An engrossing look at the history and importance of a centuries-old but still unanswered math
problemFor centuries mathematicians the world over have tried and failed to solve the zeta-3
problem. Math genius Leonhard Euler attempted it in the 1700s and came up short. The
straightforward puzzle considers if there exists a simple symbolic formula for the following:
1+(1 2)^3+(1 3)^3+(1 4)^3+. . . . But why is this issue-the sum of the reciprocals of the
positive integers cubed-so important? With In Pursuit of Zeta-3 popular math writer Paul Nahin
investigates the history and significance of this mathematical conundrum.Drawing on detailed
examples historical anecdotes and even occasionally poetry Nahin sheds light on the richness
of the nature of zeta-3. He shows its intimate connections to the Riemann hypothesis another
mathematical mystery that has stumped mathematicians for nearly two centuries. He looks at its
links with Euler's achievements and explores the modern research area of Euler sums where
zeta-3 occurs frequently. An exact solution to the zeta-3 question wouldn't simply satisfy pure
mathematical interest: it would have critical ramifications for applications in physics and
engineering such as quantum electrodynamics. Challenge problems with detailed solutions and
MATLAB code are included at the end of each of the book's sections.Detailing the trials and
tribulations of mathematicians who have approached one of the field's great unsolved riddles
In Pursuit of Zeta-3 will tantalize curious math enthusiasts everywhere--
