Resummation of the Harmonic series

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    Harmonic Series
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the summation of the Harmonic series, specifically the expression S = ∑n=1 n-1, which is known to diverge. Participants explore various summation methods, including Ramanujan summation, to assign a finite value to this series. The conversation highlights the connection between the Harmonic series and the Riemann zeta function, particularly its pole at unity, and discusses the limitations of basic zeta regularization for this series. Ultimately, the Ramanujan sum, which relates to Euler's constant γ, emerges as a notable approach, although its implications are deemed less significant than desired.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cauchy divergence in series
  • Familiarity with the Riemann zeta function and its properties
  • Knowledge of Ramanujan summation techniques
  • Basic concepts of Euler's constant and the Euler-Maclaurin sum formula
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  • Research advanced techniques in Ramanujan summation
  • Explore the implications of the Riemann zeta function's pole at unity
  • Study the Euler-Maclaurin sum formula in detail
  • Investigate alternative regularization methods for divergent series
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Mathematicians, number theorists, and researchers interested in series summation techniques, particularly those focusing on divergent series and their regularization methods.

yasiru89
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We have different summation senses under which Cauchy-divergent series can be summed to finite values. I was wondering if such a procedure existed for the Harmonic series, \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} n^{-1}[/tex].<br /> <br /> I&#039;m putting this in the number theory discussion since the obvious connection with the Riemann zeta-function&#039;s pole at unity. However this guarantees there&#039;s no basic zeta regularization to the harmonic- so is there a deeper zeta-based result? Or some other way in which a value might be assigned to it? (the only one I know of is the Ramanujan sum of \gamma[/tex], which is just based on the definition of Euler&amp;#039;s constant in the case of the harmonic- and expressing this in terms of other constants has so far proven futile)
 
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of course Yasiru since \zeta (1) is infinite the regularization procedure is useless, this is a pain in the neck but can be solved via ramanujan summation

S = \sum_{n=1}^{N}a(n)- \int_{1}^{N} dx a(x)

and taking N--->oo if you set a(n)=1/n (Harmonic series) you would get

\sum_{n=1}^{N}1/n = \gamma (Euler's constant)
 
I wonder though- is that the only one that works for the harmonic? Its not as impressive as it could be since we end up with the definition of Euler's constant as the constant of the series in the Euler-Maclaurin sum formula.
 

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