Question about the Divisor Function/Sums and Project Euler

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Divisor Function and its application in solving problems from Project Euler, specifically focusing on the possibility of equating the Divisor Function to algebraic expressions and solving for variables. Participants explore theoretical aspects of number theory, real analysis, and the implications of varying parameters within these functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to approach a problem involving the Divisor Function and its relation to algebraic functions.
  • Another participant suggests that number theory typically keeps x as a fixed integer while varying n, indicating that varying x may lead to more complex analysis.
  • A later reply mentions the Lambert W function as a potential tool for solving equations involving the Divisor Function.
  • One participant corrects their earlier mistake, clarifying that the variable x in the Divisor Function should be set to 1 when considering the sum of proper divisors.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of specific values of a and b in the context of the Divisor Function, noting that certain conditions lead to known results, such as perfect numbers.
  • There is mention of the unknown status of odd perfect numbers and the relevance of Mersenne primes in the context of even perfect numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to the Divisor Function and its applications. There is no consensus on the best method to equate the function to algebraic expressions or the implications of varying parameters.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their current understanding and the need for further exploration into analytic number theory and real analysis. There are unresolved questions regarding the feasibility of converting the Divisor Function into an integral.

Delta31415
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So I am kind of lost... I don't really know how to ask this.
Project Euler is a website that hosts multiple programming contests and I am interested in this problem
https://projecteuler.net/problem=608
but my question isn't truly about this problem but a more solution.

I know that the Divisor Function is
{\displaystyle \sigma _{x}(n)=\sum _{d\mid n}d^{x}\,\!}
my question is can I set the Divisor function equal to an algebraic function of value x and solve for the solutions
for example:

{\displaystyle \sigma _{x}(n)=\sum _{d\mid n}d^{x}\,\!} = (x^2+7)\ or\ (x+9)\ or\ even\ ln(x)
p.s I know that I can do this using programming and I have but I would like to be able to do it by hand as well.
I have recently been reading some elementary number theory textbooks but all they do is talk about primes and things such as the division algorithm, the divisor function isn't even mentioned.

Thanks for the help and I am sorry for being so confusing.
Edit: finally fixed the Latex
 
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Number theory seems to be concerned with keeping x a fixed integer and varying n. Varying x while keeping n fixed is more a real analysis question. Even for
something as simple as \sigma_x(2) = ax + b you won't be able to get an answer using elementary functions for most values of a and b.. You could look up the lambert W function
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambert_W_function#Solutions_of_equations (see example 1)
 
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willem2 said:
Number theory seems to be concerned with keeping x a fixed integer and varying n. Varying x while keeping n fixed is more a real analysis question. Even for
something as simple as \sigma_x(2) = ax + b you won't be able to get an answer using elementary functions for most values of a and b.. You could look up the lambert W function
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambert_W_function#Solutions_of_equations (see example 1)

so I have been reading the wrong textbooks and should look into analytic number theory and real analysis and thxs for the link

Edit: I have looked at the link and most of it involves exponentials, so my question should I try to convert the divisor function into an integral or is this even possible
 
I just noticed a big mistake that I made and I cannot edit it now >_>

The X in the divisor function should be 1 as I am finding the sum of proper divisors and the algebraic variable should be n instead of x as x has a value of 1 in this case
{\displaystyle \sigma _{1}(n)=\sum _{d\mid n}d^{1}\,\!} = an+b

which would make it a more of a number theory question
 
Delta31415 said:
{\displaystyle \sigma _{1}(n)=\sum _{d\mid n}d^{1}\,\!} = an+b

which would make it a more of a number theory question
Yes. If a =2 and b=0 these are the perfect numbers. If a>2 and b is 0, mutltiperfect numbers.
You probably need a different procedure for all different values of a and b. For example σ(n) = n+1 is valid if n is prime, σ(n) = n+2 is impossible, etc.
It's unknown wether there are odd perfect numbers, and for even perfect numbers you need to find mersenne primes. Techniques to find these or prove them impossible would probably apply for other values of a and b.
 
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