Definite Integral: x(-ln(x)^k)(1-x)^(N-1)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the definite integral \(\int_{0}^{1}x(-\ln(x)^k)(1-x)^{(N-1)}dx\), where \(k\) is an odd number and \(N \geq 2\). Participants explore various methods and approaches to solve this integral, including connections to the Beta function and the Gamma function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the integral cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions, suggesting that it may relate to the Beta function.
  • One participant proposes a solution involving the derivative of the Beta function, stating that \(\int_{0}^{1}x(-\ln(x)^k)(1-x)^{(N-1)}dx = (-1)^k\left( \left. \frac{{d}^{k}}{d\,{x}^{k}}\,\beta\left(N,x\right) \right|_{x=2}\right)\) for \(k \in \mathbb{Z^+}\).
  • Another participant suggests that the integral's setup might imply a solution by induction, but questions the feasibility of this approach without knowing the answer beforehand.
  • A different approach is presented using a substitution involving the Gamma function, leading to a series representation of the integral.
  • One participant points out potential mistakes in the application of the Gamma function, specifically regarding the expression \(\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-at} t^{z-1} dt\) and its relation to \(\Gamma(z)\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods to evaluate the integral, with no consensus reached on a definitive solution or approach. Some agree on the connection to the Beta function, while others propose alternative methods and point out potential errors in calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the applicability of induction and the use of the Gamma function in the context of the integral.

bincy
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Dear All,[math] \int_{0}^{1}x*\left(\left(-ln(x)\right)^{k}\right)*\left(1-x\right)^{(N-1)}dx [/math], where k is an odd no. N >=2.regards,
Bincy
 
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bincybn said:
Dear All,[math] \int_{0}^{1}x*\left(\left(-ln(x)\right)^{k}\right)*\left(1-x\right)^{(N-1)}dx [/math], where k is an odd no. N >=2.

regards,
Bincy
Hi bincybn,

Your integral cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions. However using Maxima I found that the answer is,

\[\displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x((-ln(x))^{k}\left(1-x\right)^{(N-1)}dx=(-1)^k\left( \left. \frac{{d}^{k}}{d\,{x}^{k}}\,\beta\left(N,x\right) \right|_{x=2}\right)~~~~\mbox{for }k\in\mathbb{Z^+}\]

\(\beta\) is the Beta function.
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi bincybn,

Your integral cannot be expressed in terms of elementary functions. However using Maxima I found that the answer is,

\[\displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x((-ln(x))^{k}\left(1-x\right)^{(N-1)}dx=(-1)^k\left( \left. \frac{{d}^{k}}{d\,{x}^{k}}\,\beta\left(N,x\right) \right|_{x=2}\right)~~~~\mbox{for }k\in\mathbb{Z^+}\]

\(\beta\) is the Beta function.

Since the integral is set up like the beta function, maybe he was supposed to obtain the solution by induction.
 
dwsmith said:
Since the integral is set up like the beta function, maybe he was supposed to obtain the solution by induction.

Hi dwsmith, (Wave)

Yes, maybe. But without knowing the answer it is impossible to use the induction method. Isn't?
 
Gamma function \Gamma (z) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-t} t^{z-1} dt

\int_{0}^{1} x((- \ln x )^k) (1-x)^{n-1} dx

Let u = - \ln x \Rightarrow x = e^{-u} \Rightarrow dx = - e^{-u} du

x = 0 \rightarrow u = \infty , x = 1 \rightarrow u = 0

\int_{\infty}^{0} e^{-u} (u^k )(1-e^{-u})^n(-e^{-u}) du

\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-2u} (u^k )(1-e^{-u})^n du

Note that
(1-e^{-u})^n = \sum_{i=0}^{n} \dbinom{n}{i} (-1)^i (e^{-u})^i

and \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-at} t^{z-1} dt = \frac{\Gamma (z)}{a}

\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-2u} (u^k )(1-e^{-u})^n du = \sum_{i=0}^{n} (-1)^i \int_{0}^{\infty} (u^k)(e^{-u(2+i)}) du

\sum_{i=0}^{n} (-1)^i \int_{0}^{\infty} (u^k)(e^{-u(2+i)}) du =<br /> \sum_{i=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^i\Gamma (k+1)}{2+i}

I solved it for n instead of n-1
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone.

To Amer: Thanks for ur method. But some mistakes are here and there like.
Amer said:
\int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-at} t^{z-1} dt = \frac{\Gamma (z)}{a}

which is in fact \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-at} t^{z-1} dt = \frac{\Gamma (z)}{a^z}regards,
Bincy
 

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