Peskin Eq 11.72, mathematical identity

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on Eq 11.72 from Peskin's Quantum Field Theory text, which presents a mathematical identity involving the logarithm of a function and its derivative. The identity states that the logarithm of \(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2}\) is equivalent to the negative derivative of \(\frac{1}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{\alpha}}\) evaluated at \(\alpha=0\). A participant expresses confusion regarding the derivation of this identity, specifically questioning the differentiation process and its implications. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the manipulation of derivatives in the context of quantum field theory.

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This discussion is beneficial for students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those focusing on quantum field theory and mathematical physics. It is also useful for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mathematical identities and their applications in physics.

Hao
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In Eq 11.72 in the QFT text by Peskin, the following equality is stated:

i\int\frac{d^{d}k_{E}}{(2\pi)^{d}}\log(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})=-i\frac{\partial}{\partial\alpha}\int\frac{d^{d}k_{E}}{(2\pi)^{d}}\frac{1}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{\alpha}}|_{\alpha=0}

This suggests that

\log(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})=-\frac{\partial}{\partial\alpha}\frac{1}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{\alpha}}|_{\alpha=0}

However, I can't see how this identity follows. Differentiating the right hand side gives

-\frac{\partial}{\partial\alpha}\frac{1}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{\alpha}}|_{\alpha=0}=\frac{\alpha}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{\alpha+1}}|_{\alpha=0}\rightarrow\frac{0}{(k_{E}^{2}+m^{2})^{1}}

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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\partial_\alpha x^\alpha = \partial_\alpha e^{\alpha \log x} = e^{\alpha \log x} \log x= x^\alpha \log x
 
Awesome!

Thanks!
 

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