Journal of Integer Sequences, Vol. 10 (2007), Article 07.3.8

Using Bonse's Inequality to Find Upper Bounds on Prime Gaps


Robert J. Betts
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
One University Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854
USA

Abstract:

One can apply Bonse's inequality to points on the real line to find an upper bound on any prime gap, including both for first occurrences and for maximal prime gaps. However, such a result is neither as fine as the upper bound found by Mozzochi, nor as fine as the lower bound obtained by Rankin for maximal prime gaps. Without deep sieve methods, such as those used by Maier and Pomerance to compute a lower bound for maximal prime gaps, we show one can use Bonse's inequality to arrive at an upper bound for any given prime gap without intricate derivations for any real constants.


Full version:  pdf,    dvi,    ps,    latex    


(Concerned with sequence A001223.)

Received January 30 2007; revised version received April 13 2007. Published in Journal of Integer Sequences, April 13 2007.


Return to Journal of Integer Sequences home page