Möbius function and prime numbers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Möbius function and its relation to prime numbers, specifically examining the sum S(n) defined as S(n) = ∑_{i=1}^n μ(p_i + p_{i + 1}). The participants assert that S(n) remains negative for all natural numbers n and approaches the form S(n) ∼ C * n / log(n), where C is a negative constant estimated at approximately -0.46979. Graphical evidence supports this claim, showing the behavior of -S(n) compared to the function f(x) = 0.454353 * x / log(x) across a range of values. However, concerns are raised regarding the implications of the Mertens conjecture's failure on the validity of these findings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Möbius function (μ)
  • Familiarity with prime number theory
  • Knowledge of asymptotic notation and limits
  • Experience with mathematical graphing tools for function visualization
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the implications of the Mertens conjecture on prime number distributions
  • Explore advanced properties of the Möbius function in number theory
  • Learn about asymptotic analysis in mathematical functions
  • Utilize graphing software to visualize the behavior of S(n) and related functions
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Mathematicians, number theorists, and researchers interested in prime number distributions and the properties of the Möbius function.

rrronny
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Let p_i denote the i-th prime number. Prove or disprove that:
1)\quad \displaystyle S(n) : = \sum_{i = 1}^n \mu(p_i + p_{i + 1}) < 0 \quad \forall n \in \mathbb{N}_0 : = \left\{1,2,3,...\right\};
2)\quad \displaystyle S(n) \sim C \frac {n}{\log{n}},
where C is a negative real constant.

In the graph attached are represended the functions -S(n) (red)
and f (x) : = 0.454353 * x / \log{x} (green), with n,x \in [1, 3 \cdot 10^6].
 

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The pattern holds up to 4e9 - 21, where S(189961812) = -4681611, which suggests C ~= -0.46979.

But somehow with the failure of the Mertens conjecture I would expect this one to fail eventually.
 
Hi CRGreathouse, thanks for your reply.
Just one question: how is the trend of C(n) in the variation of n?
 
I am studying the mathematical formalism behind non-commutative geometry approach to quantum gravity. I was reading about Hopf algebras and their Drinfeld twist with a specific example of the Moyal-Weyl twist defined as F=exp(-iλ/2θ^(μν)∂_μ⊗∂_ν) where λ is a constant parametar and θ antisymmetric constant tensor. {∂_μ} is the basis of the tangent vector space over the underlying spacetime Now, from my understanding the enveloping algebra which appears in the definition of the Hopf algebra...

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