Number theory - show divergence of ∑1/p for prime p

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the divergence of the sum of the reciprocals of prime numbers, expressed as ∑1/p. The approach initially attempted involved using logarithmic properties and infinite products, specifically stating that log(e^∑1/p) diverges as x approaches infinity. However, the original proof was flawed, as it incorrectly applied the relationship between sums and products. The final conclusion is that the infinite sum of positive terms diverges, confirming that ∑1/p is indeed divergent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their behavior
  • Basic knowledge of infinite series and convergence/divergence concepts
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and theorem application
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of prime numbers and their distribution
  • Learn about the divergence of series, specifically the harmonic series
  • Explore the relationship between logarithms and infinite products
  • Investigate advanced number theory concepts related to prime sums
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying number theory, educators teaching advanced calculus, and anyone interested in the properties of prime numbers and infinite series.

drjohnsonn
Messages
11
Reaction score
1
1. show that the sum of. The reciprocals of the primes is divergent. I am reposying this here under homework and deleting the inital improperly placed post
2. Theorem i use but don't prove because its assumed thw student has already lim a^1/n = 1.
The gist of the approach I took is that∑1/p = log(e^∑1/p) = log(∏e^1/p) and logx→ ∞ as x→∞.
Proof outline: let ∑1/p = s(x). (...SO I can write this easily on tablet) and note that e^s(x) diverges since e^1/p > 1 for any p and the infinite product where every term exceeds 1 is divergent. Then loge^s(x) diverges as logs as x→∞ would. Thus, since log(e^s(x)= s(x), the sum is found to be divergent

Homework Statement


Edit: this is wrong and i finished the proof using very little ofwhati tried here so no need to respond
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
drjohnsonn said:
the infinite product where every term exceeds 1 is divergent.
Not so.
Any infinite sum of positive terms ∑an could be written as ln(∏ean)
 
Indeed. That whopper of an error was pointed out. Can't believe i did that but alas, excitement of an easy solution was blinding.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K