Generating function for trigamma^2

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the generating function for the square of the trigamma function, specifically the series $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty [\psi_1(n)]^2 y^n$$ and its relation to $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty [H_n^{(2)}]^2 y^n$$. The discussion includes attempts to derive general formulas, mathematical manipulations, and various approaches to related sums.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the difficulty of evaluating the generating function and expresses uncertainty about finding a general formula.
  • Another participant proposes a series of integrals and manipulations involving logarithms and the Riemann zeta function to derive expressions related to the generating function.
  • A different participant suggests using the relation $$\psi_{1}(n+1) = \zeta(2) - H_{n}^{(2)}$$ and explores the implications of squaring this expression.
  • Another participant introduces a new generating function involving $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(H_{n})^{3}y^{n}$$ and discusses its derivation through differentiation of the digamma function.
  • Several participants mention other series and sums that converge, including those involving higher-order harmonic numbers and Euler sums, indicating potential connections to the main topic.
  • One participant shares a closed form for a related series, suggesting that it can be expressed in terms of zeta values, while another participant expresses interest in finding closed forms for additional sums.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches and methods without reaching a consensus on a general formula or solution. Multiple competing views and techniques are presented, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves complex mathematical expressions and manipulations that may depend on specific definitions and assumptions. Some steps in the derivations are not fully resolved, and the convergence of certain series is noted but not definitively established.

alyafey22
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In this thread we are looking at the following generating function

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty [\psi_1(n)]^2 y^n$$

We know that this is as hard as evaluating

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty [H_n^{(2)}]^2 y^n$$

This is not a tutorial as I have no idea how to solve for a general formula. I'll keep posting my attempts on it. As always all other attempts and suggestions are welcomed.
 
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Start by the following

$$\int^1_0 x^{k-1} \log(x) \,dx = \frac{1}{k^2}$$

Apply $\sum_k^n$ to both sides and rearrange

$$\int^1_0 \frac{x^{n}}{x-1}\log(x) \,dx = \zeta(2)-H_{n}^{(2)}$$

Multiply by $H_{n}^{(2)}$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{x^{n}H_{n}^{(2)}}{x-1}\log(x) \,dx = H_{n}^{(2)}\zeta(2)-[H_{n}^{(2)}]^2$$

Introduce a new variable $y$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{(yx)^{n}H_{n}^{(2)}}{x-1}\log(x) \,dx = \zeta(2)H_{n}^{(2)}y^n-[H_{n}^{(2)}]^2 y^n$$

Sum both sides

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(xy)}{(1-x)(1-xy)}\log(x) \,dx = \sum_{n=1}^\infty [H_{n}^{(2)}]^2 y^n-\zeta(2)\frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(y)}{1-y}$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty [H_{n}^{(2)}]^2 y^n=\int^1_0 \frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(xy)}{(1-x)(1-xy)}\log(x) \,dx +\zeta(2)\frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(y)}{1-y}$$
 
Cool thread, Z.

Here are a few thoughts. I am going to use $$\psi_{1}(n+1)$$ simply for ease of computations. We can adjust it for $\psi_{1}(n)$.

Attempt to find a gen. func. for $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\psi_{1}(n+1)\right)^{2}y^{n}$$

Note that:

$$\psi_{1}(n+1)=\zeta(2)-H_{n}^{(2)}$$

Square this:

$$\left(\zeta(2)-H_{n}^{(2)}\right)^{2}y^{n}$$

$$=\left(\frac{\pi^{4}}{36}-\frac{\pi^{2}}{3}H_{n}^{(2)}+\left(H_{n}^{(2)}\right)^{2}\right)y^{n}$$

Z, you already derived the $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(H_{n}^{(2)}\right)^{2}y^{n}$ part.

So, we need:

$$\frac{\pi^{4}}{36}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}y^{n}-\frac{\pi^{2}}{3}\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}^{(2)}y^{n}$$

$$=\frac{\pi^{4}y}{36(1-y)}-\frac{\pi^{2}}{3}\left(\frac{-2Li_{2}\left(\frac{y}{y-1}\right)}{1-y}\right)$$To instead obtain:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\psi_{1}(n)\right)^{2}y^{n}$$ as originally posted, one may use

$$\psi_{1}(n)=\zeta(2)-H_{n-1}^{(2)}=\zeta(2)-\left(H_{n}^{(2)}-\frac{1}{n^{2}}\right)$$

Then, proceed as before.
 
Hey Z:

Here is another perhaps we can find a gen. func for. I feel I should already have this one.

