The number of positive integers \(\leq x\) and free of prime factors \(>y\) (Q1064342)

Let \(\Psi(x,y)\) denote the number defined in the title. According to a classical result of \textit{N. G. de Bruijn} [Ned. Akad. Wet. Proc., Ser. A 54, 50-60 (1951; Zbl 0042.04204)] the asymptotic formula \(\Psi(x,y)\sim x \rho (u)\), where \(u=\log x/\log y\) and \(\rho(u)\) is the Dickman function, holds uniformly in the range \(1\leq u\leq (\log x)^{3/8-\varepsilon}\), as \(y\to \infty\). Using a probabilistic approach, the author shows that the lower bound \(\Psi(x,y)\gg x \rho (u)\) remains valid in the larger range \(1\leq u\leq \log x/(\log \log x)^{5/3+\varepsilon},\) and derives a similar, but weaker bound for the range \(1\leq u\leq \log x/(1+\log \log x).\) (Remark: These results have been improved in the meantime by the reviewer; see the review Zbl 0575.10038).