We consider various infinite series and examine their arithmetic nature. Series of interest are of the form $$\sum_{n =0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n)A(n)}{B(n)}, \;\;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}}\frac{f(n)A(n)}{B(n)}, \;\;\;\; \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^n A(n)}{B(n)}$$ where $f$ is algebraic valued periodic function, $A(x), B(x) \in \overline{\mathbb{Q}}[x]$ and $z$ is an algebraic number with $|z| \leq 1$. We also examine multivariable extensions $$\sum_{n_1, \ldots, n_k = 0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n_1,
\ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}$$ and $$\sum_{n_1, \ldots, n_k \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{f(n_1, \ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}.$$
These series are all very natural things to write down and we would like to understand them better. We calculate closed forms using various techniques. For example, we use relations between Hurwitz zeta functions, digamma functions, polygamma functions,
Fourier analysis, discrete Fourier transforms, among other objects and techniques. Once closed forms are found, we make use of some of the well-known transcendental number theory including the
theorem of Baker regarding linear forms in logarithms of algebraic numbers to determine their arithmetic nature.
In one particular setting, we extend the work of Bundschuh \cite{bundschuh} by proving the following series are all
transcendental for positive $c \in \mathbb{Q} \setminus \mathbb{Z}$ and $k$ a positive integer: $$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^2 + c)^k}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^4 - c^4)^{2k}}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^6 - c^6)^{2k}}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^3 \pm c^3)^{2k}}$$
$$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{n^3 \pm c^3}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^3 -1}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^4 -1}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^6 -1}.$$ Bundschuh conjectured that the last three series are transcendental, but we offer the first unconditional proofs of transcendence.
We also show some conditional results under the assumption of some well-known conjectures. In particular, for $A_i(x), B_i(x) \in \overline{\mathbb{Q}}[x]$ with each $B_i(x)$ has only simple rational roots, if Schanuel's conjecture is true, the series
(avoiding roots of the denominator) $$\mathop{{\sum}}_{n_1, \ldots, n_k =0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n_1, \ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}$$ is either an effectively computable algebraic number or transcendental.
We also show that Schanuel's conjecture implies that the series $$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{A(n)}{B(n)}$$ is either zero or transcendental, when $B(x)$ has non-integral roots.
We develop a general theory, analyzing various infinite series throughout. / Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 10:45:19.735
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/5315 |
| Date | 13 November 2009 |
| Creators | WEATHERBY, CHESTER |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 465870 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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