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A proof of Bertrand's postulate

Authors :
Andrea Asperti
Wilmer Ricciotti
Source :
Journal of Formalized Reasoning, Vol 5, Iss 1, Pp 37-57 (2012)
Publication Year :
2012
Publisher :
University of Bologna, 2012.

Abstract

We discuss the formalization, in the Matita Interactive Theorem Prover, of some results by Chebyshev concerning the distribution of prime numbers, subsuming, as a corollary, Bertrand's postulate.Even if Chebyshev's result has been later superseded by the stronger prime number theorem, his machinery, and in particular the two functions psi and theta still play a central role in the modern development of number theory. The proof makes use of most part of the machinery of elementary arithmetics, and in particular of properties of prime numbers, gcd, products and summations, providing a natural benchmark for assessing the actual development of the arithmetical knowledge base.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19725787
Volume :
5
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal of Formalized Reasoning
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.047d370e0d2d4001a7ca40b1010d91b2
Document Type :
article