Pólya Conjecture

Let n be a positive integer and r(n) the number of (not necessarily distinct) prime factors of n (with r(1)=0). Let O(m) be the number of positive integers <=m with an odd number of prime factors, and E(m) the number of positive integers <=m with an even number of prime factors. Pólya (1919) conjectured that

 L(m)=E(m)-O(m)=sum_(n=1)^mlambda(n)

is <=0, where lambda(n) is the Liouville function.

The conjecture was made in 1919, and disproven by Haselgrove (1958) using a method due to Ingham (1942). Lehman (1960) found the first explicit counterexample, L(906180359)=1, and the smallest counterexample m=906150257 was found by Tanaka (1980). The first n for which L(n)=0 are n=2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26, 40, 96, 586, 906150256, ... (Tanaka 1980, OEIS A028488). It is unknown if L(x) changes sign infinitely often (Tanaka 1980).

Wolfram Web Resources

Mathematica »

The #1 tool for creating Demonstrations and anything technical.

Wolfram|Alpha »

Explore anything with the first computational knowledge engine.

Wolfram Demonstrations Project »

Explore thousands of free applications across science, mathematics, engineering, technology, business, art, finance, social sciences, and more.

Computerbasedmath.org »

Join the initiative for modernizing math education.

Online Integral Calculator »

Solve integrals with Wolfram|Alpha.

Step-by-step Solutions »

Walk through homework problems step-by-step from beginning to end. Hints help you try the next step on your own.

Wolfram Problem Generator »

Unlimited random practice problems and answers with built-in Step-by-step solutions. Practice online or make a printable study sheet.

Wolfram Education Portal »

Collection of teaching and learning tools built by Wolfram education experts: dynamic textbook, lesson plans, widgets, interactive Demonstrations, and more.

Wolfram Language »

Knowledge-based programming for everyone.