Longest repeated sequence in the prime counting function

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of identifying the longest repeated sequence within the prime counting function \(\pi(x)\), which counts the number of primes less than or equal to \(x\). Participants explore the nature of \(\pi(x)\), including its potential patterns and the implications of gaps in prime numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the concept of a longest repeated sequence in \(\pi(x)\) and requests clarification, suggesting a need for examples to better understand the idea.
  • Another participant notes that there are arbitrarily large gaps in the prime numbers, which implies that \(\pi(n)\) can remain constant over large intervals, potentially leading to repeated values.
  • A later reply indicates that the prime counting function can exhibit indefinite repetition, particularly when it is constant over large intervals, and suggests that the introduction of a prime into such sequences could create repeatable patterns.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the concept of repeated sequences in \(\pi(x)\). While some acknowledge the possibility of repetition due to constant values over intervals, there is no consensus on the specifics or implications of these repetitions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed examples and formal definitions, which may limit clarity regarding the nature of the sequences being discussed. Additionally, the implications of gaps in prime numbers and their effect on \(\pi(x)\) are not fully explored.

Loren Booda
Messages
3,115
Reaction score
4
Is there a longest repeated sequence (congruency) in the prime counting function [tex]\pi (x)[/tex] (that which gives the number of primes less than or equal to x)?

Recall that [tex]\pi (x)[/tex], although infinite, may not be random, and itself starts out with an unrepeated sequence [tex]\pi (2)=1[/tex] and [tex]\pi (3)=2[/tex] (with a "slope" of 1).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I really can't tell what you mean. Could you explain what you mean more carefully, maybe with an example?
 
There are arbitrarily large gaps in the prime numbers. This means that [tex]\pi(n)[/tex] can be constant over an arbitrarily large interval.

Consider the n-1 numbers [tex]n!+k[/itex] where [itex]k=2,3,\cdots n[/itex][/tex][itex][/itex]
 
I think that Simon-M answered my question, and with a basic example - that the prime counting function as graphed can repeat itself indefinitely (such as when constant over an arbitrarily large interval). Another example would include the interjection of one prime into such an arbitrarily large sequence, which then could be repeated.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K