Integrating a x^k ln(x) Function with Gamma Function

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SUMMARY

The integral \(-\int^1_0 x^k \ln{x}\,dx\) can be evaluated using the Gamma function, yielding the result \(\frac{1}{(k+1)^2}\) for \(k > -1\). The substitution \(x = e^{-u/k}\) transforms the integral into a form suitable for evaluation with the Gamma function. This approach requires careful handling of limits and the differential \(dx\), which becomes \(-k e^{-u/k} du\). The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the connection between elementary integrals and the Gamma function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically integration by parts.
  • Familiarity with the Gamma function, \(\Gamma(x) = \int_0^\infty t^{x-1} e^{-t} dt\).
  • Knowledge of substitution techniques in integration.
  • Basic properties of logarithmic functions and exponentials.
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  • Explore the relationship between the Gamma function and factorials for integer values.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and advanced integration techniques, as well as researchers interested in the applications of the Gamma function in various mathematical contexts.

clandarkfire
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Homework Statement


"Show that - \int^1_0 x^k\ln{x}\,dx = \frac{1}{(k+1)^2} ; k > -1.

Hint: rewrite as a gamma function.

Homework Equations


Well, I know that \Gamma \left( x \right) = \int\limits_0^\infty {t^{x - 1} e^{ - t} dt}.

The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried various substitutions, beginning with u=k*ln(x), but I'm not getting very far. To write it as a gamma function, I'd have to change the limits from (0 to 1) to (0 to infinity) and I can't find a way to do that.

Can someone point me in the right direction?
 
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I wonder why you should use the \Gamma function for this elementary integral. Perhaps I'm missing something, but if I'm not wrong, it should be pretty easily solvable by integration by parts.

If you are forced to use the \Gamma function, I'd indeed try the substitution
x=\exp (-u/k),
which leads to an integral you can evaluate immediately in terms of the \Gamma function.
 
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It does seem pretty straightforward with integration by parts, but since I'm told to use the gamma function, I'd at least like to know how to do that.
If I use the substitution x=e^{-u/k}, I get dx = -k*e^{-u/k}\,du The integral then becomes \int^1_0 e^{-u}*-\frac{u}{k}*-k*e^{-u/k}\,du = \int^1_0 e^{-(u + \frac{u}{k})}u\,du,
but the problem remains that it's between 0 and 1, not 0 and infinity. How do I get to a gamma function from there?
Thanks!
 
clandarkfire said:
It does seem pretty straightforward with integration by parts, but since I'm told to use the gamma function, I'd at least like to know how to do that.
If I use the substitution x=e^{-u/k}, I get dx = -k*e^{-u/k}\,du

Isn't that a ##\frac {-1} k## instead of ##-k## out in front?

The integral then becomes \int^1_0 e^{-u}*-\frac{u}{k}*-k*e^{-u/k}\,du = \int^1_0 e^{-(u + \frac{u}{k})}u\,du,
but the problem remains that it's between 0 and 1, not 0 and infinity. How do I get to a gamma function from there?
Thanks!

If ##x=e^{-u/k}## and ##x## goes from ##0## to ##1##, how do you get ##u## going from ##0## to ##1##?
 
Ah! That clears it up. Thanks!
 

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