Find $f_n$ of Integral of x^{-x}

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the integral of the function \( x^{-x} \) over the interval from 0 to 1, specifically seeking to express this integral as a series sum involving terms \( f_n \). Participants explore the mathematical derivation and properties of the integral, including power series expansions and convergence theorems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the integral can be expressed as a series using the power series expansion of \( e^{-x \ln(x)} \).
  • One participant claims that the integral can be computed term-wise, leading to the conclusion that \( f_n = \frac{1}{n^n} \).
  • Another participant questions the necessity of invoking the Monotone Convergence Theorem for justifying the interchange of summation and integration.
  • Some participants discuss the proof of the integral formula \( \int_{0}^{1} x^n \ln^m(x) dx \) and provide an alternative derivation using Gamma functions.
  • There is a request for clarification regarding the power series expansion and its application in the context of the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the justification for using convergence theorems and the steps involved in the derivation. While some agree on the expression of \( f_n \), the discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of certain mathematical justifications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of the Monotone Convergence Theorem, while others suggest that uniform convergence of the exponential series may suffice. The discussion includes various mathematical assumptions and steps that are not fully resolved.

Also sprach Zarathustra
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$$ \int_0^1 x^{-x}dx=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}f_n $$Find $f_n$.
 
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Very easy, it's well known, I think it doesn't even count as a "challenge," and why is this, because you express $x^{-x}$ as $e^{-x\ln x}$ and use power series, that's all.
 
Markov said:
Very easy, it's well known, I think it doesn't even count as a "challenge," and why is this, because you express $x^{-x}$ as $e^{-x\ln x}$ and use power series, that's all.
Yes. You are right it is not a "challenge"! This is what happens when you have nothing to do on 03:00 am. :(
 
1. Let \( \displaystyle I=\int_{0}^{1}x^{-x} dx \)

2. \(\displaystyle x^{-x}= e^{-x \ln(x)}= 1-\frac{x\ln(x)}{1!}+\frac{x^2\ln^2(x)}{2!}-\frac{x^3\ln^3(x)}{3!}+\cdots\)

3. \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x^{-x} dx= \int_{0}^{1}e^{-x \ln(x)} dx = \int_{0}^{1} \Big( 1-\frac{x\ln(x)}{1!}+\frac{x^2\ln^2(x)}{2!}-\frac{x^3\ln^3(x)}{3!}+\cdots \Big)dx\)

4. Note That: \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1} x^n \ln^m(x) dx=\frac{(-1)^m m!}{(n+1)^{m+1}}\)

5. Integrating term wise by using the above formula we obtain:\( \displaystyle I=1 +\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{1}{3^3}+\cdots =\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^n} \)

So \(\displaystyle f_n = \frac{1}{n^n} \)
 
Last edited:
sbhatnagar said:
4. Note That: \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1} x^n \ln^m(x) dx=\frac{(-1)^m m!}{(n+1)^{m+1}}\)

How do you prove this statement?
 
DrunkenOldFool said:
How do you prove this statement?

\( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x^n \ln^m(x) dx =\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-x(n+1)} (-x)^m dx=(-1)^m \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-x(n+1)} x^m=\frac{(-1)^m \Gamma(m+1)}{(n+1)^{m+1}}=\frac{(-1)^m m!}{(n+1)^{m+1}}\)
 
sbhatnagar said:
3. \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x^{-x} dx= \int_{0}^{1}e^{-x \ln(x)} dx = \int_{0}^{1} \Big( 1-\frac{x\ln(x)}{1!}+\frac{x^2\ln^2(x)}{2!}-\frac{x^3\ln^3(x)}{3!}+\cdots \Big)dx\)
This step is important, we can swap sum an integral because of the Monotone Convergence Theorem, since the terms of the series are non-negative.
 
Why would we need to invoke a convergence theorem from Lebesgue integration when the exponential series converges uniformly?
 
It doesn't matter, you're just justifying it.
 
  • #10
sbhatnagar said:
1. Let \( \displaystyle I=\int_{0}^{1}x^{-x} dx \)

2. \(\displaystyle x^{-x}= e^{-x \ln(x)}= 1-\frac{x\ln(x)}{1!}+\frac{x^2\ln^2(x)}{2!}-\frac{x^3\ln^3(x)}{3!}+\cdots\)

3. \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1}x^{-x} dx= \int_{0}^{1}e^{-x \ln(x)} dx = \int_{0}^{1} \Big( 1-\frac{x\ln(x)}{1!}+\frac{x^2\ln^2(x)}{2!}-\frac{x^3\ln^3(x)}{3!}+\cdots \Big)dx\)

4. Note That: \( \displaystyle \int_{0}^{1} x^n \ln^m(x) dx=\frac{(-1)^m m!}{(n+1)^{m+1}}\)

5. Integrating term wise by using the above formula we obtain:\( \displaystyle I=1 +\frac{1}{2^2}+\frac{1}{3^3}+\cdots =\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^n} \)

So \(\displaystyle f_n = \frac{1}{n^n} \)

i can't understand 3. line
 
  • #11
A power series expansion was done.
 
  • #12
oasi said:
i can't understand 3. line

Taylor Series,

$\displaystyle e^x=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{x^n}{n!}$

$\displaystyle e^{-x\ln(x)}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^n x^n \ln^n(x)}{n!}$
 

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