Zeta Function Convergence in Interval (0,1): Does It Tend to Zero?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the behavior of the function $$\frac{-\zeta(s)}{s}$$ within the interval $$(0, 1)$$ as the imaginary part $$\Im(s)$$ increases. Participants explore whether this function tends to zero uniformly under these conditions, delving into analytical properties of the zeta function and numerical approaches.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the clarity of the original inquiry regarding the behavior of $$\frac{-\zeta(s)}{s}$$ as $$\Im(s)$$ increases, seeking clarification on the definitions of the interval and limits involved.
  • One participant suggests that since the zeta function is analytic in the specified region, the limit should tend to zero, although this is not universally accepted.
  • Another participant counters this by noting that while the zeta function is analytic, other analytic functions do not necessarily have limits that approach zero, proposing numerical checks as a preliminary step.
  • There is a proposal to explore the order of the zeta function along the line of interest, suggesting that if it has a certain growth rate, the limit may indeed be zero.
  • A participant introduces a formula related to the zeta function, suggesting it could be useful in proving the limit approaches zero, while also requesting more context about the original poster's background knowledge.
  • One participant shares their numerical findings, indicating that the function appears to be decreasing, but seeks clarification on the implications of their results.
  • Another participant discusses a method involving the conversion of an integral into a sum and taking limits, though they express uncertainty about the rigor of their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a lack of consensus. While some participants suggest the limit tends to zero, others raise counterexamples and propose alternative methods of analysis, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the zeta function and its properties, and there are references to numerical methods and specific mathematical techniques that may not be universally understood. The discussion also highlights the complexity of evaluating limits involving divergent series.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying complex analysis, particularly in relation to the properties of the zeta function, as well as individuals exploring numerical methods in mathematical analysis.

Charles49
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Inside the interval $$(0, 1)$$ does the function
$$
\frac{-\zeta(s)}{s}
$$
tend to zero uniformly as $$\Im(s)$$ increases?
 
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Charles49 said:
Inside the interval $$(0, 1)$$ does the function
$$
\frac{-\zeta(s)}{s}
$$
tend to zero uniformly as $$\Im(s)$$ increases?



You must explain yourself a little more (or better): what do you mean by "in the interval \,\,(0,1)\,\," and then "as \,\,\Im(x)\to\infty\,\,"? Do you mean the

real part of z remains in the unit interval while its imaginary part tends to zero or what?

DonAntonio
 


Sorry for not being clear. What I meant was

Suppose $$x\in(0,1).$$ Is this true
$$
\lim_{y\rightarrow\infty}\bigg\lvert\frac{\zeta(x+iy)}{x+iy}\bigg\rvert=0?
$$
 


The zeta function is analytic in that region. Why wouldn't the limit go to zero then?
 


Ok. I see. It make sense. Thanks Jackmell
 


I may not have that right. For example, the functioon f(z)=z is also analytic in the region yet the limit
\lim_{y\to\infty} \left|\frac{f(z)}{z}\right|
is not zero.

Here's what I suggest: I would just flat-out check it numerically first to see if it looks like it's indeed going to zero keeping in mind numeric trends may not reflect the actual limit. Now, if it looks to be the case, then I'd try and put a bound on zeta, for example, if zeta along that line has order such as O(\sqrt{z}), then the limit is obvously zero, in fact any order less than z would mean the limit is zero. Thus, if the numeric results suggests its going to zero, then I'd try and determine it's order there.
 


Do you know (or can you prove) the following formula:

\zeta(s) = \frac{1}{s-1} + 1 - s \int_{1}^{\infty} \frac{u - \lfloor{u}\rfloor}{u^{s+1}} du

which is valid for all s \neq 1 and for Re(s) > 0? I think that this formula can be used to prove that your limit goes to 0.

If this hint isn't helping, can you provide some more context? Such as, what have you already covered about the zeta function? Are you using a specific text?
 


Charles49 said:
Inside the interval $$(0, 1)$$ does the function
$$
\frac{-\zeta(s)}{s}
$$
tend to zero uniformly as $$\Im(s)$$ increases?



For complex \,\,s\,,\,\,Re(s)>0\,,\,\,s\neq 1\,\, , we have the analytic cont. of the zeta function \zeta(s)=\frac{\eta(s)}{1-2^{1-s}}\,\,,\,\,\eta(s):=\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{(-1)^{n-1}}{n^s}\Longrightarrow -\frac{\zeta(s)}{s}=\frac{\eta(s)}{s(2^{1-s}-1)}
Now, \,\,|2^{1-s}|=\left|e^{(1-s)Log(2)}\right|=e^{(1-Re(s))Log(2)}=2^{(1-Re(s))}\,\,\left|\eta(s)\right|\leq\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n^{Re(s)}} so we have that \left|-\frac{\zeta(s)}{s}\right|\leq\frac{1}{|s|(2^{1-Re(s)}-1)}\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{1}{n^{Re(s)}}
As \,\,0< Re(s)< 1\,\, , the above series is divergent for any constant value of s, but the value

\,\,|s|\,\, in the denominator diverges to infinity as well, so it is a matter of comparison between both divergent factors

in that fraction...

I guess you also must be aware of the fact that \,\,-\frac{\zeta(s)}{s}=\int_0^\infty\left\{\frac{1}{t}\right\}t^{s-1}dt\,\, precisely for \,\,0<Re(s)<1\,\, , so perhaps it'd be easier (?) to evaluate the limit according to this integral since as the imaginary

part of s increases to infinity the module of that power in the integral remains constant...

DonAntonio
 


Sorry for responding late. I had finals this week and I was buried in my books. I am very happy to see all these responses.

jackmell, I plotted the function and it is decreasing.

Petek and DonAntonio, thanks for the hints. I entered the following in Mathematica:

In[3]:= Limit[1/x*Sum[1/n^x, {n, 1, \[Infinity]}], x -> \[Infinity]]

Out[3]= 0

What does this mean?
 

Attachments

  • #10


Ok, I did what Pete suggested: I divided that expression by s, converted the integral into an infinite sum, and then took the antiderivative, and then took the limit. But I didn't do it rigorously.

Have you tried that approach?
 
  • #11


Jackmell, Pete's suggestion works for Re(s)>0.
 

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