Compute Residue of $\Gamma(z)$ at Negative Integers & 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the residue of the Gamma function, $\Gamma(z)$, at its poles, specifically at negative integers and zero. Participants explore various methods and representations of the Gamma function, including its integral representation and properties related to its poles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting by logarithmically differentiating the Gamma function to find the residues at its poles.
  • Another participant proposes using the integral representation of the Gamma function and mentions the need to split the integral to extend it past certain integers, potentially applying Fubini's theorem.
  • A later post presents a method for calculating the residue using the limit definition and substitution involving the Gamma function's properties, leading to the expression for the residue as $\frac{(-1)^m}{m!}$.
  • One participant confirms the correctness of the residue calculation and highlights the importance of the functional equation $\Gamma(z+1) = z\Gamma(z)$ in the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While there is some agreement on the final expression for the residue, the discussion includes multiple approaches and methods, indicating that there are competing views on how best to derive the result.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of the Gamma function near its poles and the use of limits, which may depend on the specific definitions and properties of the Gamma function being applied.

Dustinsfl
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Compute the residue of $\Gamma(z)$ at each of its poles.

So the poles are at the negative integers and 0. I suspect there must be a formula than since this is an infinite set.

$\Gamma(z) = \dfrac{e^{-\gamma z}}{z}\prod\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(1+\dfrac{z}{n}\right)^{-1}e^{z/n}$

Should I start by logarithmically differentiating?
 
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Just a thought (I don't know if it'll work), but maybe using the $\Gamma$ function's integral representation (remember we have to split the integral several times in order to extend it past a certain integer) and using Fubini's theorem. Something along these lines.
 
Jose27 said:
Just a thought (I don't know if it'll work), but maybe using the $\Gamma$ function's integral representation (remember we have to split the integral several times in order to extend it past a certain integer) and using Fubini's theorem. Something along these lines.

$\displaystyle\Gamma(z) =\int_0^{\infty}e^{-t}t^z\dfrac{dt}{t}$

What should I do with this?

---------- Post added at 21:29 ---------- Previous post was at 20:37 ----------

The $\text{Res} = \lim\limits_{z\to -m}(z+m)\Gamma(z)$ and we can write $\Gamma(z) = \dfrac{\Gamma(z+m)}{(z+m-1)(z+m-2)\cdots (z+1)z}$ for the $\text{Re} z> -m$.

By substitution, we have
$$
\text{Res} = \lim_{z\to -m}(z+m)\Gamma(z) = \lim_{z\to -m}(z+m)\frac{\Gamma(z+m)}{(z+m-1)(z+m-2)\cdots (z+1)z}.
$$

By definition, we have $(z+m)\Gamma(z+m) = \Gamma(z+m+1)$.

So
$$
\text{Res} = \lim_{z\to -m}\frac{\Gamma(z+m+1)}{(z+m-1)(z+m-2)\cdots (z+1)z} = \frac{\Gamma(1) = 1}{(-1)(-2)\cdots (-m)} = \frac{(-1)^m}{m!}.
$$
 
Last edited:
dwsmith said:
$$
\text{Res} = \ldots = \frac{(-1)^m}{m!}.
$$
That is correct. The functional equation $\Gamma(z+1) = z\Gamma(z)$ is the key to the calculation.
 

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