Help with Stirlings formula please

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In summary, the conversation is about finding the equivalence of 4n and 2n as n approaches infinity, using Stirling's formula and the combination symbol. The conversation involves various attempts and questions from the person seeking help, and ultimately they receive clarification and understanding thanks to the assistance of others.
  • #1
james.farrow
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Help with Stirlings formula please!

Show that

4n is equivalent to lambda/n^1/2(16)^n as n-> infinity
2n

Now using


p is eqquivalent to p!/q!(p-q)!
q

and n = (2*pi*n)^1/2(n/e)^n

so 4n = (8*pi*n)^1/2(4n/e)^4n

and 2n = (4*pi*n)^1/2(2n/e)^2n

now try as I might I can't get it to work out - thus being able to find lambda??
perhaps my algebra is not what is used to be!

Can anyone give me some gentle prods please...

Many thanks

James
 
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  • #2


4n! ~ (8*pi*n)1/2(4n/e)4n
(2n!)2 ~ (4*pi*n)(2n/e))4n


4n!/(2n!)2 ~ [(2*pi*n)-1/2]24n = [(2*pi*n)-1/2]16n
 
  • #3


Hi thanks for the reply, but can you explain/expand your answer please!

I can see 4n! ~ (8*pi*n)1/2(4n/e)4n

but where does (2n!)^2 ~ (4*pi*n)(2n/e))4n come from?

This maybe a really silly question but here goes...

Why is (2n!)^2?

Many Thanks

James
 
  • #4


Your question is for [4n,2n] (the combination symbol) which is 4n!/{(2n!)(2n!)}

(2n!)^2 is just (2n!)(2n!), where the second 2n is simply 4n-2n.
 
  • #5


Thanks Mathman, after a bit of chewing on last night I 'got it'


Thanks for your help

James
 

1. What is Stirling's formula?

Stirling's formula is a mathematical approximation used to calculate the factorial of a large number. It is named after Scottish mathematician James Stirling.

2. How is Stirling's formula derived?

Stirling's formula is derived using the Gamma function and the method of steepest descent. It is a commonly used approximation for factorials when the number is large.

3. Can Stirling's formula be used for all numbers?

No, Stirling's formula is only accurate for large numbers. It becomes less accurate as the number decreases and is not suitable for small numbers.

4. How accurate is Stirling's formula?

The accuracy of Stirling's formula depends on the size of the number. As the number gets larger, the accuracy increases. For very large numbers, the formula can be accurate up to several decimal places.

5. What are some applications of Stirling's formula?

Stirling's formula is commonly used in statistics, physics, and computer science to approximate factorials and make calculations easier. It is also used in the analysis of algorithms and in the derivation of other mathematical formulas.

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