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Denote $f(x)$ the analytic continuation of $\sum_{n=0}^\infty \chi(n)x^n$, where $\chi$ denotes the Dirichlet character $\operatorname{mod} k(k>1)$. Show that $$f^2(x)=\ f^2\left(\frac1x\right).$$

Attempt
Knowing that $\chi$ has a period $k$, $$f(x)=\sum_{m=0}^\infty\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)x^{mk+n}\\ =\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\sum_{m=0}^\infty\chi(n)x^{mk+n}\\ =\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)\frac{x^n}{1-x^k}$$ $$f\left(\frac1x\right)=\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)\frac{x^{-n}}{1-x^{-k}}\\=-\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)\frac{x^{k-n}}{1-x^{k}}$$

Kemono Chen
  • 8,629

1 Answers1

3

Just completing the attempt.
$$f\left(\frac1x\right)=-\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)\frac{x^{k-n}}{1-x^{k}}\\ =-\sum_{n=1}^{k}\chi(k-n)\frac{x^{n}}{1-x^{k}}\\ =-\sum_{n=1}^{k}\chi(-n)\frac{x^{n}}{1-x^{k}}\\ =-\chi(-1)\sum_{n=1}^{k}\chi(n)\frac{x^{n}}{1-x^{k}}\\ =-\chi(-1)\sum_{n=0}^{k-1}\chi(n)\frac{x^{n}}{1-x^{k}}$$ Since $\chi(-1)=\pm1$, squaring both sides and comparing to the $f(x)$ equation I gave lead to the conclusion.

Kemono Chen
  • 8,629