Asymptotic behavior of this function?

In summary, the conversation is about estimating the asymptotic behavior of a function and finding a closed form function that approaches it as x goes to infinity. It is suggested to use Stirling's approximation for the factorial function. A link to another helpful approximation is also provided.
  • #1
asmani
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0
Hi

How to estimate the asymptotic behavior of this function?

[tex]f(x)=\sum_{k=1}^{x}\log(k)[/tex]
I mean, a closed form function g(x) such that f(x)/g(x) tends to 1 as x goes to infinity.
 
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  • #2
asmani said:
Hi

How to estimate the asymptotic behavior of this function?

[tex]f(x)=\sum_{k=1}^{x}\log(k)[/tex]
I mean, a closed form function g(x) such that f(x)/g(x) tends to 1 as x goes to infinity.

x is an integer, yes? Then [itex]f(x) = \log(x!)[/itex]. The standard asymptotic approximation for the factorial function is Stirling's approximation.
 
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  • #3
Haha, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
 

Related to Asymptotic behavior of this function?

1. What is asymptotic behavior of a function?

The asymptotic behavior of a function refers to how the function behaves as the input approaches a certain value, often infinity. It describes the long-term behavior of the function and is useful in understanding the overall trend of the function.

2. How is asymptotic behavior different from actual behavior?

Asymptotic behavior describes the trend of a function as the input approaches a certain value, while actual behavior refers to the exact values of the function at specific inputs. Asymptotic behavior can give insight into the overall behavior of a function, while actual behavior provides specific information about the function at certain points.

3. What are some common types of asymptotic behavior?

There are several common types of asymptotic behavior, including linear, logarithmic, exponential, and polynomial. Linear asymptotic behavior means the function grows at a constant rate, logarithmic asymptotic behavior means the function grows at a decreasing rate, exponential asymptotic behavior means the function grows at an increasing rate, and polynomial asymptotic behavior means the function grows at a rate determined by its highest degree term.

4. How is asymptotic behavior useful in real-world applications?

Asymptotic behavior can be useful in predicting the behavior of systems or processes that involve functions. For example, in economics, asymptotic behavior can help determine the long-term trends of supply and demand. In computer science, it can help analyze the efficiency of algorithms. In physics, it can help understand the behavior of physical systems over time.

5. Are there any limitations to using asymptotic behavior to understand a function?

While asymptotic behavior can provide valuable information about the overall trend of a function, it does not give precise information about the function at specific points. Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as plotting the function or using calculus, to fully understand the behavior of a function.

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