How Can We Solve the Integral Involving the Dilogarithm Function?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving the integral $$\int^x_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)^2}{t}\, dt$$ for $$0 \leq x \leq 1$$, specifically examining the case when $$x=1$$. Participants derive a series of transformations leading to the expression $$2\zeta(3)\zeta(2)-3\zeta(5)$$, indicating a connection to zeta functions. The discussion also highlights the challenges of finding an analytic solution for $$x=\frac{1}{2}$$, noting that Wolfram Alpha fails to provide an antiderivative in terms of elementary functions. The integral's solution is believed to involve infinite sums of partial sums of polylogarithms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the dilogarithm function, $$\operatorname{Li}_2(x)$$
  • Familiarity with zeta functions, specifically $$\zeta(2)$$, $$\zeta(3)$$, and $$\zeta(5)$$
  • Knowledge of integral calculus and series summation techniques
  • Experience with mathematical software such as Wolfram Alpha for symbolic computation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of the dilogarithm function, $$\operatorname{Li}_2(x)$$
  • Explore the relationship between polylogarithms and zeta functions
  • Investigate advanced techniques in series summation and convergence
  • Learn about numerical methods for evaluating integrals involving special functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, researchers in number theory, and students studying advanced calculus or special functions will benefit from this discussion.

alyafey22
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This thread will be dedicated to try finding a general solution for the integral
$$\int^x_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)^2}{t}\, dt \,\,\,\,\,\,\, 0\leq x \leq 1$$
We define the following

$$\operatorname{Li}_2(x)^2 =\left( \int^x_0 \frac{\log(1-t)}{t}\, dt \right)^2$$​

This is NOT a tutorial , every member is encouraged to give thoughts on how to solve the question.
 
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Let us try the special case $$x=1$$

$$
\begin{align}

\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)^2}{x}\, dx &= \int^1_0 \sum_{k\geq 1} \sum_{n\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^2 k^2}\, x^{k+n-1}\, dx \\
& = \sum_{k\geq 1}\sum_{n\geq 1 }\frac{1}{n^2 k^2 (n+k)}\\
& = \sum_{k\geq 1}\frac{1}{k^2} \sum_{n \geq 1}\left( \frac{1}{k \, n^2}-\frac{1}{k^2 \, n}+\frac{1}{k^2(n+k)} \right)\\
& = \sum_{k\geq 1}\frac{1}{k^3} \sum_{n\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^2}-\sum_{k\geq 1}\frac{1}{k^4} \sum_{n \geq 1} \frac{1}{n}-\frac{1}{(n+k)}\\
& = \zeta(3)\zeta(2)- \sum_{k \geq 1}\frac{H_k}{k^4}\\
&= 2\zeta(3)\zeta(2)-3\zeta(5)
\end{align}

$$
 
Last edited:
That made me think of finding an analytic solution of the special case $$x=\frac{1}{2}$$ . My chance might be slim but I will try it later.
 
The fact that Wolfram Alpha can't express an antiderivative in terms of elementary functions and polylogs (or in terms of any functions for that matter) is a bit discouraging.
 
Random Variable said:
The fact that Wolfram Alpha can't express an antiderivative in terms of elementary functions and polylogs (or in terms of any functions for that matter) is a bit discouraging.

I think the solution if it exists will involve infinite sums of partial sums of poly logarithms. I think we should define a new function.
 
The solution of the integral seems to involve the following double sum

$$\sum_{k\geq 1} \sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{x^{n+k}}{(nk)^2 (n+k)}$$

Generally it will be interesting looking at the sum

$$\sum_{a_1\geq 1} \sum_{a_2\geq 1} \cdots \sum_{a_n\geq 1} \frac{x^{a_1+a_2+\cdots +a_n}}{(a_1a_2 \cdots a_n)^k(a_1+a_2+\cdots +a_n)}$$
 

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