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.

  • #181
Olok said:
I am assuming you don't derive these generation functions yourself?

So, where do you find these generating functions??

I saw it somewhere on the internet.

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} H^2_n x^n = \frac{\log^2(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n x^{n+1}}{n+1} = \frac{-\log^3(1-x)}{3}+\int\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x} dx$$

The polylogarithmic integral of the RHS is extremely messy, what can be done?

No , it is not that difficult.

Note: It would be much better if you don't have that n+1 in the sum. To avoid it you first divide by x then integrate in the first step.
 
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  • #182
ZaidAlyafey said:
I saw it somewhere on the internet.
No , it is not that difficult.

Note: It would be much better if you don't have that n+1 in the sum. To avoid it you first divide by x then integrate in the first step.

Hello,

It would be extremely hard to integrate.

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}^{2}x^{n} = \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{(1-x)}$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}^{2}x^{n-1} = \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{x(1-x)}$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{2}x^{n}}{n} = \int\frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x(1-x)} + \int \frac{Li_2(x)}{x(1-x)} $$

$$\int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x(1-x)} dx$$
Let $dv = \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{(1-x)} dx$
Let $u = \frac{1}{x} dx$

$$\int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x(1-x)} dx = \frac{-\log^3(1-x)}{3x} - \int \frac{\log^3(1-x)}{3x^2} dx$$

Let $t = 1/x \implies x = 1/t \implies dt = -1/x^2 \implies dx = -1/t^2 dt$

$$ = \log^3(t - 1) - \log^3(t)$$

$$ I = \int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x(1-x)} dx = \frac{-\log^3(1-x)}{3x} + \frac{1}{3}\int \frac{\log^3(-(t - t)) - \log^3(t)}{t^2} dt$$

Im lost trying to integrate..
 
  • #183
Olok said:
Hello,

It would be extremely hard to integrate.

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}^{2}x^{n} = \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{(1-x)}$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}H_{n}^{2}x^{n-1} = \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{x(1-x)}$$

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{H_{n}^{2}x^{n}}{n} = \int\frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x(1-x)} + \int \frac{Li_2(x)}{x(1-x)} $$

No no no. Try partial fractions not integration by parts.
 
  • #184
ZaidAlyafey said:
No no no. Try partial fractions not integration by parts.

I was tired yesterday, so I'll say that was my excuse for not realizing partial fractions...

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

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

The integral is extremely difficult and lengthy (W|A) states.

So, what can be done?
 
  • #185
Olok said:
I was tired yesterday, so I'll say that was my excuse for not realizing partial fractions...

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

That should be $\log^2(1-x)$ not $\log^2(x)$. I think we can have an antiderivative for $$\int \frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}$$
 
  • #186
ZaidAlyafey said:
That should be $\log^2(1-x)$ not $\log^2(x)$. I think we can have an antiderivative for $$\int \frac{\mathrm{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}$$

I really am tired...

$$\frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{x} - \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{(1-x)}$$

The integral gives:

$$\int \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{x} - \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{(1-x)}dx = Li_3(x) + \int\frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x} dx +\frac{\log^3(1-x)}{3} - \int \frac{Li_2(x)}{1-x} dx$$

I checked WolframAlpha, we do have an antiderivative for the dilog but it is complicated, so I tried this:

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

We get:

$$\int \frac{Li_2(x)}{1-x} dx = (-)\int \frac{\log(x)\log(1-x)}{1-x}dx - Li_3(1-x) -\zeta(2)\log(1-x)$$

It is still complicated to integrate, but I think integration by parts is what we would do next.
 
  • #187
Olok said:
$$\frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{x} - \frac{\log^2(1-x) + Li_2(x)}{(1-x)}$$

That should be plus sign not minus between the two terms.
 
  • #188
ZaidAlyafey said:
That should be plus sign not minus between the two terms.

But it still doesn't help the integration process?
 
  • #189
Olok said:
But it still doesn't help the integration process?

Sometimes a wrong sign can make your life miserable.
 
