1+2+3+4+…=-1/12

Andrew Monk (University of Glasgow)

Friday 24th April, 2015 16:00-17:00 Maths 417

Abstract

Of course, the series 1+2+3+4+... diverges. However, it is sometimes possible to assign finite values to such divergent series. This series can be assigned a finite value by means of zeta function regularisation. In this seminar, I will introduce the Riemann zeta function and show how the definition of this function for certain real values can be extended to the complex plane. Along the way I will show how 1+2+3+4+… can be assigned the value -1/12. To conclude, I will talk about the Riemann hypothesis.

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