Three expressions of the $n$-th prime number: discrete sieving, spectral analysis and probabilistic dynamics

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Authors: Jean‐Christophe Pain
Cited by: 0

Abstract

The search for a closed-form expression of the $n$-th prime number, $p_n$, has long oscillated between the rigid determinism of analytic functions and the apparent randomness of local distributions. This paper explores three different approaches to $p_n$. The first one formalizes an analytical identity for $p_{n}$ based on a harmonic summation filtered by a Möbius-derived coprimality indicator. Unlike Gandhi's 1971 identity, which employs a geometric density and logarithmic extraction, this formula operates through a discrete summation over the range defined by Bertrand's postulate. In the second one, we refine the ``harmonic resonance'' model, which posits that primes emerge as spectral nodes from von Mangoldt oscillations. Third, we adopt a ``survival dynamics'' approach, inspired by Mertens' theorems, treating prime spacing as an evolutionary growth process. By bridging these perspectives, we offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the transition from asymptotic trends to discrete arithmetic realities.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Analytic Number Theory Research Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications Advanced Mathematical Theories

Publication details

Journal / source
arXiv (Cornell University)
Publication date
22 January 2026
Document type
Preprint