Maximum of exponential random variables, Hurwitz’s zeta function, and the partition function

A natural problem in the context of the coupon collector’s problem is the behavior of the maximum of independent geometrically distributed random variables (with distinct parameters). This question has been addressed by Brennan et al. [British J. Math. Computer Sci. 8 (2015), 330–336]. Here we provide explicit asymptotic expressions for the moments of that maximum, as well as of the maximum of exponential random variables with corresponding parameters. We also deal with the probability of each of the variables being the maximal one. The calculations lead to expressions involving Hurwitz’s zeta function at certain special points. We find here explicitly the values of the function at these points. Also, the distribution function of the maximum we deal with is closely related to the generating function of the partition function. Thus, our results (and proofs) rely on classical results pertaining to the partition function.