  • #190
ZaidAlyafey said:
Sometimes a wrong sign can make your life miserable.

I like your humour.

By the way, I was wondering. Are you familiar with real analysis proofs? Because as I was cruising around, a lot of what you do here is based off of real analysis isn't it?

Can you perhaps link me to a page with all these generating functions? I mean, I tried searching online but got no results.

I did a lot of work on this. And this is what I have to now:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{H_{n}^{2}x^n}{n} = \log^2(1-x)\log(x) + 2Li_3(1-x) +2\zeta(2)\log(1-x) - \int \frac{Li_2(x)}{1-x} dx$$

The left over integral is very hard, but I am initially able to do this:

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

I remember you showed me a series a while ago, another gen. function.

I got:

$$2\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^{n+1}H_n}{(n+1)^2} = \int \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x} dx$$

But the issue: How can I do the sum? The $x^{n+1}$ will cause a very big issue.
 
  • #191
Olok said:
By the way, I was wondering. Are you familiar with real analysis proofs? Because as I was cruising around, a lot of what you do here is based off of real analysis isn't it?

I took a course in real analysis a year ago. To justify all the steps we need a firm knowledge of real analysis which I think I don't have.

Can you perhaps link me to a page with all these generating functions? I mean, I tried searching online but got no results.

Well , it is difficult to find them. They are not collected in one paper but scattered in many places.

I did a lot of work on this. And this is what I have to now:

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{H_{n}^{2}x^n}{n} = \log^2(1-x)\log(x) + 2Li_3(1-x) +2\zeta(2)\log(1-x) - \int \frac{Li_2(x)}{1-x} dx$$

I am not sure how you got that ? Maybe you are messing something ?
 
  • #192
ZaidAlyafey said:
I took a course in real analysis a year ago. To justify all the steps we need a firm knowledge of real analysis which I think I don't have.
Well , it is difficult to find them. They are not collected in one paper but scattered in many places.
I am not sure how you got that ? Maybe you are messing something ?

I have a way of approaching this Ill post tomorrow, it is quite late here in Turkmenistan.

Anyway, have you actually solved this problem yourself?
 
  • #193
Olok said:
Anyway, have you actually solved this problem yourself?

No , we are solving it together. I just thought of it when you posted that problem.
 
  • #194
ZaidAlyafey said:
No , we are solving it together. I just thought of it when you posted that problem.

Thats good. Collaboration for success.

For about two days I do not have time to work on this, since half my 11th grade semester is about to be over, and I am in a time crunch. Is it fine if we start working on this intensively in 2-3 days?

Thanks for cooperating!By the way:

http://mathhelpboards.com/calculus-10/integration-using-beta-gamma-functions-12437-9.htmlWe were using the wrong sum for the log^2 integral!

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{k} = -\log(1-x)$$

It doest equal $\frac{\log(1-x)}{x-1}$

??
 
Last edited:
  • #195
Olok said:
Thats good. Collaboration for success.

For about two days I do not have time to work on this, since half my 11th grade semester is about to be over, and I am in a time crunch. Is it fine if we start working on this intensively in 2-3 days?

Thanks for cooperating!

Ok , no problem.

By the way:

http://mathhelpboards.com/calculus-10/integration-using-beta-gamma-functions-12437-9.htmlWe were using the wrong sum for the log^2 integral!

$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{x^k}{k} = -\log(1-x)$$

It doest equal $\frac{\log(1-x)}{x-1}$

??

I don't see what is wrong !
 
  • #196
ZaidAlyafey said:
Ok , no problem.
I don't see what is wrong !

OK,

I am ready to begin the problem again.

Just a question.

By any chance, do you have any other generating functions?

I don't see a way to use that one.
 
  • #197
Olok said:
Just a question.

By any chance, do you have any other generating functions?

I found an interesting thread .

I don't see a way to use that one.

