## proposed (dis)proofs of the Riemann Hypothesis

"Without doubt it would be desirable to have a rigorous proof of this proposition; however I have left this research aside for the time being after some quick unsuccessful attempts, because it appears to be unnecessary for the immediate goal of my study..."

Bernhard Riemann, 1859

If you are a university mathematics lecturer who teaches analytic number theory, you might want to consider setting your students the task of deconstructing the more serious of these. They may otherwise never be given any serious attention, which would be a shame. As someone once joked, "It's easier to prove the RH than to get someone to read your proof!"

Riemann Hypothesis not proved by Nigerian mathematician Opeyemi Enoch, despite numerous media claims published on 17th November 2015.

Enoch gave a twenty minute presentation, "A Matrix That Generates the Point Spectral of the Riemann Zeta Function" at the "International Conference on Mathematics and Computer Science" earlier in November 2015. Here is the (very confusing, seemingly meaningless) abstract. The conference appears not to have been affiliated with any university or maths/science organisation and the abstract doesn't claim a proof of the RH. All very puzzling!

W. Raab, "Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (2013? – this was seemingly uploaded by Enoch to academia.edu and rather unconvincingly claimed as his own)

P. F. Roggero, "Proof of why all the zeros of the Riemann zeta function are on the critical line" (2016)

P. Braun, "Euler's constant and the Riemann Hypothesis" (2015, updated 2016)

[This claims to show the unprovability of the RH in arithmetic which then leads to a proposed proof in the analytic realm.]

J. Bredakis, "Riemann Hypothesis confirmed by John Bredakis formulas – a brief version" (2015)

J. Kim, "A proof of the Riemann hypothesis using the remainder term of the Dirichlet eta function" (2015)

[abstract:] "The Dirichlet eta function can be divided into $n$-th partial sum $\eta_{n}(s)$ and remainder term $R_{n}(s)$. We focus on the remainder term which can be approximated by the expression for $n$. And then, to increase reliability, we make sure that the error between remainder term and its approximation is reduced as n goes to infinity. According to the Riemann zeta functional equation, if $\eta(\sigma+it)=0$ then $\eta(1-\sigma-it)=0$. In this case, $n$-th partial sum also can be approximated by expression for $n$. Based on this approximation, we prove the Riemann hypothesis."

K. Braun, "A Kummer function based zeta function theory to prove the Riemann Hypothesis" (2015)

[abstract:] "All nontrivial zeros of the analytical continuation of the Riemann zeta function have a real part of 1/2. A positive answer to this conjecture is proven, enabled by an alternative Kummer function based on zeta function theory."

T. Gomis, et al., "Quadratic theory of the Riemann Hypothesis and connection to operators and random matrix theories" (2015)

[abstract:] "In a bold move, the non-trivial zeros of the Riemann zeta functions are considered as complex zeros of a canonical quadratic equation. The Riemann Hypothesis confirmation and its links to operators and random matrix theories are the direct mathematical implications of this bold view."

L. de Branges, "A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis, I" (11/2014)

P.F. Roggero, "From Riemann Hypothesis to Riemann Thesis" (2014)

F. Galetto, "Riemann Hypothesis proved" (2014)

[abstract:] "We show a proof of the so-called Riemann Hypothesis. We prove the RH using the theory of 'inner product spaces' $I$ and $l^2$ Hilbert spaces, where is defined the 'functional' $(a,b)$, named scalar [or inner] product of the vectors $a$ and $b$. The proof is so simple that we suspect that there could be an error that we are unable to find."

"Kazakhstan citizen claims solving Riemann Hypothesis", Tengri News, 23 September 2013

"Yessenbek Ushtenov, a mechanical engineer from Saryagash town, Kazakhstan, claims to to have solved one of the seven problems of the millennium, the Riemann hypothesis, Alau-Kazakhstan public-political magazine writes..."

