Induction to prove an expanded integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving an integral involving the function \( x^n (1-x)^r \) over the interval from 0 to 1, specifically using induction. The original poster has successfully verified the base case for \( n=0 \) but is encountering difficulties with the induction step for \( n=k+1 \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of integration by parts as a method to tackle the integral for the induction step. There are questions about handling the expanded integral and concerns about circular reasoning in the integration process.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the integration by parts approach, with participants sharing results and expressing confusion about the next steps. Some have offered guidance on rewriting expressions and evaluating integrals, while others are still trying to clarify their understanding of the process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note restrictions on the variable \( r \), indicating that \( r > -1 \) is necessary for the problem context. There is also mention of specific formatting suggestions for LaTeX expressions to enhance clarity.

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Homework Statement



[itex]\int_0^1{x^n (1-x)^r}\,dx = \frac{n!}{(r+1)(r+2)...(r+n+1)}[/itex]

Homework Equations


n≥0, r≥0

The Attempt at a Solution



i solved it for the case n=0, where RHS and LHS are the same. however, I am having trouble integrating the LHS for the induction step where n=k+1.

i'm trying to do it by parts, but since the integral keeps expanding i am having trouble with it. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!
 
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skoomafiend said:

Homework Statement



[itex]\displaystyle\int_0^1{x^n (1-x)^r}\,dx = \frac{n!}{(r+1)(r+2)...(r+n+1)}[/itex]

Homework Equations


n≥0, r≥0

The Attempt at a Solution



i solved it for the case n=0, where RHS and LHS are the same. however, I am having trouble integrating the LHS for the induction step where n=k+1.

i'm trying to do it by parts, but since the integral keeps expanding i am having trouble with it. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!
I suspect you will have to use integration by parts.

Let u = xk+1 , dv = (1-x)r dx .

Then do some algebra.
 
i think this is what I'm having trouble with. how do i deal with expanded integral?
 
skoomafiend said:
i think this is what I'm having trouble with. how do i deal with expanded integral?

What do you get after applying integration by parts?
 
[itex]\frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^k[/itex]


CORRECTION:
restriction on r as stated in problem is,
[itex]r>-1[/itex]
 
skoomafiend said:
[itex]\frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^k[/itex]


CORRECTION:
restriction on r as stated in problem is,
[itex]r>-1[/itex]
Use " \displaystyle " in LaTeX to make the fractions & ∫ sign larger.
[itex]\displaystyle\frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^kdx[/itex]​
I also inserted the dx .

The following equation has been edited.
That integral can be broken up as follows:
[itex]\displaystyle\int(1-x)(1-x)^{r} x^k dx=\int(1-x)^{r} x^kdx-\int\,x(1-x)^{r} x^{k}dx[/itex]​

And what you're trying to evaluate is the integral [itex]\displaystyle\int(1-x)^{r} x^{k+1}dx\,,[/itex] which is the same as the second integral on the right hand side of the equation immediately above..

To make the algebra a bit easier, define Ik as [itex]\displaystyle I_k=\int(1-x)^{r} x^{k}dx\,.[/itex]

Solve for Ik+1 .

Added in Edit:
Fixed typo above. I messed that all up with cutting & pasting !
 
Last edited:
I've applied integration by parts to Ik+1

[itex]\int(1-x)^{r} x^{(k+1)}dx[/itex]

by setting u=xk+1 and dv=(1-x)r and the result was,

[itex]\displaystyle\frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^kdx[/itex]​


im confused about where to proceed from here.
 
skoomafiend said:
I've applied integration by parts to Ik+1

[itex]\int(1-x)^{r} x^{(k+1)}dx[/itex]

by setting u=xk+1 and dv=(1-x)r and the result was,

[itex]\displaystyle\frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^kdx[/itex]​

I'm confused about where to proceed from here.
I had some cut/paste errors in my previous post. :redface: Sorry about that ! :redface:

So, my previous post basically says ... The integral you get in the integration by parts is [itex]\displaystyle \int(1-x)^{(r+1)} x^kdx = I_k - I_{k+1}.[/itex]

Rewrite your integration by parts result as:
[itex]\displaystyle I_{k+1}= \frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\left(I_k - I_{k+1}\right)[/itex]​
Solve that for Ik+1. (The first term is zero when evaluated at x=0 and x=1.)
 
i still feel as if I am integrating in circles and i don't see the bigger picture.

EDIT:
just saw your most recent post. i'll try your suggestion.
thanks!
 
  • #10
SammyS said:
Rewrite your integration by parts result as:
[itex]\displaystyle I_{k+1}= \frac{-x^{(k+1)}(1-x)^{(r+1)}}{(r+1)} + \frac{k+1}{r+1}\left(I_k - I_{k+1}\right)[/itex]​
Solve that for Ik+1. (The first term is zero when evaluated at x=0 and x=1.)

Do you mean solving for Ik+1 and then evaluating the integral between x=0 and x=1?

i'm ending up with Ik+1 = 0
 
  • #11
skoomafiend said:
Do you mean solving for Ik+1 and then evaluating the integral between x=0 and x=1?

I'm ending up with Ik+1 = 0

Yes, solve for Ik+1. It doesn't give Ik+1 = 0 .

Remember that [itex]\displaystyle I_k=\frac{k\,!}{(r+1)(r+2)...(r+k+1)}[/itex] when evaluated from x=0 to x=1.
 
  • #12
EDIT:
this post was confusing. sorry!
got it now though.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Hey!
I actually just got it.

Thank you so much!
 

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