Explain this method for integrals (complex analysis)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a method for calculating the integral $$I = \int_{0}^{1} \log^2(1-x)\log^2(x) dx$$ using complex analysis techniques, particularly focusing on residue theory and the properties of the digamma function. Participants seek clarification on specific steps and relationships presented in a referenced method.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the establishment of the relation $$\frac{4H_n}{(n+1)(n+2)^3} = \frac{\left( \gamma + \psi(-z) \right)^2}{(z+1)(z+2)^3}$$ and seeks clarification on its derivation.
  • Another participant argues that the logic involves integrating a function over a square, leading to a zero integral, and that the sum of residues must also equal zero.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of residues at specific points (-2, -1, 0) and the implications for positive integers, noting that the sum of all components results in zero.
  • Questions arise regarding the definition of the square used in the integration and the placement of singularities, with one participant assuming that the singularities at (-2, -1, 0) are inside the rectangle.
  • There is a query about the nature of singularities at positive integers, with references to the digamma function yielding complex infinity for these values.
  • Participants seek clarification on the expression $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} Res(f, n)$$ and the appearance of the term $(z-n)$ in the denominator, as well as the origin of the $H_n$ term.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about specific steps in the method, particularly regarding the establishment of relations and the calculation of residues. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the integration process or the definition of the square used in the analysis.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of clear definitions for certain terms and the dependence on the properties of the digamma function, which may not be fully explored in the discussion. The discussion also reflects unresolved mathematical steps related to the integration and residue calculations.

Amad27
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I saw this method of calculating:

$$I = \int_{0}^{1} \log^2(1-x)\log^2(x) dx$$

http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/959701/evaluate-int1-0-log21-x-log2x-dx

Can you take a look at M.N.C.E.'s method?

I don't understand a few things.

Somehow he makes the relation:

$$\frac{4H_n}{(n+1)(n+2)^3} = \frac{\left( \gamma + \psi(-z) \right)^2}{(z+1)(z+2)^3}$$

How is this established?

And this I don't understand, why did he integrate it,?

And then after he states: "At the positive integers," what is he doing with the residues. I know the residue theorem etc, but I don't understand what he is exactly doing?
Thanks
 
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That relation is not made. The logic:

Consider this function f(x) someone made up: if we integrate it over a square (as described in the comments) the integral is zero. Another way to express the same integral is via its residues: their sum has to be zero.
He then calculates the residues at -2, -1, 0 and the sum of all remaining residues (all at positive integers). The sum of all components is zero. As the sum contains ##\sum \frac {2 H_n}{(n+1)(n+2)^3}## this allows to solve the equation for this expression. You can then use that equation for the original problem.
 
mfb said:
That relation is not made. The logic:

Consider this function f(x) someone made up: if we integrate it over a square (as described in the comments) the integral is zero. Another way to express the same integral is via its residues: their sum has to be zero.
He then calculates the residues at -2, -1, 0 and the sum of all remaining residues (all at positive integers). The sum of all components is zero. As the sum contains ∑2Hn(n+1)(n+2)3\sum \frac {2 H_n}{(n+1)(n+2)^3} this allows to solve the equation for this expression. You can then use that equation for the original problem.


@mfb, thankyou very much, this was excellent help, physicsforums is great. I would like to ask a few things if you don't mind.

Question 1) He does not define the square though? Where are the vertices?
-I will assume that (-2, -1, 0) are INSIDE the rectangle, not on or outside.

Question 2) How are there infinite singularities at positive integers? http://m.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=digamma(-z)&x=0&y=0
I think I know. \digamma(-z) yields complex infinity for all positive integer values of z.
So there are non removable singularities.

Question 3) How does he get this:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} Res(f, n) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} Res_{z=n} \frac{1}{(z+1)(z+2)^3(z-n)^2} + \frac{2H_n}{(z+1)(z+2)^3(z-n)}$$

More specifically, why does he have (z-n) in the denominator? And where did the $H_n$ appear from?

Thats all for now, hopefully you can guide me, thanks.
 
Amad27 said:
He does not define the square though?
It is described in the smaller comments below the main post.

I don't know how he got those residuals. Must come from the digamma function.
 
mfb said:
It is described in the smaller comments below the main post.

I don't know how he got those residuals. Must come from the digamma function.
Okay. mm.. I don't understand.

When he integrated the digamma function, how does the result in a function with H_n?? Thanks
 

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