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arXiv:2609.04176math.GM

Catalan's constant is irrational

Zhi-Wei Sun

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Abstract

Whether the constant $$G=\sum_{k=0}^\infty\frac{(-1)^k}{(2k+1)^2}=\frac1{1^2}-\frac1{3^2}+\frac1{5^2}-\frac1{7^2}+\cdots$$ introduced by Catalan in the nineteen century is irrational, is a long-standing open problem. In this paper we prove the irrationality of $G$ via using suitable weights.

arXiv comments
20 pages
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
math.GMGeneral Mathematics

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Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Oct 2026 to Oct 2026. Found in 2 HN submissions from Sep 2026 to Sep 2026. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments1 thread

    • Catalan's constant is irrational!!! That is a big one. Exciting times to be alive. Regrettably I can't understand the proof at this point. There was a (flawed) proof submitted a month back: https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.04176 I wonder if it gave part of the inspiration.

      nhatcherView on HNParent context

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