A. Prástaro, "The Riemann hypothesis proved" (05/2013)

[abstract:] "The Riemann hypothesis is proved by quantum-extending the zeta Riemann function to a quantum mapping between quantum $1$-spheres with quantum algebra $A = \mathbb{C}$, in the sense of A. Prástaro [2009, 2013]. Algebraic topologic properties of quantum-complex manifolds and suitable bordism groups of morphisms in the category $\mathfrak{Q}_{\mathbb{C}}$ of quantum-complex manifolds are utilized."

A. Garcés Doz, "A potential elementary proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (2013)

[abstract:] "This paper presents a possible elementary proof of the Riemann hypothesis. We say possible or potential, you have to be very cautious and skeptical of the potential of the evidence presented, is free of a crucial error that invalidate the proof. After several months of extensive review, the author, having found no error we have decided to publish it in the hope that someone will find the error. However, it is considered that the method may be useful in some way. This potential proof uses only the rudiments of analysis and arithmetic inequalities. It includes a first part of the reason why we think that the Riemann hypothesis seems to be true."

J. Ghannouchi, "The real primes and the Riemann hypothesis" (2013)

[abstract:] "In this paper, we present the Riemann problem and define the real primes. It allows to generalize the Riemann hypothesis to the reals. A calculus of integral solves the problem. We generalize the proof to the integers."

Jeffrey N. Cook, "On exponential decay and the Riemann hypothesis" (2013)

[abstract:] "A Riemann operator is constructed in which sequential elements are removed from a decaying set by means of prime factorization, leading to a form of exponential decay with zero degeneration, referred to as the root of exponential decay. A proportionate operator is then constructed in a similar manner in terms of the non-trivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function, extending proportionately, mapping expectedly always to zero, which imposes a ratio of the primes to said zeta roots. Thirdly, a statistical oscillation function is constructed algebraically into an expression of the Laplace transform that links the two operators and binds the roots of the functions in such a manner that the period of the oscillation is defined (and derived) by the eigenvalues of one and the elements of another. A proof then of the Riemann hypothesis is obtained with a set of algebraic paradoxes that unmanageably occur for the single incident of any non-trivial real part greater or less than a rational one half."

Z. Elhadj, "A positive answer to the Riemann hypothesis: A new result predicting the location of zeros" (09/2012)

[abstract:] "In this paper, a positive answer to the Riemann hypothesis is given by using a new result that predict the exact location of zeros of the alternating zeta function on the critical strip."

J. Bredakis, "Proof by contradiction of the negation of Riemann Hypothesis, with graphical demonstration" (blog post, 2012)

D. Pozdnyakov, "Physical interpretation of the Riemann hypothesis" (03/2012)

[abstract:] "An equivalent formulation of the Riemann hypothesis is given. The formulation is generalized. The physical interpretation of the Riemann hypothesis generalized formulation is given in the framework of quantum theory terminology. An axiom is laid down on the ground of the interpretation taking into account the observed properties of the surrounding reality. The Riemann hypothesis is true according to the axiom. It is shown that it is unprovable."

H. Shinya, "A Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis (07/2011)

M.V. Atovigba, "Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (2011)

Despite no mention of the fact in the abstract(!), this preprint contains a purported proof of the RH:

L. Fekih-Ahmed, "On the zeros of the Riemann zeta function" (04/2010)

[Here are G. Müller's comments on why this 'proof' is flawed.]

Xian-Shun Luo, "Riemann Hypothesis and Levison Theorem" (12/2008)

[abstract:] "In this paper we will give a simple proof of Riemann Hypothesis, considered to be one of the greatest unsolved problem in mathematics, related to inverse scattering problem and radom matrices. The important relationship between Riemann Hypothesis and random matrices was found by Freeman J. Dyson (1972). Dyson [wrote] a paper [in] 1975 [which] related random matrices and inverse scattering problem. Under this explanation, the famous Riemann Hypothesis is equivalent to Levison theorem of scattering phase-shifts. We will prove this relation."

