Integration using Beta and Gamma Functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral $\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\ln(1+x)}{1+x^2} \,dx$ and explores various approaches to compute it using beta and gamma functions. Participants consider different formulations of the beta function and the potential use of hypergeometric functions, as well as the implications of logarithmic terms in the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the beta function to compute the integral but is unsure how to apply it due to the presence of the logarithm.
  • Another participant introduces an alternative version of the beta function that could be relevant for other integrals.
  • There is a discussion about differentiating the beta function to obtain logarithmic terms, with examples provided.
  • Participants express curiosity about how to approach the integral involving $\log(1+x^2)$ and the implications of using series expansions.
  • Some participants challenge earlier claims about the gamma function, specifically regarding the value of $\Gamma(1/2)$ and its relationship to factorials.
  • There is a correction regarding the differentiation of the beta function, with a focus on the digamma function and its computation.
  • Participants express confusion about the definitions and applications of the gamma and beta functions in their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the integral. Multiple competing views and methods are presented, with some participants questioning the validity of certain steps in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the application of the beta and gamma functions, particularly in relation to the logarithmic terms and the differentiation process. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in definitions and the relationships between the functions involved.

  • #121
ZaidAlyafey said:
Seems correct. Let us verify it by taking the limit as $x \to 1$.

What do you get ?

Does it agree with the value returned by wolfram.

The issue is with taking the limit.

$\displaystyle lim_{x\to1} \log(1-x)$ does not exist.
 
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  • #122
Olok said:
$$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^{k+2}}{(k+1)(k+2)^3} = -Li_2(x)+ x - x\log(1-x) + \log(1-x) + 2x - \frac{x^2}{8} - Li_3(x) $$

Take limits of both sides. Don't distribute the limit until you are sure the limit exists.
 
  • #123
ZaidAlyafey said:
Take limits of both sides. Don't distribute the limit until you are sure the limit exists.

$$\lim_{{x}\to{1}} -Li_2(x)+ x - x\log(1-x) + \log(1-x) + 2x - \frac{x^2}{8} - Li_3(x)$$
$$= \lim_{{x}\to{1}} -Li_2(x) +(\log(1-x))(1 - x) + 3x - \frac{x^2}{8} - Li_3(x)$$

The more interesting case is $\log(1-x)\cdot(1-x)$

$$y = \lim_{{x}\to{1}} (\log(1-x)\cdot(1-x))$$
Let $u = 1-x$ as $x\to1$ we have $u \to 0$

$$y = \lim_{{u}\to{0}} \log(u)\cdot(u) = \lim_{{u}\to{0}} \log(u\cdot e^u)$$

$$e^y = \lim_{{u}\to{0}} 0$$

But then we are back to where we started with $\log(0)$
 
  • #124
$$\lim_{u \to 0} u \times \log(u) = \lim_{u \to 0} \frac{\log(u)}{\frac{1}{u}} $$

By L'Hospital rule the limit goes to 0.
 
  • #125
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$\lim_{u \to 0} u \times \log(u) = \lim_{u \to 0} \frac{\log(u)}{\frac{1}{u}} $$

By L'Hospital rule the limit goes to 0.

That is very nice, but the denominator is not indeterminate is it? $1/0$ is not indeterminate is it?

$$= \lim_{{x}\to{1}} -Li_2(x) +(\log(1-x))(1 - x) + 3x - \frac{x^2}{8} - Li_3(x)$$

$$= \lim_{{x}\to{1}} -Li_2(x) + \frac{23}{8} - Li_3(x)$$

$$= -\zeta(2) + \frac{23}{8} - \zeta(3)$$

Then

$$ \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{(k+1)(k+2)^3} = -\frac{Li_2(x)}{x^2}+ \frac{1}{x} - \frac{\log(1-x)}{x} + \frac{\log(1-x)}{x^2} + \frac{2}{x} - \frac{1}{8} - \frac{Li_3(x)}{x^2}$$

Then we need to integrate:

$$\int_{0}^{1} -\frac{Li_2(x)}{(1-x)x^2}+ \frac{1}{(1-x)x} - \frac{\log(1-x)}{x(1-x)} + \frac{\log(1-x)}{(1-x)x^2} + \frac{2}{(1-x)x} - \frac{1}{8(1-x)} - \frac{Li_3(x)}{(1-x)x^2} \,dx$$

This is the most difficult part of all. Especially because if this is split up, a lot of it does not converge.

out of curiosity: could we use complex analysis to solve the sum we had? Also, can you also help me through some complex analysis, and contour integration? I am quite interested, but I don't have means to learn it except MHB. Help will be appreciated! =)
 
  • #126
Olok said:
That is very nice, but the denominator is not indeterminate is it? $1/0$ is not indeterminate is it?

The limit is of the form $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$. which can be solved by L'Hospital rule.

