Let $\psi(x):=\sum\_{n\leq x}\Lambda(n)$ denotes the 2nd Chebyshev function, where $\Lambda$ stands for the von Mangoldt function. Are there any known (and 'nice') estimates for the change rates $\psi(x+h)-\psi(x)$ for general or special $x$ and $h$?


Thanks in advance,


efq



Change rates of the 2nd Chebyshev function
There is the asymptotic estimate $\psi(x+h) - \psi(x) \sim h$ for $x^{7/12 + \epsilon} \leq h \leq x$, valid for any $\epsilon > 0$. This is due to M. N. Huxley, and dates to 1972. I am not aware of any better range for $h$ if you want asymptotic equality. But if you are satisfied with an order of magnitude result, you can have $c\_1h \leq \psi(x+h) - \psi(x) \leq c\_2h$ with $c\_1$ and $c\_2$ positive constants and $x^{\theta} \leq h \leq x$ for some $\theta$ slightly larger than $0.5$. I can't give references offhand, but you should be able to find such papers by searching on R. C. Baker, G. Harman, J. Pintz in Mathscinet.