Xian-Shun Luo, "Riemann Hypothesis and Selberg eigenvalues conjecture" (12/2008)

[abstract:] "In this paper we will give a direct proof of Riemann Hypothesis and Selberg eigenvalue conjecture, [using] some results of the classical complex analysis before 1900 [...] and explain with a little Algebra and Physics. "

M.M. Anthony, "A Simple Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (11/2008)

Yuan-You Fu-Rui Cheng, "Proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (10/2008)

[abstract:] "The Riemann zeta function is a meromorphic function on the whole complex plane. It has infinitely many zeros and a unique pole at $s = 1$. Those zeros at $s = –2, –4, –6, ...$ are known as trivial zeros. The Riemann hypothesis is a conjecture of Riemann, from 1859, claiming that all nontrivial zeros of $\zeta(s)$ lie on the line $\Re(s) =\tfrac{1}{2}$. Let $x \ge2$. Define $\Lambda(n) =\log p$ whenever $n =p\sp{m}$ for a prime number $p$ and a positive integer $m$, and zero otherwise. Then, the Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to the $\varpi$-form of the prime number theorem as $\varpi(x) =O(x\sp{1/2} \log\sp{2} x)$, where $\varpi(x) =\sum\sb{n\le x}\ \bigl(\Lambda(n) –1\big)$ with the sum running through the set of all natual integers. Similarly that in the literature, we use a classical integral formula for the step function of $x$. But, we apply Cauchy's Residue Theorem to the funtion ${\mathcal Z}(s) \cdot \tfrac{x\sp{s}} {s}$ instead, where ${\mathcal Z}(s) = –\tfrac{\zeta\sp{\prime}(s)} {\zeta(s)} –\zeta(s)$. Starting from the estimate on $\varpi(x)$ from the known zero-free region of ${\mathcal Z}(s)$, we utilize the induction on the exponent in $O(x\sp{\theta} \log\sp{2} x)$. For each fixed $\theta$, we also use the induction on $x$. With the help of {\em the strong density hypothesis} proved recently, we prove the Riemann hypothesis."

A. Bergstrom, "Proof of Riemann's zeta-hypothesis" (09/2008)

[abstract:] "Make an exponential transformation in the integral formulation of Riemann's zeta-function $\zeta(s)$ for $Re(s) > 0$. Separately, in addition make the substitution $s \rightarrow 1 – s$ and then transform back to s again using the functional equation. Using residue calculus, we can in this way get two alternative, equivalent series expansions for $\zeta(s)$ of order $N$, both valid inside the "critical strip", i.e. for $0 < Re(s) < 1$. Together, these two expansions embody important characteristics of the zeta-function in this range, and their detailed behavior as $N$ tends to infinity can be used to prove Riemann's zeta-hypothesis that the nontrivial zeros of the zeta-function must all have real part $1/2$."

In addition to the preprint, the arXiv file also contains a discussion of some thirty-five Frequently Asked Questions from readers. Further questions not adequately dealt with in the existing FAQ are welcome.

N.A. Carella, "Divisor and Totient Functions Estimates" (06/2008)

[G. Caveney comments:] "Despite the modest title, this paper's Theorem 7 if true would amount to a proof of RH, because it would establish the Nicolas inequality for all sufficiently large numbers, and Nicolas proved his inequality is false for infinitely many numbers if RH is false.

The author's claimed proof of Theorem 7 takes up only about one page! At the very start of the proof, he refers to a Proposition 8-i, but said proposition is nowhere to be found in his paper. So that's the first flaw in his proof."

Boris Kupershmidt, "Remarks on a Nicolas Inequality", and "Remarks on Robin's and Nicolas Inequalities" (and a revision of the latter).

[G. Caveney comments:] "Maybe this is a joke, but it's strange that a math professor posted a joke that makes him look bad as a serious paper on his own faculty web page.

The first paper and the first version of the second paper claim to prove the Nicolas inequality, thus proving RH.

The second version of the second paper claims to disprove the Nicolas inequality. But at the end of the paper, rather than claim to have proved RH false, the author claims he has proved that Nicolas' results were mistaken.

