Finding the Derivative of Factorial Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the factorial function, specifically exploring the integral representation of the factorial and its differentiation. Participants are examining the mathematical steps involved in deriving the expression for the derivative and discussing the feasibility of evaluating the resulting integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral representation of the factorial function and attempts to differentiate it, leading to a query about evaluating the resulting integral.
  • Another participant challenges the differentiation, asserting that the correct expression for the derivative involves a different integral that includes the natural logarithm of t.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the integration of the proposed expressions, questioning whether they can be simplified or evaluated easily.
  • Links to external resources are provided by participants, suggesting potential connections to related mathematical concepts, such as the digamma function and the Euler-Mascheroni constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the correct form of the derivative of the factorial function, with multiple participants providing differing expressions. The discussion remains unresolved as participants continue to question the integration process and the simplicity of the resulting expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that there is no nice expression for the anti-derivative with respect to "t," and the integrals must be evaluated numerically, indicating limitations in finding a straightforward solution.

coki2000
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Hi,
I want to find the derivative of factorial function f(x)=x! and i found this integral,

[tex]f(x)=x!=\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-t}t^xdt[/tex] when i take derivative of this

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}f(x)=\frac{d}{dx}\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-t}t^xdt=\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-t}t^xlnxdx[/tex]

How do i find this integral? Please help me. Thanks.
 
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Incorrect differentiation!

You should get:
[tex]\frac{df}{dx}=\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln(t)e^{-t}t^{x}dt[/tex]

There is no nice expression for the anti-derivative with respect to "t" here, so it must be evaluated numerically.
 
arildno said:
Incorrect differentiation!

You should get:
[tex]\frac{df}{dx}=\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln(t)e^{-t}t^{x}dt[/tex]

There is no nice expression for the anti-derivative with respect to "t" here, so it must be evaluated numerically.

Okey if i want to find

[tex]f'(2)=\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln(t)e^{-t}t^{2}dt[/tex]

can i integrate it?
 
coki2000 said:
can i integrate it?

Have you actually read arildno's post?
 
coki2000 said:
Okey if i want to find

[tex]f'(2)=\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln(t)e^{-t}t^{2}dt[/tex]

can i integrate it?

To anything simple?

Nope.
 
coki2000 said:
Okey if i want to find

[tex]f'(2)=\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln(t)e^{-t}t^{2}dt[/tex]

can i integrate it?

Yes, http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Euler-MascheroniConstant.html" .
 
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