Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 April 2009
A new linear expression in σ(ν), ν = l, 2, …, n, which vanishes identically is established. A linear expression in σ(ν)'s has been found for σ3(n). A similar expression in σ3(ν)'s has been proved for σ7(n) also, Ramanujan's τ(n) = P24(n-1) is given in three different ways as linear expressions in σ2k+1(n) and σK(ν)'s with k = 1, 3, 5 respectively. Again, the coefficient p48(n-2) is expressed as a linear expression in σ11(v)'S and σ5(ν)'s. In establishing these results advantage is taken of the general theorem, also established, that the coefficients of the square of a power series whose coefficients satisfy a certain functional equation are expressible as linear functions of the latter coefficients.