Very strange."

L. Aizenberg, "Lindelöf's hypothesis is true and Riemann's one is not" (12/2007)

[abstract:] "We present an elementary, short and simple proof of the validity of the Lindelöf hypothesis about the Riemann zeta-function. The obtained estimate and classical results by Bohr-Landau and Littlewood disprove Riemann's hypothesis."

C. Castro, "The Riemann Hypothesis is a consequence of CT-invariant quantum mechanics" (submitted to J. Phys. A, 02/2007)

[abstract:] "The Riemann's hypothesis (RH) states that the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function are of the form $s_n =1/2 + i lambda_n$. By constructing a continuous family of scaling-like operators involving the Gauss-Jacobi theta series, and by invoking a novel CT-invariant Quantum Mechanics, involving a judicious charge conjugation $C$ and time reversal $T$ operation, we show why the Riemann Hypothesis is true."

This follows earlier attempts:

C. Castro, A. Granik, and J. Mahecha, "On SUSY-QM, fractal strings and steps towards a proof of the Riemann hypothesis" (2001)

Despite the humility of the title, this preprint does contain a (purported) proof of the RH. The following preprint examines the strategy proposed.

(abstract) "We comment on some apparently weak points in the novel strategies recently developed by various authors aiming at a proof of the Riemann hypothesis. After noting the existence of relevant previous papers where similar tools have been used, we refine some of these strategies. It is not clear at the moment if the problems we point out here can be resolved rigorously, and thus a proof of the RH be obtained, along the lines proposed. However, a specific suggestion of a procedure to overcome the encountered difficulties is made, what constitutes a step towards this goal."

This is the latest:

[abstract:] "The Riemann Hypothesis (RH) states that the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function are of the form $s_n =1/2+i lambda_n$. An improvement of our previous construction to prove the RH is presented by implementing the Hilbert-Pólya proposal and furnishing the Fractal Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanical (SUSY-QM) model whose spectrum reproduces the imaginary parts of the zeta zeros. We model the fractal fluctuations of the smooth Wu-Sprung potential (that capture the average level density of zeros) by recurring to a weighted superposition of Weierstrass functions $W(x,p,D)$ and where the summation has to be performed over all primes $p$ in order to recapture the connection between the distribution of zeta zeros and prime numbers. We proceed next with the construction of a smooth version of the fractal QM wave equation by writing an ordinary Schrödinger equation whose fluctuating potential (relative to the smooth Wu-Sprung potential) has the same functional form as the fluctuating part of the level density of zeros. The second approach to prove the RH relies on the existence of a continuous family of scaling-like operators involving the Gauss-Jacobi theta series. An explicit trace formula related to a superposition of eigenfunctions of these scaling-like operators is defined. If the trace relation is satisfied this could be another test of the Riemann Hypothesis."

A. Madrecki, "One page proof of Riemann Hypothesis" (09/2007)

[abstract:] "We give a short Wiener measure proof of the Riemann hypothesis based on a surprising, unexpected and deep relation between the Riemann zeta $\zeta(s)$ and the trivial zeta $\zeta_{t}(s):= Im(s)(2Re(s)-1)$."

Jinzhu Han, Zaizhu Han, "A proof of the Riemann Hypothesis" (06/2007)

[abstract:] "In this paper, a proof of the Riemann Hypothesis is given. We first obtain the ratio limited value of the Riemann zeta functions at non-trivial zero points by L'Hospital Rule. And then we prove that all non-trivial zero points of have real part 1/2. Thus, we provide evidence for the correctness of the Riemann Hypothesis."

Loreno Heer comments "There may be an error but I am not sure. In equation 14 they use L'Hospital Rule to calculate the mth derivative of the zeta function at a non-trivial zero. I think this is not allowed because the first derivative does already exist and then the rule can not be applied any further. Is this correct?"

G. Spencer-Brown, best known as the author of the cult book Laws of Form, has made public (06/2006) a purported proof of the Riemann Hypothesis, apparently destined to appear as an appendix in a new edition of LoF.

