Exact formula or approximation for this sum (general harmonic series $H_{n,3}$)

harmonic-numberssummation

I encountered the following problem in my studies. I want to calculate the requirement to the parameter $a$ for a local minimum in the function:

$F(N;a) = -a*(N-1) + \sum_i^{N-1}\sum_j^i \frac{1}{j^3} \quad N=1,2,…$

To solve this I thought the "easiest" way would be so solve the second term. But $\sum_j^i \frac{1}{j^3} = H_{i,3}$ seems to be the general harmonic series with no exact solution. Anyone has any ideas for a exact solution (for the minimum condition) or a good approximation?

Thanks

Best Answer

It can be simplified somewhat.

$\begin{array}\\ f(N) &=\sum_{i=1}^{N}\sum_{j=1}^i \frac{1}{j^3}\\ &=\sum_{j=1}^N\sum_{i=j}^{N} \frac{1}{j^3}\\ &=\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^3}\sum_{i=j}^{N} 1\\ &=\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^3}(N-j+1)\\ &=\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^3}(N+1)-\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^3}j\\ &=(N+1)\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^3}-\sum_{j=1}^N\frac{1}{j^2}\\ &\approx (N+1)\zeta(3)-\zeta(2) \qquad\text{for large }N\\ \end{array} $

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