On the MRB constant Visualized
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Marvin Ray Burns

Introduction

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In the fascinating realm of mathematics, various constants have been discovered that hold significant theoretical value and occasionally find applications in practical fields. One such intriguing constant is the MRB constant, named after Marvin Ray Burns, who first introduced it. This constant emerges from the study of partial alternating sums of n-th roots and has intriguing mathematical properties.
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This paper aims to explore the representation of the MRB constant through the partial alternating sums of n-cubes, as demonstrated in this notebook. We will delve into the mathematical significance of the MRB constant and discuss its potential applications in real-world scenarios. While the MRB constant is primarily recognized for its theoretical interest within mathematics, its study can provide insights into several applied disciplines.
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By analyzing the properties of the MRB constant, we aim to highlight its relevance and explore how the mathematical techniques and insights gained from its study can be valuable across various fields such as number theory, combinatorics, mathematical analysis, computer science, and engineering. Although the MRB constant itself may not have direct applications, its exploration can illuminate new pathways and contribute to advancements in both theoretical and applied mathematics.
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In the following sections, we will detail the mathematical framework of the MRB constant and its connection to n-cubes, review potential applications, and discuss the broader implications of its study for various scientific and mathematical domains. We will also address the challenges faced in computing the MRB constant and the mathematical insights gleaned from these efforts.

What is the MRB constant?


MRB constant
Assuming "MRB constant" is referring to a mathematical definition | Use as
a mathematical constant
instead
Input interpretation
MRB constant
Illustration
Definition
Fewer details
Consider the sequence of partial sums defined by
s
n

n
∑
k1
k
(-1)
1/k
k
.
As can be seen in the plot above, the sequence has two limit points at
-0.812140…
and 0.187859… (which are separated by exactly 1). The upper limit point is sometimes known as the MRB constant after the initials of its original investigator (Burns 1999; Plouffe).
Sums for the MRB constant are given by
S
=
lim
N∞
2N
∑
n1
n
(-1)
1/n
n
=
1+
lim
N∞
2N+1
∑
n1
n
(-1)
1/n
n
=
∞
∑
k1
[
1/(2k)
(2k)
-
1/(2k-1)
(2k-1)
]
=
∞
∑
k1
k
(-1)
(
1/k
k
-1)
=
0.1878596424…
(Finch 2003, p. 450; OEIS A037077).
Related terms
Glaisher-Kinkelin constant
|
power tower
|
Steiner’s problem
Subject classifications
Show details
MathWorld
miscellaneous constants
MRBConstantImage:​​
• This image is related to the mathematical representation or visualization of the MRB constant. The MRB constant is a mathematical constant that can be represented by the partial sums of a particular series.

What are n-cubes?


n-cube
Assuming "n-cube" is referring to a mathematical definition | Use as
a geometric object
or
a graph
instead
Assuming hypercube | Use
polycube
instead
Input interpretation
hypercube
Illustration
Alternate names
measure polytope
|
n-cube
Basic definition
A hypercube is a generalization of a cube to more than three dimensions.
Detailed definition
More details
The hypercube is a generalization of a 3-cube to
n
dimensions, also called an
n
-cube or measure polytope. It is a regular polytope with mutually perpendicular sides, and is therefore an orthotope. It is denoted
γ
n
and has Schläfli symbol
4,
3,3
n-2

.
The following table summarizes the names of
n
-dimensional hypercubes.
More information »
Related terms
cross polytope
|
cube
|
cube-connected cycle graph
|
glome
|
Hamiltonian graph
|
hypercube graph
|
hypercube line picking
|
hypersphere
|
orthotope
|
parallelepiped
|
polytope
|
simplex
|
tesseract
Educational grade level
high school level
Subject classifications
Show details
MathWorld
n-dimensional geometry
|
polytopes
MSC 2010
51M20
|
52Bxx
◼
  • n-CubeImage:​​
    • This image represents a 2-dimensional illustration of a 3-dimensional n-cube (or hypercube). It shows the geometric structure and connections of vertices in a cube.
  • How is the MRB constant constructed with n-cubes?

    Consider the set of all n∈N-Cubes where the volume of each n-cube is n. Illustrated by the following code:
    Table[​​a=HypercubeGraph[n];​​Print[a," Hyper-volume of ",n],​​{n,1,6}​​];
    Hyper-volume of 1
    Hyper-volume of 2
    Hyper-volume of 3
    Hyper-volume of 4
    Hyper-volume of 5
    Hyper-volume of 6
    ◼
  • HypercubeGraphs:​​
    • Multiple graphs showing the hypercube graph for different values of n. Each graph shows nodes connected in a structure that represents the edges and vertices of an n-dimensional hypercube.
  • ...
    Since we chose the volume to be n, the length of one of the edges of any given n-cube is n^(1/n). Illustrated by the following code:
    Consider the partial alternating sums of those edges. Illustrated by the following code:

    ​

    ​
    The sequence (-1)^n(n^(1/n)-1) is not "open" in the sense that it doesn't diverge or expand indefinitely. Instead, it oscillates
    .
    It is not "closed" either for individual terms, because they do not settle into a single value or a finite set of values.
    Instead, we focus on the convergence of the series formed by these terms, which leads to the MRB constant.
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    What is the numeric value of the MRB constant?

    Approximated below.
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    While the MRB constant is primarily a mathematical curiosity, it can have implications and potential applications in various fields due to its connection with series, sums, and combinatorial mathematics . Some potential areas where the MRB constant or similar mathematical concepts could be of interest include :

    1. Number Theory and Combinatorics : Understanding the properties of alternating sums and series can provide insights into number theory problems and combinatorial identities .

    2. Mathematical Analysis : The study of convergent and divergent series, such as those related to the MRB constant, can be important in real analysis and the study of infinite series .

    3. Computer Science : Algorithms that deal with summations or series, especially those that alternate in sign, may benefit from insights gained from studying the MRB constant .

    4. Physics and Engineering : Series representations, like those related to the MRB constant, can sometimes be used to approximate solutions to differential equations or to model phenomena in physics and engineering .

    5. Mathematical Research : Pure mathematical research often explores constants like the MRB constant to better understand the properties of mathematical series and their implications in both theoretical and applied contexts .

    While the MRB constant itself might not have direct applications, the mathematical techniques and insights gained from its study can be valuable across these disciplines .