English

Precise error estimate of the Brent-McMillan algorithm for the computation of Euler's constant

Classical Analysis and ODEs 2017-12-12 v3

Abstract

Brent and McMillan introduced in 1980 a new algorithm for the computation of Euler's constant γ\gamma, based on the use of the Bessel functions I\_0(x) and K\_0(x). It is the fastest known algorithm for the computation of γ\gamma. The time complexity can still be improved by evaluating a certain divergent asymptotic expansion up to its minimal term. Brent-McMillan conjectured in 1980 that the error is of the same magnitude as the last computed term, and Brent-Johansson partially proved it in 2015. They also gave some numerical evidence for a more precise estimate of the error term. We find here an explicit expression of that optimal estimate, along with a complete self-contained formal proof and an even more precise error bound.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1610.01893,
  title  = {Precise error estimate of the Brent-McMillan algorithm for the computation of Euler's constant},
  author = {Jean-Pierre Demailly},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1610.01893},
  year   = {2017}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-22T16:13:09.423Z