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The Gama function, denoted by Γ(x), is a mathematical function that is an extension of the factorial function to complex and real numbers. It is defined as Γ(x) = ∫0∞ tn-1e-t dt, where n is the argument of the function.
The Gama function is primarily used to extend the concept of factorial to non-integer values and complex numbers. It also has several applications in fields such as statistics, physics, and engineering.
The Gama function can be calculated using various methods, including numerical integration techniques, series expansions, and recurrence relations. Special algorithms, such as the Lanczos approximation, are also commonly used to compute the Gama function.
Some of the key properties of a Gama function include its relationship with the factorial function, its logarithmic convexity, and its functional equation. It also satisfies the recurrence relation Γ(x+1) = xΓ(x) and has a singularity at x = 0 and x = -1, where it has poles.
The Gama function has a wide range of applications in science, including probability and statistics, quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics, and number theory. It is also used in the calculation of various mathematical constants, such as the Euler-Mascheroni constant and the Riemann zeta function.