Weighted Generalizations of Zagier's Phenomenon

Source abstract

We study sums associated with the action of $PGL_2(\mathbb Z)$ on continuous piecewise polynomial functions with exactly two real roots, both irrational. We form weighted sums of the positive parts of their normalized transforms, using nonnegative weights compatible with translation, reflection, and inversion. Under suitable continuity, finiteness, and convergence assumptions, we prove that these sums are well defined, bounded, $1$-periodic, and continuous on $\mathbb R$, and satisfy a reciprocal functional equation. We also extend the construction to finite families of distinct function orbits. Our framework recovers Zagier's constancy result and includes the full family of quadratic sums for which Bengoechea proved convergence.