A Tauberian theorem deduces an asymptotic for the partial sums of a sequence of
nonnegative real numbers from analytic properties of an associated Dirichlet series.
Tauberian theorems appear in a tremendous variety of applications, ranging from
well-known classical applications in analytic number theory, to new applications in
arithmetic statistics, group theory, and the intersection of number theory and
algebraic geometry. The goal of this article is to provide a useful reference for
practitioners who wish to apply a Tauberian theorem. We explain the hypotheses
and proofs of two types of Tauberian theorems: one with and one without an explicit
remainder term. We furthermore provide counterexamples that illuminate that
neither theorem can reach an essentially stronger conclusion unless its hypothesis is
strengthened.
Dedicated to John B. Friedlander and
Henryk Iwaniec in honor of their long-standing commitment to
exposition.