Possible convergence of prime series

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the convergence behavior of ratios involving prime numbers, specifically the products and sums of even-ordered primes (p2N) and odd-ordered primes (p2N-1). It is established that the ratio of the product of even-ordered primes to odd-ordered primes diverges to +∞, while the oscillation of the product of all primes with alternating signs is noted. The simplification of the first ratio leads to 1/p2N-1, which converges to 0 as N approaches infinity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of how terms are grouped in infinite calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of prime number sequences and their properties
  • Familiarity with infinite products and sums in mathematical analysis
  • Knowledge of convergence and divergence in series
  • Basic grasp of mathematical notation and terminology used in calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of prime number distributions and their implications on convergence
  • Study the concept of infinite products and their convergence criteria
  • Explore the implications of grouping terms in infinite series, referencing works like "Gamma" by Julian Havil
  • Learn about oscillatory behavior in mathematical series and products
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of number theory, and anyone interested in advanced mathematical analysis of prime numbers and their convergence properties.

Loren Booda
Messages
3,108
Reaction score
4
Does either

\frac{\prod_{2N=n}^\infty{p_n}}{\prod_{2N-1=n}^\infty{p_n}}

or

\frac{\sum_{2N=n}^\infty{p_n}}{\sum_{2N-1=n}^\infty{p_n}}

converge, diverge or oscillate, where N are the natural numbers, and pn is the nth prime?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Assuming we do all the cancellation possible in the first one without worrying what it means, and that 2N=n really ought to be written n=2N, then it simplifies to

1/p_{2N-1}

which converges to 0 as N tends to infinity.

I don't think N can mean the natural numbers by the way.
 
My interpretation is
\prod_{n=1}^\infty\frac{p_{2n}}{p_{2n-1}}
which diverges to +infty. But
\prod_{n=1}^\infty p_n^{(-1)^n}
oscillates, so it really depends on how you write it.
 
Anybody else - convergence, divergence or oscillation?
 
Loren Booda said:
Anybody else - convergence, divergence or oscillation?

Why don't you rewrite it, or explain it in different terms, so we can all be talking about the same thing?
 
CRGreathouse,

1.

How does the ratio between the product of all even-ordered primes pn (n=2N; n=2, 4, 6...) and the product of all odd-ordered primes pn (n=2N-1; n=1, 3, 5...) behave as n approaches infinity?

2.

How does the ratio between the summation of all even-ordered primes pn (n=2N; n=2, 4, 6...) and the summation of all odd-ordered primes pn (n=2N-1; n=1, 3, 5...) behave as n approaches infinity?
 
Loren Booda said:
How does the ratio between the product of all even-ordered primes pn (n=2N; n=2, 4, 6...) and the product of all odd-ordered primes pn (n=2N-1; n=1, 3, 5...) behave as n approaches infinity?

But "the product of all even-ordered primes" is infinite, as is "the product of all odd-ordered primes". You can't sensibly take the ratio at all.

I gave two ways (post #5) to do the operation: take factors two at a time:
(3/2) * (7/5) * (13/11) * ...
which diverges, and taking them one factor at a time:
(1/2) * 3 * (1/5) * 7 * (1/11) * ...
which may oscillate.

But you may intend neither of these; that's why I asked for clarification.
 
You reminded me of the book Gamma by Julian Havil [p. 22-24] that the apparent behavior of an infinite calculation may contradict itself according to how its terms are grouped - like you say, as is written.
 
CRGreathouse said:
But "the product of all even-ordered primes" is infinite, as is "the product of all odd-ordered primes". You can't sensibly take the ratio at all.

I gave two ways (post #5) to do the operation: take factors two at a time:
(3/2) * (7/5) * (13/11) * ...
which diverges, and taking them one factor at a time:
(1/2) * 3 * (1/5) * 7 * (1/11) * ...
which may oscillate.

But you may intend neither of these; that's why I asked for clarification.

37 is the number we all find more often then not
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K