MHB Help with integral (Rodriquez formula)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of Rodriguez's formula to evaluate the integral $ \int_{-1}^{1}{x}^{n}P_n(x) \,dx $, where $ P_n(x)=\frac{1}{2n}\frac{1}{n!}\d{^{n}{({x}^{2}-1)^n}}{{x}^{n}} $. The user attempts to simplify the integral using integration by parts but struggles with the theoretical underpinnings, particularly regarding the behavior of terms involving $ (x^2-1) $ within the integration limits. Ultimately, the integral is related to the beta function, which was not covered in the user's course, indicating a gap in foundational knowledge necessary for this problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Rodriguez's formula in the context of orthogonal polynomials.
  • Proficiency in integration techniques, particularly integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with the properties of the beta function and its relationship to definite integrals.
  • Knowledge of differentiation and its application in evaluating integrals involving polynomial functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the beta function in integral calculus.
  • Review advanced integration techniques, focusing on integration by parts and its iterative application.
  • Explore the derivation and implications of Rodriguez's formula in the context of orthogonal polynomials.
  • Practice solving integrals involving polynomial expressions and their derivatives to solidify understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying calculus and advanced integration techniques, as well as educators seeking to clarify the application of Rodriguez's formula and the beta function in integral evaluations.

ognik
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This looked straight forward, but I've gone wrong somewhere ...

Using Rodriquez' formula, find: $ \int_{-1}^{1}{x}^{n}P_n(x) \,dx $ Rodriquez: $ P_n(x)=\frac{1}{2n}\frac{1}{n!}\d{^{n}{({x}^{2}-1)^n}}{{x}^{n}} $

So find $ \int_{-1}^{1}{x}^{n} \frac{1}{2n}\frac{1}{n!}\d{^{n}{({x}^{2}-1)^n}}{{x}^{n}} \,dx $. I'll keep $ \frac{1}{2n}\frac{1}{n!} $ aside for now, and let $ (x^2-1) = f $, and not keep writing in the limits ...

Then, by parts, $ \int {x}^{n} \d{^{n}{f}^n}{{x}^{n}} dx = $ $ {x}^{n} \d{^{n-1}{f}^n}{{x}^{n-1}}|^1_{-1} - \int \d{^{n-1}{f}^n}{{x}^{n-1}} n{x}^{n-1} $ - and repeating by parts n times

I would appreciate knowing how to state better the following arguments around simplifying the problem ...

1st term: After doing 3 Successive differentiations of $ \d{^{n-1}{f}^n}{{x}^{n-1}} $ ALL have a $ ({x}^{2}-1) $ term in them $=(x+1)(x-1)$, therefore I claim all terms with $ \d{^{i}{f}^n}{{x}^{i}} $ in [-1,1] vanish.

I also claim that repeated integration by parts will always have a 1st term which includes $ \d{^{i}{f}^n}{{x}^{i}} $, and to which the above claim applies. So the problem is simplified to the sequence of the integral part only.

Inside the repeated integral will always have 2 parts:
The $x^n$ part: $ x^n $ is differentiated with each integration (always making it the 'u' term for parts). Therefore after n integrations it becomes $n!x^{0}=n! $

The $ \d{^{n}{f^n}}{{x}^{n}} $ part: Because this is always 'v' by parts, each successive integral has a reduced derivative, until finally we are left with just $f^n $

So finally I can find $ \frac{1}{2n}\frac{1}{n!} n! \int_{-1}^{1}f^n \,dx = \frac{1}{2n} \frac{{(x^2-1)}^{n}}{n(n+1)}|^1_{-1}$
I can't see what I have done wrong above?
 
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Hi, I would really appreciate some help with this, I have gone through it a few times with same result, so whatever I have wrong must be some theory that I have wrong, would like to identify that for this and the future ...
 
Turns out this is something called a beta function, which was (for whatever reason) a section excluded from the course ...
 

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