Evaluating Summation Problem: Floor Function Solution

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on evaluating the summation problem involving the floor function, specifically the expression $$\left[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}\right]$$. The solution involves recognizing that the inner sum can be expressed using the Riemann zeta function, leading to the conclusion that $$\left[ S \right] = 2013$$. Key insights include the relationship between the zeta function and the summation, as well as the convergence properties of the series involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Riemann zeta function, specifically $\zeta(k)$ for $k \geq 2$.
  • Familiarity with infinite series and their convergence properties.
  • Knowledge of the floor function and its implications in mathematical expressions.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills, particularly with summations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Riemann zeta function, particularly $\zeta(k)$ for $k \geq 2$.
  • Learn about the convergence of series and how to evaluate them using techniques like interchanging sums.
  • Explore advanced topics in number theory related to the zeta function and its applications.
  • Investigate the implications of the floor function in summation problems and its effects on convergence.
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, students studying number theory, and anyone interested in advanced summation techniques and the properties of the Riemann zeta function.

Saitama
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Problem:
Evaluate:
$$\left[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}\right]$$
where $[x]$ denotes the floor function.Attempt:
I can see that the above can be written as:
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}+\frac{1}{n^3}+\frac{1}{n^4}+\cdots + \frac{1}{n^{2014}}$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}\left(\frac{1-1/n^{2013}}{1-1/n}\right)$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{2014}}\left(\frac{n^{2013}-1}{n-1}\right)$$

How do I proceed after this? :confused:

I am not sure if this belongs to the Algebra section.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Pranav said:
Problem:
Evaluate:
$$\left[\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k}\right]$$
where $[x]$ denotes the floor function.Attempt:
I can see that the above can be written as:
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}+\frac{1}{n^3}+\frac{1}{n^4}+\cdots + \frac{1}{n^{2014}}$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2}\left(\frac{1-1/n^{2013}}{1-1/n}\right)$$
$$=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^{2014}}\left(\frac{n^{2013}-1}{n-1}\right)$$

How do I proceed after this? :confused:

I am not sure if this belongs to the Algebra section.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

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

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

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

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Nice!

And it's not a $B, \Gamma, W, $ or $A$ function! ;)

If we expand the proof for $\sum\limits_{k=2}^{\infty} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} = 1$, there is not even a zeta function.
 
We need only prove that

$$\sum_{k=2} \zeta(k)-1 = 1$$

which can be done by interchanging the two sums.

It is clear that $\zeta(k)>1$ for all $k\geq 2$

so it must be the case that $ \sum_{n=2}^k \{\zeta(n) \} $ is less than $1$ .
 
chisigma said:
In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/challenge-questions-puzzles-28/not-too-challenge-question-562.html

... it has been demonstrated that...

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

... so that we can write...

$\displaystyle S = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \frac{1}{n^k} = \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \zeta(k) = 2013 + \sum_{k=2}^{2014} \{ \zeta(k) -1\} < 2014\ (2) $

... so that is $\displaystyle \left[ S \right] = 2013$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Thank you chisigma! :)
 

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