On the Mathieu mock theta function (Q413800): Difference between revisions

The title of the paper refers to a mock theta function, defined in terms of Appell-Lerch series, whose Fourier coefficients \(A(n)\) are related to the Mathieu group \(M_{24}\) much like the Fourier coefficients of the \(j\)-function are related to the monster group. The author shows that \(A(n) \equiv 0 \pmod{3}\) if \(n \equiv 1,2 \pmod{3}\) and \(A(n) \equiv 0 \pmod{5}\) if \(n \equiv 1,3 \pmod{5}\). He leaves as conjectures similar congruences modulo \(7\), \(11\), and \(23\). The idea behind the proof is that when \(A(n)\) is restricted to certain arithmetic progressions, the mock theta function becomes a weakly holomorphic modular form. After multiplying by a suitable modular form to cancel any poles, one can then establish congruences with a finite computation.