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(H_{n})^{3}y^{n}$$

I derived several fun sums by successive diffing of the digamma.

If we note: $$G(x)=\frac{\Gamma(x)n!}{\Gamma(n+x+1)}$$

and $$P(x)=\psi(x)-\psi(x+n+1)$$

then, $$G'(x)=G(x)P(x), \;\ G''(x)=G(x)P^{2}(x)+G(x)P'(x), \;\ P^{(m)}(1)=(-1)^{m}m!H_{n+1}^{m+1}$$

$$\psi^{(m)}(1)=(-1)^{m+1}m!\zeta(m+1)$$

this finally leads to, for instance,

$$24\zeta(5)=2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{(3)}}{n^{2}}+3\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{(2)}H_{n}}{n^{2}}+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\left[H_{n}\right]^{3}}{n^{2}}$$As an aside, there is also Morley's identity. Playing around (say, diffing w.r.t 'a' ) with this can lead to other fun sums and so forth:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left[\frac{\Gamma(a+n)}{n!\Gamma(a)}\right]^{3}=\cos\left(\frac{\pi a}{2}\right)\cdot \frac{\Gamma\left (1-\frac{3a}{2}\right)}{\Gamma^{3}\left (1-\frac{a}{2}\right)}-1$$$$
 
quantaentangled said:
\
If we note: $$G(x)=\frac{\Gamma(x)n!}{\Gamma(n+x+1)}$$

and $$P(x)=\psi(x)-\psi(x+n+1)$$

then, $$G'(x)=G(x)P(x), \;\ G''(x)=G(x)P^{2}(x)+G(x)P'(x), \;\ P^{(m)}(1)=(-1)^{m}m!H_{n+1}^{m+1}$$

$$\psi^{(m)}(1)=(-1)^{m+1}m!\zeta(m+1)$$

this finally leads to, for instance,

$$24\zeta(5)=2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{(3)}}{n^{2}}+3\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{(2)}H_{n}}{n^{2}}+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\left[H_{n}\right]^{3}}{n^{2}}$$

Wow C, nice procedure to find high order Euler sums.
 
Here is another to consider, Z. This converges to $2\zeta(3)-\zeta(2)$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}\left(\zeta(3)-H_{n}^{(3)}\right)=-1/2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}\psi^{(2)}(n+1)$$
 
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quantaentangled said:
Here is another to consider, Z. This converges to $2\zeta(3)-\zeta(2)$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}\left(\zeta(3)-H_{n}^{(3)}\right)=-1/2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}\psi^{(2)}(n+1)$$

Hey C , I am busy with exams. I will take a look at the new stuff after I finish.
 
Hey Z man:). Here is two other interesting Euler-like sums that do converge. What are your thoughts on finding a closed form?.
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left[-(H_{n}^{(2)})^{3}+\frac{\pi^{2}}{2}(H_{n}^{(2)})^{2}-\frac{\pi^{4}}{12}H_{n}^{(2)}+\frac{\pi^{6}}{216}\right]...[1]$$

and/or

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\left(2(H_{n}^{(2)})^{2}-\frac{2\pi^{2}}{3}H_{n}^{(2)}+\frac{\pi^{4}}{18}\right)}{n+1}...[2]$$

both of these have closed forms in terms of zeta values...I am pretty sure.

[2] I managed to come up with when using Abel summation to expand and sum [1]:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(\zeta(2)-H_{n}^{(2})\right)^{3}=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\left[-(H_{n}^{(2)})^{3}+\frac{\pi^{2}}{2}(H_{n}^{(2)})^{2}-\frac{\pi^{4}}{12}H_{n}^{(2)}+\frac{\pi^{6}}{216}\right]$$

It is part of the expansion of the Abel sum, $b_{n}-b_{n+1}$ : $$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}n\left(\psi_{1}^{3}(n+1)-\psi_{1}^{3}(n+2)\right)$$. Well, if you step through it you'll know what I mean.

where $$\psi_{1}(n+1)=\zeta(2)-H_{n}^{(2)}, \;\ \psi_{1}(n+2)=\zeta(2)-H_{n+1}^{(2)}, \;\ H_{n+1}^{(2)}=H_{n}^{(2)}+\frac{1}{(n+1)^{2}}$$

I used the difference of two cubes factorization to write this as several Euler sums. All are known values except [2] above. This is one portion of the expansion that is conditionally convergent.EDIT:

I managed to find the closed form for [2].

It is $$10\zeta(2)\zeta(3)+2\zeta(5)-5\zeta(4)-\frac{4\pi^{2}}{3}\zeta(3)$$

I can outline my method if anyone is interested.
 
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