How can the sum of reciprocals be derived from the product of primes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the sum of reciprocals of integers raised to a power from the product of primes. Participants are exploring methods to prove the relationship between the series \(\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^s}\) and the product over primes \(\prod_{p} (1-p^{-s})^{-1}\), focusing on alternative approaches to this proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to derive the sum from the product of primes, indicating they already understand the relationship and have a proof but seek a different method.
  • Another participant suggests starting with the finite product \(\prod_{p\leq x}(1-p^{-s})^{-1}\) and expanding it using geometric series, comparing it with \(\sum_{n\leq x} n^{-s}\) to show the difference approaches zero as \(x\) approaches infinity.
  • There is a repeated mention of formatting issues with LaTeX, indicating some confusion about the notation used in the expressions.
  • One participant introduces a cryptic statement about a "golden key" and "dragons," which does not seem directly related to the mathematical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share an interest in the mathematical relationship between the sum and product but have not reached a consensus on the method to derive the sum from the product. Multiple approaches and ideas are being discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the convergence of the series and the properties of the product over primes may be implicit in the discussion but are not explicitly stated. The formatting issues with LaTeX may also affect clarity in presenting mathematical expressions.

heartless
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Hello,
I'm trying to prove that

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^s} = \prod_{p} (1-p^ {-s} )^ {-1}[/tex]

I know why it is and a proof, but I'm actually looking for
a different way to prove going backward and deriving the
sum from the product of primes. Can you show me a way to do that?
I'd like to start with...
[tex]\prod_{p} (1-p^ {-s} )^ {-1} = ...[/tex]

Thanks,

p.s that -s above and then following -1 should be both exponents for the equation
same with -s and -1 on the bottom, I'm not the master latex writer. Can somebody also tell me why it doesn't work?
 
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heartless said:
Hello,
I'm trying to prove that

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^s} = \prod_{p} (1-p^ {-s} )^ {-1}[/tex]

I know why it is and a proof, but I'm actually looking for
a different way to prove going backward and deriving the
sum from the product of primes. Can you show me a way to do that?
I'd like to start with...
[tex]\prod_{p} (1-p^ {-s} )^ {-1} = ...[/tex]

Thanks,

p.s that -s above and then following -1 should be both exponents for the equation
same with -s and -1 on the bottom, I'm not the master latex writer. Can somebody also tell me why it doesn't work?

The golden key lives in the golden house with goldielocks. It is guarded by two dragons. Penitent man will pass.
 
SirArthur333 said:
The golden key lives in the golden house with goldielocks. It is guarded by two dragons. Penitent man will pass.

I will never pass... but! I wouldn't have to, if you show me the very proof :)
 
heartless said:
I know why it is and a proof, but I'm actually looking for
a different way to prove going backward and deriving the
sum from the product of primes. Can you show me a way to do that?

What proof do you know? The usual is to look at the finite product [tex]\prod_{p\leq x}(1-p^{-s})^{-1}[/tex] and expand using geometric series. Then compare with [tex]\sum_{n\leq x} n^{-s}[/tex], and show the difference the two goes to zero as x-> infinity.
 

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