A Remarkable Summation Formula, Lattice Tilings, and Fluctuations

Abstract

We derive and prove an explicit formula for the sum of the fractional parts of certain geometric series. Although the proof is straightforward, we have been unable to locate any reference to this result. This summation formula allows us to efficiently analyze the average behavior of certain common nonlinear dynamical systems, such as the angle-doubling map, $x\mapsto 2x$ modulo 1. In particular, one can use this information to analyze how the behavior of individual orbits deviates from the global average (called fluctuations). More generally, the formula is valid in ${\mathbb{R}}^m$, where expanding maps give rise to so-called number systems. To illustrate the usefulness in this setting, we compute the fluctuations of a certain map on the plane.