Search arXiv⌕ Search
Home/Archive/arXiv

arXiv · 1311.1093

The origin of the logarithmic integral in the prime number theorem

Kolbjørn Tunstrøm
View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

We establish why li(x) outperforms x/log x as an estimate for the prime counting function pi(x). The result follows from subdividing the natural numbers into the intervals s_k :={p_k^2,..., p_{k+1}^2-1}, k>=1, each being fully sieved by the k first primes {p_1,..., p_k}. Denoting the number of primes in s_k by pi_k, we show that pi_k |s_k|/log p_{k+1}^2 and that pi(x) li(x) originates as a continuum approximation of the sum sum_k pi_k. In contrast, pi(x) x/log x stems from sieving repeatedly in regions already completed---explaining why x/log x underestimates pi(x). The explanatory potential arising from defining s_k appears promising, evidenced in the last section where we outline further research.

Explore related subjects

math.NT

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Kolbjørn Tunstrøm. 2013-09-30. The origin of the logarithmic integral in the prime number theorem. https://arxiv.org/abs/1311.1093

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

arXiv2026

On the factorisation of the $p$-adic Rankin-Selberg $L$-function in the supersingular case

Given a cusp form $f$ which is supersingular at a fixed prime $p$ away from the level, and a Coleman family $F$ through one of its $p$-stabilisations, we construct a $2$-variable meromorphic $p$-adic $L$-function for the symmetric square of $F$. We prove that this new $p$-adic $L$-function interpolates values of complex imprimitive symmetric square $L$-functions, for the various specialisations of the family $F$. We use this $p$-adic $L$-function to prove a $p$-adic factorisation formula, expressing the geometric $p$-adic $L$-function attached to the Rankin--Selberg convolution of $f$ with itself as a the product of the $p$-adic symmetric square $L$-function of $f$ and a Kubota-Leopoldt $L$-function. This extends a result of Dasgupta in the ordinary case.

math.NT↗
arXiv2026

Exceptional poles of archimedean Rankin-Selberg L-functions for irreducible generic representations of GL(n,R)

For irreducible generic representations $π_1$ and $π_2$ of $\operatorname{GL}_n(\mathbb R)$, we prove that the notions of exceptional pole of type $1$ and type $2$ coincide at every level. When both representations are in general position, we use this identification to express the Rankin--Selberg $L$-function $L(s,π_1\timesπ_2)$ in terms of the exceptional $L$-factors attached to the irreducible constituents of their derivatives.

math.NT↗