Explore the Fascinating Sums of Odd Powers of 1/n

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the exploration of the sums of odd powers of 1/n, specifically related to the zeta function (ζ(s)) and the eta function (η(s)). The calculations involve series such as \(\frac{1}{1^{p}}-\frac{1}{3^{p}}+\frac{1}{5^{p}}-\frac{1}{7^{p}}\) and others that alternate signs based on odd and even integers. Geoffrey Campbell highlights that while Euler previously derived similar results using infinite products, the modern approach presented here does not yield the desired zeta values for odd integers like 3, 5, and 7. The eta function is correctly referenced, contrasting with the zeta function by altering the signs of even powers of 1/n.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the zeta function (ζ(s)) and eta function (η(s))
  • Familiarity with infinite series and power series
  • Basic knowledge of Fourier series and their applications
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation and equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of the Dirichlet eta function
  • Study Euler's methods for deriving infinite products related to trigonometric functions
  • Explore advanced techniques in calculating coefficients of power series
  • Investigate the relationship between the zeta function and prime numbers
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, researchers in number theory, and students studying advanced calculus or mathematical analysis will benefit from this discussion.

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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