English

An algorithm for the Faulhaber polynomials

Number Theory 2021-03-16 v1

Abstract

Let Sp(n)S_p(n) denote the sum of ppth powers of the first nn positive integers 1p+2p++np1^p + 2^p + \cdots + n^p. In this paper, first we express Sp(n)S_p(n) in the so-called Faulhaber form, namely, as an even or odd polynomial in (n+1/2)(n + 1/2), according as pp is odd or even. Then, using the relation Sp(n)Sp(n1)=npS_p(n) - S_p(n-1) = n^p, we derive a recursive formula for the associated Faulhaber coefficients. Applying Cramer's rule to the corresponding system of equations, we obtain an explicit determinant formula for the said coefficients. Furthermore, we show how to convert the (even or odd) Faulhaber polynomials in (n+1/2)(n+ 1/2) into polynomials in S1(n)S_1(n) for any arbitrary pp, and vice versa.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2103.08553,
  title  = {An algorithm for the Faulhaber polynomials},
  author = {José L. Cereceda},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2103.08553},
  year   = {2021}
}

Comments

10 pages

R2 v1 2026-06-24T00:11:25.854Z