G. Spencer Brown, "A proof of Riemann's hypothesis via Denjoy's equivalent theorem" - another (2008) supposed RH proof from the reclusive author of Laws of Form.

A. Palmer, Proposed Proof of Riemann Hypothesis (03/2006)

The author of this preprint believes he has found a proof:

J.J. Garcia Moreta, "Chebyshev Partition function: A connection between statistical physics and Riemann Hypothesis" (09/2006)

[abstract:] "In this paper we present a method to obtain a possible self-adjoint Hamiltonian operator so its energies satisfy Z(1/2+iE_n)=0, which is an statement equivalent to Riemann Hypothesis, first we use the explicit formula for the Chebyshev function Psi(x) and apply the change x=exp(u), after that we consider an Statistical partition function involving the Chebyshev function and its derivative so Z=Tr(exp(-BH), from the integral definition of the partition function Z we try to obtain the Hamiltonian operator assuming that H=P^{2}+V(x) by proposing a Non-linear integral equation involving Z(B) and V(x)."

Jiang Chun-Xuan, "Disproofs of Riemann Hypothesis", Algebras, Groups and Geometries 22 (2005) 123–136

[abstract:] "As it is well known, the Riemann hypothesis on the zeros of the $\zeta(s)$ function has been assumed to be true in various basic developments of the 20th century mathematics, although it has never been proved to be correct. The need for a resolution of this open historical problem has been voiced by several distinguished mathematicians. By using preceding works, in this paper we present comprehensive disproofs of the Riemann hypothesis. Moreover, in 1994 the author discovered the arithmetic function $J_n(\omega)$ that can replace Riemann's $\zeta(s)$ function in view of its proved features: if, then the function has infinitely many prime solutions; and if $J_n(\omega) \neq 0$, then the function has finitely many prime solutions. By using the Jiang function $J_n(\omega)$ we prove the twin prime theorem, Goldbach's theorem and the prime theorem of the form $x^2 + 1$. Due to the importance of resolving the historical open nature of the Riemann hypothesis, comments by interested colleagues are here solicited."

H. Delille, who in 2004 began making and retracting claims that he had a proof of the Riemann hypothesis, provided this summary of his work, which involves the analytic continuation of Beurling zeta functions (August 2004).

K. Shi, "A geometric proof of Riemann Hypothesis" (07/2003)

[abstract:] "Beginning from the formal resolution of Riemann Zeta function, by using the formula of inner product between two infinite-dimensional vectors in the complex space, the author proved the world's baffling problem - Riemann hypothesis raised by German mathematician B. Riemann in 1859."

J. Perry, purported proof submitted to this site, 10/2002

C. Musès, "Some new considerations on the Bernoulli numbers, the factorial function, and Riemann's zeta function", Applied Mathematics and Computation 113 (2000) 1-21.

Curiously, although published, this includes a supposed proof of the RH on page 21. Musès recently died. You should be able to view a PDF version of this article at this site (just login as a guest).

Chengyan Liu, "Riemann Hypothesis" (09/1999)

[abstract:] "Through an equivalent condition on the Farey series set forth by Franel and Landau, we prove Riemann Hypothesis for the Riemann zeta-function and the Dirichlet L-function. "

Two proofs of the Riemann Hypothesis by the illustrious Archimedes (formerly Ludwig) Plutonium (08/1993)

R. Herrera, "On the real part of non-trivial zeros of Riemann's zeta function" (unpublished manuscript, 1987)

Prof. Herrera, of the School of Mathematics at the University of Costa Rica, passed away recently. One of his former students brought this manuscript to my attention, asking "How can I help this former professor of mine fulfill his dream of having his paper published and if proven correctly receive recognition for his life's work?"

