Binomial Integral for Non-Negative Integer $n$

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter juantheron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Binomial Integral
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral \( I_{n} = \int_{0}^{1} \binom{x}{n} dx \) for non-negative integers \( n \). Participants explore the validity of the binomial coefficient for continuous values of \( x \) and its implications for the integral, touching on definitions and alternative formulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the formulation of \( \binom{x}{n} \) as it traditionally applies to integers, suggesting that it may not make sense for continuous \( x \).
  • Others propose using the gamma function to extend the definition of the binomial coefficient to real numbers, indicating a potential pathway for evaluation.
  • A participant suggests treating \( \binom{x}{n} \) as a polynomial when \( n \) is a non-negative integer, which may allow for the integration to proceed.
  • Another participant introduces the binomial series expansion as a method to compute the integral, linking it to the McLaurin series of a related function.
  • Further contributions detail a recursive approach to derive values of \( I_{n} \) based on identities involving the coefficients of the McLaurin expansion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the initial formulation of the integral and the applicability of the binomial coefficient. While some suggest alternative definitions and methods, there is no consensus on a definitive approach to evaluate \( I_{n} \).

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the assumptions about the continuity of \( x \) and the definitions of the binomial coefficient. The reliance on different mathematical frameworks, such as polynomials and gamma functions, indicates unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations.

juantheron
Messages
243
Reaction score
1
for a non nagative integer $n$, If $\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1}\binom{x}{n}dx$, then $I_{n}=$

where $\displaystyle \binom{n}{r} = \frac{n!}{r!.(n-r)!}$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jacks said:
for a non nagative integer $n$, If $\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1}\binom{x}{n}dx$, then $I_{n}=$

where $\displaystyle \binom{n}{r} = \frac{n!}{r!.(n-r)!}$
This does not make sense because on the one hand I assume x is meant to be continuous over the interval [0, 1] and yet on the other hand the combinatorial as you have defined it is only valid for integer values of x.
 
Mr Fantastic said:
This does not make sense because on the one hand I assume x is meant to be continuous over the interval [0, 1] and yet on the other hand the combinatorial as you have defined it is only valid for integer values of x.

May be for real \(x\) and \(r\) a natural number he intends:
\[{x \choose r}=\frac{\Gamma(x+1)}{r!\;\Gamma(x-r+1)}\]

Though my money is on asking the wrong question.

CB
 
jacks said:
for a non nagative integer $n$, If $\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1}\binom{x}{n}dx$, then $I_{n}=$

where $\displaystyle \binom{n}{r} = \frac{n!}{r!.(n-r)!}$

Can you please post the original, or full question? As MrF points out as asked this makes no sense so we suspect this is not the full or actual question.

CB
 
According to...

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/BinomialCoefficient.html

... the definition of the factorial function as...

$\displaystyle z!=\int_{0}^{\infty} t^{z}\ e^{-t}\ dt$ (1)

... allows the definition of binomial coefficient as...

$\displaystyle \binom {x}{y}= \frac{x!}{y!\ (x-y)!}$

... where x and y are, in most general case, complex numbers...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
According to...

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/BinomialCoefficient.html

... the definition of the factorial function as...

$\displaystyle z!=\int_{0}^{\infty} t^{z}\ e^{-t}\ dt$ (1)

... allows the definition of binomial coefficient as...

$\displaystyle \binom {x}{y}= \frac{x!}{y!\ (x-y)!}$

... where x and y are, in most general case, complex numbers...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Which is the same thing as replacing them by gamma functions.

CB
 
We can avoid reference to the gamma function if we regard \( \binom{x}{n} \) as a polynomial when n is non-negative integer:
\( \binom{x}{n} = \frac{x (x-1) (x-2) \cdots (x-n+1)} {n!} \)

See "Binomial coefficients as polynomials" in
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binomial_coefficient
 
Very well!... now that is seems that $\displaystyle \binom{x}{n}$ is a polynomial of degree n in x, we can proceed to the computation of $\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1} \binom{x}{n}\ dx$. To do that let's start from the well known binomial series expansion...

$\displaystyle (1+t)^{x}= \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \binom{x}{n}\ t^{n}$ (1)

... and then we use (1) to arrive to the identity...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{1} (1+t)^{x}\ dx= \frac{t}{\ln (1+t)} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} t^{n}\ \int_{0}^{1} \binom{x}{n}\ dx$ (2)

But the (2) is the McLaurin expansion of $\displaystyle \frac{t}{\ln (1+t)}$ so that is...

$\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1} \binom{x}{n}\ dx= \frac{1}{n!}\ \lim_{t \rightarrow 0} \frac{d^{n}}{d x^{n}}\ \frac{t}{\ln (1+t)}$ (3)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
As seen in the previous post the $\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{1} \binom{x}{n}\ dx$ are the coefficients of the McLaurin expansion of the function $\displaystyle f(t)=\frac{t}{\ln (1+t)}$. Because is...

$\displaystyle \frac{\ln (1+t)}{t} = 1 -\frac{t}{2}+\frac{t^{2}}{3}-...$ (1)

... a comfortable way to compute them is to impose the identity...

$\displaystyle (I_{0}+I_{1}\ t +I_{2}\ t^{2}+...)\ (1 -\frac{t}{2}+\frac{t^{2}}{3}-...)=1$ (2)

... and from (2) we derive recursively...

$\displaystyle I_{0}=1$

$\displaystyle I_{1}=\frac{I_{0}}{2}=\frac{1}{2}$

$\displaystyle I_{2}=\frac{I_{1}}{2}-\frac{I_{0}}{3}=-\frac{1}{12}$

$\displaystyle I_{3}=\frac{I_{2}}{2}-\frac{I_{1}}{3}+\frac{I_{0}}{4}=\frac{1}{24}$

... and so one...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K