Summation of 1/p: Logarithmic Growth of N

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the summation of the series \(\sum_{p\leq N}\frac{1}{p}\), which is approximated by \(\log\log N + A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})\). Participants clarify that the term \(O(\frac{1}{\log N})\) cannot simply be replaced with a constant function without losing critical information about the growth rate. The distinction between \(A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})\) and \(O(1)\) is emphasized, with the former providing more insight into the behavior of lower order terms in the series.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of asymptotic notation, specifically Big O notation.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of prime number distribution and related summations.
  • Basic concepts of mathematical analysis and series convergence.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithmic growth in number theory.
  • Explore advanced topics in asymptotic analysis.
  • Investigate the distribution of prime numbers and their implications on summations.
  • Learn about the implications of \(O\) notation in mathematical proofs and analysis.
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Mathematicians, computer scientists, and students studying number theory or mathematical analysis who seek to deepen their understanding of logarithmic growth and asymptotic behavior in series.

Dragonfall
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[tex]\sum_{p\leq N}\frac{1}{p}=\log\log N + A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex]

Does it mean that we can simply replace the O part with a function that is a constant times 1/(log N)? What would be the difference between [tex]A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex] and [tex]O(1)[/tex]?
 
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Dragonfall said:
Does it mean that we can simply replace the O part with a function that is a constant times 1/(log N)?

No it doesn't. If f(n)=g(n)+O(h(n)) then there is a constant C where |f(n)-g(n)|<=C*h(n) in some suitable range of n. It does NOT mean f(n)=g(n)+C*h(n). Consider cos(x)=O(1) but we don't have cos(x)=constant.

Dragonfall said:
What would be the difference between [tex]A + O(\frac{1}{\log N})[/tex] and [tex]O(1)[/tex]?

The first gives more information (it implies the second but not vice versa). Even if you don't know the constant A (it can be expressed in terms of an infinite sum over the primes here though) it still says something about the structure of the lower order terms.
 

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