A Dilogarithmic integration by parts

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the reflection formula for the Dilogarithm, $$\text{Li}_2(x)$$, using its logarithmic integral representation. Participants explore the properties of the Dilogarithm and touch upon related concepts, including the Trilogarithm.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the definition of the Dilogarithm and the reflection formula that needs to be proven.
  • Post 2 expresses appreciation for the proof and notes the absence of a simple relation for the Trilogarithm.
  • Post 3 mentions a quasi-reflection formula for the Trilogarithm, which involves $$\text{Li}_{3} \left( 1-\frac{1}{x} \right)$$.
  • Post 4 reiterates the existence of a quasi-reflection formula for the Trilogarithm and reflects on the participant's familiarity with Trilogarithmic identities.
  • Post 5 compliments the proof provided by another participant, indicating a positive reception of the work done.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express appreciation for the proof of the Dilogarithm reflection formula, but there is no consensus on the existence or simplicity of relations for the Trilogarithm, indicating multiple competing views on this topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific mathematical identities and properties, but does not resolve the complexities surrounding the Trilogarithm or its relationships.

DreamWeaver
Messages
297
Reaction score
0
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...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
$$\text{Li}_{2}(x) = -\int_{0}^{x} \frac{\ln(1-t)}{t} \ dt$$

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)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K