How Can We Solve the Integral Involving the Dilogarithm Function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding a general solution for the integral involving the dilogarithm function, specifically the integral $$\int^x_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)^2}{t}\, dt$$ for $$0 \leq x \leq 1$$. Participants explore various cases and approaches, including special cases and the potential for analytic solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes to find a general solution for the integral involving the dilogarithm function.
  • Another participant examines the special case where $$x=1$$ and provides a series of transformations leading to a double sum involving zeta functions.
  • A different participant expresses interest in the special case where $$x=\frac{1}{2}$$, indicating a desire to explore this further.
  • Concerns are raised about the inability of Wolfram Alpha to express an antiderivative in terms of elementary functions or polylogs, which some participants find discouraging.
  • One participant suggests that the solution may involve infinite sums of partial sums of polylogarithms and proposes defining a new function.
  • Another participant introduces a double sum involving $$\sum_{k\geq 1} \sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{x^{n+k}}{(nk)^2 (n+k)}$$ as a potential component of the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches and ideas, but there is no consensus on a specific solution or method. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the nature of the integral and its potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of existing tools like Wolfram Alpha in providing solutions, which may impact the exploration of the integral. The discussion also reflects varying assumptions about the nature of the sums and functions involved.

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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