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Mathematics > History and Overview

Title: Classical values of Zeta, as simple as possible but not simpler

Authors: Olga Holtz
Abstract: This short note for non-experts means to demystify the tasks of evaluating the Riemann Zeta Function at non-positive integers and at even natural numbers, both initially performed by Leonhard Euler. Treading in the footsteps of G. H. Hardy and others, I re-examine Euler's work on the functional equation for the Zeta function, and explain how both the functional equation and all `classical' integer values can be obtained in one sweep using only Euler's favorite method of generating functions. As a counter-point, I also present an even simpler argument essentially due to Bernhard Riemann, which however requires Cauchy's residue theorem, a result not yet available to Euler. As a final point, I endeavor to clarify how these two methods are organically linked and can be taught as an intuitive gateway into the world of Zeta functionology.
Comments: 10 page, 1 figure
Subjects: History and Overview (math.HO); Combinatorics (math.CO); Complex Variables (math.CV); Number Theory (math.NT)
MSC classes: 11M06, 11Y35, 11Y70, 05A15, 01A50, 01A55, 01A70
Cite as: arXiv:2308.11637 [math.HO]
  (or arXiv:2308.11637v3 [math.HO] for this version)

Submission history

From: Olga Holtz [view email]
[v1] Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:56:21 GMT (15kb,D)
[v2] Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:13:46 GMT (15kb,D)
[v3] Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:19:16 GMT (16kb,D)

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