x) & \mbox{for} & x\neq p^n \\<br /> \psi_o(x)+1/2 ln(p) & \mbox{for} & x=p^n<br /> \end{array}\right[/tex]

Pretty sure that's right. Kindly correct if not.

Thanks for the Ingham reference Shmoe. It's a beautiful problem for me.:smile:
 
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Just though I'd mention how to read into Mathematica, the first 100000 imaginary components of the zeta zeros from Odlyzko's site:

http://www.dtc.umn.edu/~odlyzko/zeta_tables/zeros1

First cut and paste the list to a *.txt file. Then use the code below, changing of course the location of where you put the file:

Code:
(* set up path to read in zeta zeros from file *)

$Path = Append[$Path, "c:\Math\pf forum 4"];

(* now read in zeros *)

zlist = ReadList["zetazeros.txt", Number];
Keep in mind the list is only the imaginary components of [itex]\rho[/itex] and not [itex]\overline{\rho}[/itex]. Anyway, I did this and computed the zero sum of von Mangoldt's formula in order to exhibit the discontinuity of the series at powers of primes. Note the plot below. The sum needs to be done symmetrically (both [itex]\rho[/itex] and [itex]\overline{\rho}[/itex] together before going to the next one.
 

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  • #10
saltydog said:
Pretty sure that's right. Kindly correct if not.

Looks fine. Dealing with this [tex]\psi_{0}[/tex] is often skipped by making a statement about [tex]\psi(x)[/tex] that's valid when "x is half an odd integer", or some such dodge.

I'm sure you've also plotted the truncated explicit formula vs. the von mangoldt function itself? It's kind of neat to see just how well it follows the step shape for a given number of zeros before being drowned out by the main term.
 
  • #11
A surprising article relating "Chebyshev function" and Riemann hypothesis"

http://arxiv.org/abs/math.GM/0607095

Author claims that he has found an operator [tex]H=p^2 + V(x)[/tex] so RH is satisfied [tex]\zeta (1/2+iH)=0[/tex]
 
  • #12
Yes, very surprising... written by the OP eljose, in fact..., who changed his login name to, erm, lokofer. His style of posting is very similar to yours in fact, Karlisbad (syntax, spelling, grammar, use of lots of ... and smilies for no reason). Here for instance:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=134914

could have been written by Jose.
 

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