MHB A Dilogarithmic integration by parts

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the reflection formula for the Dilogarithm, given its logarithmic integral representation. The formula states that the sum of the Dilogarithm at x and 1-x equals a specific expression involving π² and logarithms. The definition of the Dilogarithm is provided, along with its relationship to the Riemann zeta function. Additionally, there is mention of a quasi-reflection formula for the Trilogarithm, though it is more complex. Overall, the thread highlights the elegance of the proof for the Dilogarithm's reflection formula.
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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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