Explore the Fascinating Sums of Odd Powers of 1/n

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the exploration of sums of odd powers of the form 1/n, with the aim of approaching the values of the zeta function (ζ(s)) and the eta function (η(s)) for specific odd integers. Participants are examining various series and their relationships to these functions, with references to previous insights and mathematical techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines a series of sums involving odd powers, indicating a connection to the zeta and eta functions.
  • Another participant suggests that Euler may have previously derived similar results using an infinite product approach, noting that the modern method presented does not yield the desired zeta values for odd integers.
  • A participant points out a potential misprint regarding the eta function, which is later clarified as not being a misprint, emphasizing the distinction between the zeta and eta functions based on the sign of even powers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the historical context of the results and the accuracy of the mathematical references. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the modern approach in achieving the desired outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the derivation of specific values and the implications of the eta function's definition in relation to the zeta function.

Svein
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The goal is to get a little bit closer to the values of the zeta function (ζ(s)) and the eta function (η(s)) for some odd values of s. This insight is an expansion of two of my previous insights (Further Sums Found Through Fourier Series, Using the Fourier Series To Find Some Interesting Sums). You patience is appreciated as there are many equations to load on this page.
Specifically I will calculate the sums

\frac{1}{1^{p}}-\frac{1}{3^{p}} +\frac{1}{5^{p}}-\frac{1}{7^{p}}…
\frac{1}{1^{p}}+\frac{1}{2^{p}}-\frac{1}{4^{p}} -\frac{1}{5^{p}}+\frac{1}{7^{p}}…
\frac{1}{1^{p}}+\frac{1}{2^{p}}+\frac{1}{3^{p}} -\frac{1}{5^{p}}-\frac{1}{6^{p}}-\frac{1}{7^{p}}…
\frac{1}{1^{p}}+\frac{1}{2^{p}}+\frac{1}{3^{p}}+\frac{1}{4^{p}} +\frac{1}{5^{p}}-\frac{1}{7^{p}}-\frac{1}{8^{p}}…...
<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/explore-the-fascinating-sums-of-odd-powers-of-1-n/" class="link link--internal">Continue reading...</a>
 
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Geoffrey Campbell
I think that Euler had already found these results by utilizing the infinite product for (sin x)/x and it's variations starting from an heuristic argument about the roots of an infinite polynomial (the power series in fact). The approach taken in this article is more modern and uses the fact of contemporary calculations of the coefficients, which is nowadays easy. A nice slant on this, however, unfortunately not giving us the desired zeta values for the odd numbers 3, 5, 7, etc.
 
In the line before Section 5 you mention the eta function, presumably a misprint...
 
A. Neumaier said:
In the line before Section 5 you mention the eta function, presumably a misprint...
No, it is not a misprint. The eta function resembles the zeta function, the difference lies in the sign of the even powers of 1/n (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirichlet_eta_function).
 

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