Can Gamma Functions Be Evaluated Analytically for Non-Integer Values?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analytical evaluation of Gamma functions, specifically questioning whether values like ##\Gamma(\frac{3}{4})## can be computed analytically beyond integers and half-integers. It confirms that the integral definition of the Gamma function, ##\Gamma(x)=\int^{\infty}_0 \xi^{x-1}e^{-\xi}d \xi##, converges only for ##x>0##. The relationship ##\Gamma(x+1)=x\Gamma(x)## is valid through partial integration, and the use of Gauß' formula allows for the evaluation of Gamma functions in the complex plane, excluding singularities at non-positive integers.

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I have two questions related Gamma functions

1. Finding ##\Gamma## analytically. Is that possible only for integers and halfintegers? Or is it possible mayble for some other numbers? For example is it possible to find analytically ##\Gamma(\frac{3}{4})##?

2. Integral ##\Gamma(x)=\int^{\infty}_0 \xi^{x-1}e^{-\xi}d \xi ## converge only for ##x>0## in real analysis. How can we then write ##\Gamma(\frac{1}{2})=\Gamma(-\frac{1}{2}+1)## when relation ##\Gamma(x+1)=x\Gamma(x)## is derived from partial integration?
 
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How about to use Gauß' formula for ##x \in ℂ \backslash \{0, -1, -2, \dots \}## instead:

$$Γ(x) =\lim_{n→\infty} \frac{n!n^x}{x(x+1) \cdots (x+n)}$$

Edit: It's sufficient to require ##Re(x) > 0## for the integral formula.
 
The gamma function has singularities at 0 and negative integers. Using analytic continuation the function can be defined elsewhere.
 

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