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This series was first considered by Euler, who applied summability methods to assign a finite value to the series. [1] The series is a sum of factorials that are alternately added or subtracted. One way to assign a value to this divergent series is by using Borel summation, where one formally writes
In mathematics, the Euler–Maclaurin formula is a formula for the difference between an integral and a closely related sum. It can be used to approximate integrals by finite sums, or conversely to evaluate finite sums and infinite series using integrals and the machinery of calculus .
Euler summation is essentially an explicit form of analytic continuation. If a power series converges for small complex z and can be analytically continued to the open disk with diameter from −1 / q + 1 to 1 and is continuous at 1, then its value at q is called the Euler or (E,q) sum of the series Σa n. Euler used it before analytic ...
Because it is a divergent series, it should be interpreted as a formal sum, an abstract mathematical expression combining the unit fractions, rather than as something that can be evaluated to a numeric value. There are many different proofs of the divergence of the harmonic series, surveyed in a 2006 paper by S. J. Kifowit and T. A. Stamps. [13]
Briefly, if one expresses a partial sum of this series as a function of the penultimate term, one obtains either 4m + 1 / 3 or −4n + 1 / 3 . The mean of these values is 2 m − 2 n + 1 / 3 , and assuming that m = n at infinity yields 1 / 3 as the value of the series.
The sum of the series is approximately equal to 1.644934. [3] The Basel problem asks for the exact sum of this series (in closed form), as well as a proof that this sum is correct. Euler found the exact sum to be / and announced this discovery in 1735. His arguments were based on manipulations that were not justified at the time, although he ...
Given a series Σa n, if its Euler transform converges to a sum, then that sum is called the Euler sum of the original series. As well as being used to define values for divergent series, Euler summation can be used to speed the convergence of series. Euler summation can be generalized into a family of methods denoted (E, q), where q ≥ 0. The ...
Euler's Proof That 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ = −1/12 – by John Baez; John Baez (September 19, 2008). "My Favorite Numbers: 24" (PDF). The Euler-Maclaurin formula, Bernoulli numbers, the zeta function, and real-variable analytic continuation by Terence Tao; A recursive evaluation of zeta of negative integers by Luboš Motl