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I am posting the following question from Math.Stackexchange:

Let $f$ be a $1$-periodic function, i.e., $f(x+1)=f(x)$, defined on the interval $(0, 1)$ by the formula $$ f(x)=2x-1. $$ For a real number $x$ consider the series $$ \sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{f(nx)}{n}. $$ It is easily seen that the series converges if $x$ is rational and if $f$ is assumed to vanish at all integers.

My question is: does the convergence hold for irrational $x$?

I would also be grateful for references to any results about kindred objects.

I am also interested in a description of the set of all $x$ for which the series converges, and in properties of the function determined by the series.

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No, convergence does not hold for all irrational $x$. I posted a full answer to the question at math.stackexchange and I'll summarize the result here.

There are uncountably many values of $x$ for which the partial sums $\sum_{n=1}^N\frac{f(nx)}n$ are unbounded. In fact, the set of values of $x$ for which the partial sums are bounded is meagre. Consequently, the set of $x$ for which the sum diverges is nonempty and, furthermore, is uncountable in the neighbourhood of any point. We can say rather more than this though. Choosing any function $\theta\colon\mathbb{Z}^+\to\mathbb{R}^+$ such that $\theta(n)=o(\log n)$ (i.e., $\theta(n)/\log n\to0$ as $n\to\infty$) then the set of $x$ such that the partial sums are bounded by a multiple of $\theta$ is meagre. This statement is, in a sense, optimal, because it can be shown that the partial sums do grow at a rate $o(\log N)$ for every $x$.

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In the paper

J. Rosenblatt, Convergence of Series of Translations, Math. Ann. 230 (1977) 245-272

it is proved a general Theorem (Theorem 2.5) that in particular proves the convergence a. e. . Also the unconditional convergence in L^2[0,1].

The result in this particular case maybe was known before. Rosenblatt points to works of Hardy Littlewood and Khinchin.

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  • $\begingroup$ Many thanks. I would like to see the proof, I plan to visit our library on Monday. $\endgroup$
    – kap44
    Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 12:08
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This type of question can be answered (typically) by applying (first) summation by parts, and then estimating sums of fractional parts. The sums of fractional parts can be handled by the Fourier series of a sawtooth function, and then the fact that irrationals have their multiples equidistributed mod 1 (in terms of Weyl's criterion). You don't say exactly why you are interested, but these standard techniques from analytic number theory may suffice.

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  • $\begingroup$ As far as I understand, you say that for any $x$ the series converges. This expression appeared in my calculations, and I would like to see what is already known. $\endgroup$
    – kap44
    Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 12:07
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    $\begingroup$ I didn't express an opinion on the answer. $\endgroup$
    – Charles Matthews
    Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 14:12
  • $\begingroup$ Okay. I misunderstood you because you posted this as an answer. $\endgroup$
    – kap44
    Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 14:34
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    $\begingroup$ The problem seems a bit more subtle than I originally gave it credit for. You may need more than just equidistribution. $\endgroup$
    – Charles Matthews
    Commented Jul 19, 2012 at 15:39

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