Then we need to integrate:

$$\int_{0}^{1} -\frac{Li_2(x)}{(1-x)x^2}+ \frac{1}{(1-x)x} - \frac{\log(1-x)}{x(1-x)} + \frac{\log(1-x)}{(1-x)x^2} + \frac{2}{(1-x)x} - \frac{1}{8(1-x)} - \frac{Li_3(x)}{(1-x)x^2} \,dx$$

This is the most difficult part of all. Especially because if this is split up, a lot of it does not converge.

I guess this will be complicated , at least you tried :) . Why don't we stick to the solution using Harmonic numbers ?

out of curiosity: could we use complex analysis to solve the sum we had? Also, can you also help me through some complex analysis, and contour integration? I am quite interested, but I don't have means to learn it except MHB. Help will be appreciated! =)

Of course.I 'll answer this question in the other thread.
 
  • #127
ZaidAlyafey said:
The limit is of the form $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$. which can be solved by L'Hospital rule.
I guess this will be complicated , at least you tried :) . Why don't we stick to the solution using Harmonic numbers ?
Of course.I 'll answer this question in the other thread.
But how do we use that formula?

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

Lets consider $n = \displaystyle \sqrt{k+1}$

Then the lower limit will be

$k = 0$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

Nevermind, I just realized the $H_n$ won't fit properly... Wow, this is difficult.
 
  • #128
Ok , I will give you quick exercise

Find

$$\sum_{k\geq 0}\frac{H_k}{(k+1)^2}$$
 
  • #129
ZaidAlyafey said:
Ok , I will give you quick exercise

Find

$$\sum_{k\geq 0}\frac{H_k}{(k+1)^2}$$

Ok.

Let $n = j+1$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

$$\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j+1}}{(j+1)^2}= \left(1+\frac{2}{2} \right)\zeta(3)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{0}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(3-k)$$

$$\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j+1}}{(j+1)^2} =
\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j} + \frac{1}{j+1}}{(j+1)^2} = \sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j}}{(j+1)^2}+ \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} + \frac{1}{(j+1)^3}$$

Originally, the formula states:

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q} - 1$$

Then

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} - 1 = (2)\zeta(3) - \frac{1}{2}(indeterminate)$$

I checked W|A, the sum involving the $q-2$ is indeterminate, which is bad news.
 
Last edited:
  • #130
Olok said:
Ok.

Let $n = j+1$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

$$\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j+1}}{(j+1)^2}= \left(1+\frac{2}{2} \right)\zeta(3)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{0}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(3-k)$$

$$\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j+1}}{(j+1)^2} =
\sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j} + \frac{1}{j+1}}{(j+1)^2} = \sum_{j=0}^\infty \frac{H_{j}}{(j+1)^2}+ \sum_{j=0}^{\infty} + \frac{1}{(j+1)^3}$$

Originally, the formula states:

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q}= \left(1+\frac{q}{2} \right)\zeta(q+1)-\frac{1}{2}\sum_{k=1}^{q-2}\zeta(k+1)\zeta(q-k)$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^q} - 1$$

Then

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} - 1 = (2)\zeta(3) - \frac{1}{2}(indeterminate)$$

I checked W|A, the sum involving the $q-2$ is indeterminate, which is bad news.

By definition if the upper index of the sum is 0 then the sum is 0.
 
  • #131
ZaidAlyafey said:
By definition if the upper index of the sum is 0 then the sum is 0.

Then why does W|A return it as indeterminate?
 
  • #132
Olok said:
Then why does W|A return it as indeterminate?

W|A can't solve it because the lower index is greater than the upper index.

So we have to add the following constrains $q>1$ and when $q=2$ the series is equal to 0. It is just a constrain that we defined on that particular case.

Any way, Let us assume that we can't find the summation when $q=2$ so we have to find

$$\sum_{k\geq 1} \frac{H_k}{k^2}$$

Can you think of a way to evaluate it without using that formula ?
 
  • #133
ZaidAlyafey said:
W|A can't solve it because the lower index is greater than the upper index.

So we have to add the following constrains $q>1$ and when $q=2$ the series is equal to 0. It is just a constrain that we defined on that particular case.

Any way, Let us assume that we can't find the summation when $q=2$ so we have to find

$$\sum_{k\geq 1} \frac{H_k}{k^2}$$

Can you think of a way to evaluate it without using that formula ?

Not really. I suppose the formula is the best way, and I suppose by definition the sum is $0$.

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} = \sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{H_j}{(j+1)^2} - 1 = (2)\zeta(3) - 0 - 1 = 2\zeta(3) - 1$$
 
  • #134
Hint :

use that

$$\int^1_0 \frac{1-x^n}{1-x}\,dx = H_n$$
 
  • #135
ZaidAlyafey said:
Hint :

use that

$$\int^1_0 \frac{1-x^n}{1-x}\,dx = H_n$$

That is what I did a while ago (with the other sum) and it became a mess as you saw.

$$\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{H_k}{k^2}$$

$$H_k = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1-x^k}{1-x} \,dx$$

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{1-x} \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{1-x^k}{k^2} \,dx$$

Assuming the parts of the sum are convergent we get:

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{1-x} \left(\zeta(2) - \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{k^2}\right) \,dx$$

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{1}{1-x} \left(\zeta(2) - Li_2(x)\right) \,dx$$

$$S = \lim_{{x}\to{1}} -\zeta(2)\log(1-x) - \int_{0}^{1} \frac{Li_2(x)}{1-x} \,dx$$

The Li_2(x)/(1-x) is the hard part. Integration by parts or some other strategy?
 
