Journal of Integer Sequences, Vol. 29 (2026), Article 26.4.8

Ramanujan and a Combinatorial Identity Involving Harmonic Numbers


Horst Alzer
Morsbacher Straße 10
51545 Waldbröl
Germany

Man Kam Kwong
Department of Applied Mathematics
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hunghom, Hong Kong

Abstract:

We show that trigonometric series and integral formulas given by Ramanujan can be applied to deduce a new summation identity involving binomial coefficients and the classical harmonic number Hn = 1 + 1/2 + ... + 1/n. Moreover, we prove that for n ≥ 2 the sum H2 + H3 + ... + Hn is not an integer.


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(Concerned with sequences A001008 A002805.)


Received May 7 2026; revised versions received August 4 2026; August 5 2026. Published in Journal of Integer Sequences, August 14 2026.


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