Prime Number Theorem: Proving Equivalence of $P(x)$ and $Li(x)$

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equivalence of the functions \( P(x) \) and \( Li(x) \) in relation to the Prime Number Theorem. The key equations presented are \( P(x) = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k} \pi(x^{1/k}) \) and \( Li(x) = \int_2^n \frac{dt}{\log t} \). The user aims to demonstrate that \( P(x) \sim Li(x) \) is equivalent to the established Prime Number Theorem \( \pi(n) \sim \frac{n}{\log n} \). The discussion highlights the need to show that \( P(x) = \pi(x) + O(\sqrt{x}) \) to complete the proof.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of asymptotic notation, specifically \( \sim \) and \( O \) notation.
  • Familiarity with the Prime Number Theorem and its implications.
  • Knowledge of the functions \( \pi(x) \) and \( Li(x) \) in number theory.
  • Basic calculus, particularly integration techniques involving logarithmic functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the proof of the Prime Number Theorem and its implications on \( \pi(x) \).
  • Study the properties of the logarithmic integral \( Li(x) \) and its asymptotic behavior.
  • Explore the relationship between \( P(x) \) and \( \pi(x) \) in terms of error terms.
  • Investigate advanced techniques in analytic number theory that can aid in proving \( P(x) \sim Li(x) \).
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, particularly those specializing in number theory, as well as students and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of prime number distributions and asymptotic analysis.

peteryellow
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We have that

$P(x) = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac 1k \pi(x^{1/k})$
and
$Li(x) = \int_2^n \frac {dt}{\log t}$

And the prime number theorem is:

$$\pi(n) \sim \frac{n}{\log n }$$
I want to show that $$P(x) \sim Li(x)$$ is equivalent to prime number theorem.

Can some body please help me with this.
 
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\sim is transitive, so it suffices to show that
\operatorname{Li}(x)\sim x/\log(x)
 
I have shown this but still I need to show that P(x) \sim Li(x).
 
Then you're done:
1. \pi(x)\sim x/\log(x) (Prime Number Theorem)
2. \operatorname{Li}(x)\sim x/\log(x) (you said you proved it already)
3. \pi(x)\sim\operatorname{Li}(x) (by transitivity of ~)
 
I wish I was done but I am not how can I prove that P(x) \sim Li(x).

P is different from /pi. Give any suggestion how can I prove this.
 
peteryellow said:
P is different from /pi. Give any suggestion how can I prove this.

Ah, sorry, I forgot your notation. But P(x) is just pi(x) plus some insignificant terms. It suffices to show that P(x) = pi(x) + O(sqrt(x)).
 
yes, but how.
 

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