  • #136
The limit doesn't exist so you cannot separate the two integrals because they are divergent as I said previously.

$$Li_2(x)+Li_2(1-x) = \zeta(2)-\log(x)\log(1-x)$$

$$\zeta(2)-Li_2(x) = Li_2(1-x)+\log(x)\log(1-x)$$
 
  • #137
ZaidAlyafey said:
The limit doesn't exist so you cannot separate the two integrals because they are divergent as I said previously.

$$Li_2(x)+Li_2(1-x) = \zeta(2)-\log(x)\log(1-x)$$

$$\zeta(2)-Li_2(x) = Li_2(1-x)+\log(x)\log(1-x)$$

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{Li_2(1-x) + \log(x)\log(1-x)}{1-x} \,dx$$

Assuming this integral is convergent, I suppose can split this.

$$S = -Li_3(1-x)]_{0}^{1} - \text{problem}$$

Okay, this is depressing.

And very hard.
 
  • #138
Try integration by parts , don't quite so easily.
 
  • #139
ZaidAlyafey said:
Try integration by parts , don't quite so easily.

NEW IDEA!

$\log(1-x)\log(x) = -Li_2(1-x) - Li_2(x) + \zeta(2)$

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{-Li_2(x) + \zeta(2)}{1-x} \,dx$$

First the antiderivative:

$$S = (\zeta(2) - Li_2(x)) + \int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{(1-x)} dx$$

Let $\log(1-x) = u \implies du = \frac{1}{1-x}$

$$S_{antiderivative} = (\zeta(2) - Li_2(x)) + \frac{\log^3(1-x)}{3}$$

$$S = \lim_{{x}\to{1}} -Li_2(x) + \frac{\log^3(1-x)}{3}$$

Wait, does this limit exist?
 
  • #140
Olok said:
NEW IDEA!

$\log(1-x)\log(x) = -Li_2(1-x) - Li_2(x) + \zeta(2)$

$$S = \int_{0}^{1} \frac{-Li_2(x) + \zeta(2)}{1-x} \,dx$$

First the antiderivative:

$$S = (\zeta(2) - Li_2(x)) + \int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{(1-x)} dx$$

I don't understand how you got that. Moreover , S shouldn't be used twice since the first is definite and the second is indefinite integral.
 
  • #141
ZaidAlyafey said:
I don't understand how you got that. Moreover , S shouldn't be used twice since the first is definite and the second is indefinite integral.

I will need some help. Can you start me off on the integral? I can't think anything that will help right now.
 
  • #142
  • #143
ZaidAlyafey said:
Here is the approach.

Oh I see.

How is

$$\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\log(1-x)\log(x)}{x} \,dx = \int_{0}^{1} Li_2(x)/x \,dx$$

I believe $\log(1-x)\log(x) = -(Li_2(x) + Li_2(1-x)) + \zeta(2)$

??
 
  • #144
Olok said:
Oh I see.

How is

$$\int_{0}^{1} \frac{\log(1-x)\log(x)}{x} \,dx = \int_{0}^{1} Li_2(x)/x \,dx$$

I believe $\log(1-x)\log(x) = -(Li_2(x) + Li_2(1-x)) + \zeta(2)$

??

Try integration by parts where I used that

$$Li_2(x) =- \int^x_0 \frac{\log(1-t)}{t}\,dt$$
 
  • #145
ZaidAlyafey said:
Try integration by parts where I used that

$$Li_2(x) =- \int^x_0 \frac{\log(1-t)}{t}\,dt$$

I see.

But how does this all relate to the original sum?
 
  • #146
Olok said:
I see.

But how does this all relate to the original sum?

Which original sum ? Isn't the question how to solve

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^2}$$

without using the formula ?
 
  • #147
ZaidAlyafey said:
Which original sum ? Isn't the question how to solve

$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{H_n}{n^2}$$

without using the formula ?

No, the one for the integral.
 
  • #148
Olok said:
No, the one for the integral.

It was just an exercise to know how to solve Euler sums without using the formula.
 
  • #149
ZaidAlyafey said:
It was just an exercise to know how to solve Euler sums without using the formula.

How how can you solve:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{H_n}{(n+1)^2}$$

With the use of the formula?

Please, will you show me this example, and I can do the sum for the integral.
 
  • #150
Olok said:
How how can you solve:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{H_n}{(n+1)^2}$$

With the use of the formula?

Please, will you show me this example, and I can do the sum for the integral.

Look at this answer.
 

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