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How does the Uniform Limit Theorem prove that the Riemann zeta function is analytic on Re(s) > 1?

The proof relies on the fact that each partial sum fn(s)=∑k=1n1ksf_n(s) = \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{1}{k^s} is a finite sum of analytic functions, making fn(s)f_n(s) itself analytic. The lecture previously established that fn(s)f_n(s) converges uniformly to ζ(s)\zeta(s) on any closed half-plane Re⁡(s)≥1+a\operatorname{Re}(s)\ge 1+a for a>0a>0. By the Uniform Limit Theorem, the uniform limit of analytic functions is analytic, so ζ(s)\zeta(s) is analytic on Re⁡(s)≥1+a\operatorname{Re}(s)\ge 1+a. Since aa can be chosen arbitrarily small, the union of these regions covers the entire open half-plane Re⁡(s)>1\operatorname{Re}(s)>1, proving analyticity there.

Conditions

  • fn(s)f_n(s) are the partial sums of the zeta series.
  • The Uniform Limit Theorem applies to sequences of analytic functions converging uniformly on a domain.
  • aa is an arbitrarily small positive constant (a>0a>0).

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify that each term k−sk^{-s} and thus each finite partial sum fn(s)f_n(s) is an analytic function.
  2. Recall the established result that fn(s)f_n(s) converges uniformly to ζ(s)\zeta(s) on the region Re⁡(s)≥1+a\operatorname{Re}(s)\ge 1+a.
  3. Apply the Uniform Limit Theorem to conclude that ζ(s)\zeta(s) is analytic on Re⁡(s)≥1+a\operatorname{Re}(s)\ge 1+a.
  4. Argue that because a>0a>0 can be arbitrarily small, the property of analyticity extends to the entire open half-plane Re⁡(s)>1\operatorname{Re}(s)>1.

Example

The slide states: 'Therefore ζ(s)\zeta(s) is analytic on Re(s) ≥1+a\ge 1 + a. As a>0a > 0 can be arbitrarily small, ζ(s)\zeta(s) is analytic on Re(s) > 1.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that pointwise convergence of analytic functions is sufficient to guarantee the limit is analytic.
  • Assuming that the Uniform Limit Theorem applies directly to the open region Re⁡(s)>1\operatorname{Re}(s)>1 without first restricting to closed sub-regions Re⁡(s)≥1+a\operatorname{Re}(s)\ge 1+a.

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