A Dilogarithmic integration by parts

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the reflection formula for the Dilogarithm, denoted as $$\text{Li}_2(x)$$, using its logarithmic integral representation. The formula established is $$\text{Li}_2(x) + \text{Li}_2(1-x) = \frac{\pi^2}{6} - \log x \log (1-x)$$, with $$\text{Li}_2(1)$$ equating to $$\frac{\pi^2}{6}$$. Participants also mention the existence of a quasi-reflection formula for the Trilogarithm, $$\text{Li}_{3}$$, which involves additional complexity. The conversation highlights the elegance of the proof provided by a user named Zaid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dilogarithm and its integral representation
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and properties
  • Knowledge of series expansions, specifically $$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k^2}$$
  • Basic grasp of the Riemann Zeta function, particularly $$\zeta(2)$$
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Dilogarithm function and its applications
  • Explore the quasi-reflection formula for the Trilogarithm, $$\text{Li}_{3}$$
  • Investigate the relationship between logarithmic integrals and special functions
  • Learn about advanced series convergence techniques and their proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of advanced calculus, and researchers in number theory or special functions will benefit from this discussion.

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From the logarithmic integral representation of the Dilogarithm, $$\text{Li}_2(x)$$, $$|x| \le 1$$, prove the reflection formula for the Dilogarithm. Dilogarithm definition:$$\text{Li}_2(x) = -\int_0^1\frac{\log(1-xt)}{t}\, dt = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^k}{k^2}$$Dilogarithm reflection formula:$$\text{Li}_2(x) + \text{Li}_2(1-x) = \frac{\pi^2}{6}-\log x\log (1-x)$$Where$$\text{Li}_2(1) = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{k^2} = \zeta(2) = \frac{\pi^2}{6}$$Hint:
The clue is in the thread title...
 
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$$\text{Li}_{2}(x) = -\int_{0}^{x} \frac{\ln(1-t)}{t} \ dt$$

Let $u = 1-t$.

Then

$$ \text{Li}_{2}(x) = -\int_{1-x}^{1} \frac{\ln w}{1-w} \ dw$$

Now integrate by parts.

$$ \text{Li}_{2}(x) = \ln(1-w) \ln(w) \Big|^{1}_{1-x} - \int_{1-x}^{1} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw$$

$$ = - \ln(x) \ln(1-x) - \int_{0}^{1} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw + \int_{0}^{1-x} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw$$

$$ =- \ln(x) \ln(1-x) + \frac{\pi^{2}}{6} - \text{Li}_{2}(1-x)$$
 
Random Variable said:
$$\text{Li}_{2}(x) = -\int_{0}^{x} \frac{\ln(1-t)}{t} \ dt$$

Let $u = 1-t$.

Then

$$ \text{Li}_{2}(x) = -\int_{1-x}^{1} \frac{\ln w}{1-w} \ dw$$

Now integrate by parts.

$$ \text{Li}_{2}(x) = \ln(1-w) \ln(w) \Big|^{1}_{1-x} - \int_{1-x}^{1} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw$$

$$ = - \ln(x) \ln(1-x) - \int_{0}^{1} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw + \int_{0}^{1-x} \frac{\ln(1-w)}{w} \ dw$$

$$ =- \ln(x) \ln(1-x) + \frac{\pi^{2}}{6} - \text{Li}_{2}(1-x)$$
Nicely done, RV! (Poolparty)

Too bad there's no such easy relation for the Trilogarithm, eh? (Headbang)
 
There is a quasi-reflection formula for the trilogarithm, but it also involves $\text{Li}_{3} \left( 1-\frac{1}{x} \right)$. But I'm sure you already knew that.
 
Random Variable said:
There is a quasi-reflection formula for the trilogarithm, but it also involves $\text{Li}_{3} \left( 1-\frac{1}{x} \right)$. But I'm sure you already knew that.
That sounds vaguely familiar. Although, to be fair, it's been a very long time since I've worked on Trilogarithmic identities... (Bad mammal! (Headbang) )
 
Let

$$f(x)=\text{Li}_2(x)+\text{Li}_2(1-x)$$

By differentiation

$$f'(x)=-\frac{\log(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\log(x)}{1-x}$$

Now integrate to obtain

$$f(x)=-\log(x)\log(1-x)+C$$

Take $x\to 1$ we get $C=\text{Li}_2(1)$

$$f(x)=\text{Li}_2(x)+\text{Li}_2(1-x)=\zeta(2)-\log(x)\log(1-x)$$
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
Let

$$f(x)=\text{Li}_2(x)+\text{Li}_2(1-x)$$

By differentiation

$$f'(x)=-\frac{\log(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\log(x)}{1-x}$$

Now integrate to obtain

$$f(x)=-\log(x)\log(1-x)+C$$

Take $x\to 1$ we get $C=\text{Li}_2(1)$

$$f(x)=\text{Li}_2(x)+\text{Li}_2(1-x)=\zeta(2)-\log(x)\log(1-x)$$

That's a beautiful proof, Zaid! Very nicely done... (Rock)
 

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