Integration of incomplete gamma function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the incomplete gamma function in a specific integral involving a Gaussian function. Participants explore methods for performing this integration, particularly focusing on the case where the parameter \( k \) is an integer.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Alex seeks assistance with the integration of the incomplete gamma function multiplied by a Gaussian function, indicating difficulties with computational tools like Mathematica.
  • Jason suggests that if \( k \) is an integer, the incomplete gamma function can be expressed as a polynomial times an exponential, and recommends completing the square in the exponent to simplify the integration.
  • Jason notes that this approach leads to a finite sum of moments of a Gaussian, which could be referenced from existing literature, but acknowledges that the resulting expressions may be complex.
  • Alex confirms that \( k \) is indeed an integer and expresses intent to follow Jason's suggestion, but later seeks clarification on completing the square and expresses uncertainty about the integration process.
  • Alex questions whether there are alternative approximations for the upper incomplete gamma function to facilitate the integration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of using properties of the incomplete gamma function when \( k \) is an integer, but there is uncertainty regarding the specifics of completing the square and alternative methods for integration. The discussion remains unresolved as participants have not reached a consensus on the best approach to proceed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the parameters involved, particularly the nature of \( k \) and the complexity of the integrand. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps required for the integration.

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Hi,

I am interested in performing the following integration:

\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\Gamma\left[k,\frac{x+u}{v}\right]e^{-\frac{(x-m)^2}{2\sigma ^2}}dx<br />.

I would appreciate anyone's help. I have been trying to do it in Mathematica but it runs out of time returning the same integral.

Thanks in advance.

Alex
 
Last edited:
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is k and integer? If so, then the incomplete gamma function is a polynomial times an exponential:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incomplete_gamma_function

so you just complete the square in the exponent and you have a finite sum of moments of a Gaussian, which are easy to look up

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_distribution

Of course this will be very messy to write out, and at the end you will have a finite sum of confluent hypergeometric functions (which may not be useful to you at all) but it is doable. Nicer forms may be possible, too.

For arbitrary k this is really hard, I think.

good luck,

jason

jason
 
Thanks, your comment was helpful about the moment generating function of a Gaussian.

k is an integer in my case. I will give it a try.

Best Regards,

Alex
 
I tried to do what you suggested, but I am not sure how to proceed in completing the square. In case, k is an integer we get the polynomial as you said times e^{-x+u/v}. The other part of the integrand is a Gaussian exponent. Therefore, I do not see how to proceed especially since the moment of a Gaussian is obtained via the Fourier transform. The first exponent in my case is not complex.

Can I approximate the upper incomplete Gamma function \Gamma[k,\frac{x+u}{v}] in some other way in order to then be able to perform the integration?

Thanks again.
 

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