Prof. Hwang's daughter supplied the following three unpublished manuscripts recently found amongst her deceased father's papers:
J.S. Hwang, "On the first exceptional zero of Riemann's zeta-function"
J.S. Hwang, "The quickest disproof of Riemann's Hypothesis"
J.S. Hwang, "On the falsity of Riemann's Hypothesis"

suggested refutation of Pradas' alleged proof

J. Constant, "Proof of Riemann's Hypothesis"

S. Huang, "Prime numbers as lawful creatures of the mind" (purports to contain a sort of philosophical/psychological 'proof' of the RH)

The respected French economist Henri Berliocchi (who also seems to have extensive interests in homeopathy and mathematics) has brought out a book called Infirmation de l'hypothese Riemann (Economica, Paris, 2001: ISBN 2-7178342-6) in which he claims to have disproved the Riemann Hypothesis. It appears that Berliocchi has not produced a counterexample (i.e. a nontrivial zero of the zeta function off the critical line), but instead used an argument by contradiction. An English translation was made available in 2016.

C.A. Feinstein, "The Collatz 3n+1 conjecture is unprovable" (02/2004)

[abstract:] "In this paper, we show that any proof of the Collatz 3n+1 Conjecture must have an infinite number of lines. Therefore, no formal proof is possible. We also discuss whether the proof strategy in this paper has any promise for proving that the Riemann Hypothesis is also unprovable."

"Gödel's result was a major body blow to mathematicians everywhere. There were so many statements about numbers, and especially prime numbers, which appeared to be true but we had no idea how to prove. Goldbach: that every number is the sum of two prime numbers; Twin Primes: that there are infinitely many primes differing by 2, such as 17 and 19. Were these going to be statements that we couldn't prove from the existing axiomatic foundations?

There is no denying that it was an unnerving state of affairs. Maybe the Riemann Hypothesis was simply unprovable within our current axiomatic description of what we think we mean by arithmetic. Many mathematicians consoled themselves with the belief that anything that is really important should be provable, that it is only tortuous statements with no valuable mathematical content that will end up being one of Gödel's unprovable statements.

But Gödel was not so sure. In 1951, he questioned whether our current axioms were sufficient for many of the problems of number theory.

"One is faced with an infinite series of axioms which can be extended further and further, without any end being visible...It is true that in the mathematics of today the higher levels of this hierarchy are practically never used...it is not altogether unlikely that this character of present-day mathematics may have something to do with its inability to prove certain fundamental theorems, such as, for example, Riemann's Hypothesis." "

from M. du Sautoy, The Music of the Primes (Fourth Estate, 2003)

notes on C. Deninger's approach to the RH and a talk of his which "gave...the impression that a proof of the Riemann hypothesis is just around the corner..."

Louis de Branges attempts to clarify his "proof" of the Riemann Hypothesis

"...explains the mathematical motivation for his Riemann Hypothesis proof and reveals that he proved the Bieberbach conjecture so that he could get funding to work on the Riemann Hypothesis."

In June 2004, Louis de Branges announced another proof of the Riemann Hypothesis. "However", cautions Eric Weisstein's Mathworld, "both the 23-page preprint cited in the release (which is actually from 2003) and a longer preprint from 2004 on de Branges's home page seem to lack an actual proof. Furthermore, a counterexample to de Branges's approach due to Conrey and Li has been known since 1998. The media coverage therefore appears to be much ado about nothing."

"Comment l'hypothèse de Riemann ne fut pas prouvee" ["How the Riemann Hypothesis was not proved" (Excerpts from two letters from P. Cartier to A. Weil, dated 12th and 15th September 1979)], Theorie des nombres, Semin. Delange-Pisot-Poitou, Paris 1980–81, Prog. Math. 22 (1982) 35–48

(April fool?) "proof" of RH by Shalosh B. Ekhad

what appears to be a sort of prophecy that the RH will be proven by 2003

J. Caveney, "TI-30XA calculator confirms proof of Riemann Hypothesis based on ZetaGrid data"
(JC: "No, it's not serious. But it's amusing.")

T. McAlee's theological "proof" of the RH

J. Partington, "How I Proved the Riemann Hypothesis" (very British humour!)

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