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} H^2_n x^n = \frac{\log^2(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} H^2_n x^{n-1} = \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\log^2(1-x)}{1-x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{x}$$$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n} = \int^x_0\frac{\log^2(1-t)}{t}\,dt +\int^x_0\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)}{1-t}\,dt-\frac{1}{3}\log^3(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_3(x)$$

$$\int^x_0\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)}{1-t}\,dt = -\log(1-x)\operatorname{Li}_2(x)-\int^x_0 \frac{\log^2(1-t)}{t}\,dt$$

Hence we get

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n} = -\log(1-t)\operatorname{Li}_2(t)-\frac{1}{3}\log^3(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_3(x)$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n-1} = -\frac{\log(1-x)\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{x}-\frac{1}{3}\frac{\log^3(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_3(x)}{x}$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} =\frac{ \operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)}{2}-\frac{1}{3}\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt+\operatorname{Li}_4(x)$$

$$\frac{1}{3}\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt =\operatorname{Li}_4(x)+\frac{ \operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)}{2}-\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} $$
 
  • #198
ZaidAlyafey said:
I found an interesting thread .
$$\sum_{n\geq 1} H^2_n x^n = \frac{\log^2(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} H^2_n x^{n-1} = \frac{\log^2(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\log^2(1-x)}{1-x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{1-x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{x}$$$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n} = \int^x_0\frac{\log^2(1-t)}{t}\,dt +\int^x_0\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)}{1-t}\,dt-\frac{1}{3}\log^3(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_3(x)$$

$$\int^x_0\frac{\operatorname{Li}_2(t)}{1-t}\,dt = -\log(1-x)\operatorname{Li}_2(x)-\int^x_0 \frac{\log^2(1-t)}{t}\,dt$$

Hence we get

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n} = -\log(1-t)\operatorname{Li}_2(t)-\frac{1}{3}\log^3(1-x)+\operatorname{Li}_3(x)$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n} x^{n-1} = -\frac{\log(1-x)\operatorname{Li}_2(x)}{x}-\frac{1}{3}\frac{\log^3(1-x)}{x}+\frac{\operatorname{Li}_3(x)}{x}$$

$$\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} =\frac{ \operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)}{2}-\frac{1}{3}\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt+\operatorname{Li}_4(x)$$

$$\frac{1}{3}\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt =\operatorname{Li}_4(x)+\frac{ \operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)}{2}-\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} $$

This is good, but we still cannot do our integral. Here we don't have $\log^3(t)$ as a factor.
 
  • #199
$$\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt =3\operatorname{Li}_4(x)+\frac{3}{2}\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)-3\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} $$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx$$

Integration by parts

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx = 9\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx+\frac{9}{2}\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx-9\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} \int^1_0x^{n-1}\log^2(x)\,dx $$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx = 9\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx+\frac{9}{2}\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx-18\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^5} $$

The first integral

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx = 2\zeta(7)$$

I still have to think of a way to solve

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx$$
 
  • #200
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$\int^x_0\frac{\log^3(1-t)}{t}\,dt =3\operatorname{Li}_4(x)+\frac{3}{2}\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)-3\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} x^{n} $$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx$$

Integration by parts

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx = 9\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx+\frac{9}{2}\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx-9\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^2} \int^1_0x^{n-1}\log^2(x)\,dx $$

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\log^3(1-x)\log^3(x)}{x}\,dx = 9\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx+\frac{9}{2}\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx-18\sum_{n\geq 1} \frac{H^2_n}{n^5} $$

The first integral

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}_4(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx = 2\zeta(7)$$

I still have to think of a way to solve

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx$$

Lets actually pass on this integral, I have a different contour integration question, which may or may not help with this later on.

Anyway, I hope Ill catch you there!
 
  • #201
Here is the evaluation of the last integral. There might be a mistake in a constant

$$\int^1_0 \frac{\operatorname{Li}^2_2(x)\log^2(x)}{x}\,dx = \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{(nk)^2}\int^1_0x^{n+k-1}\log^2(x)\,dx= 2\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{(nk)^2(n+k)^3}$$

$$\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^2k^2(n+k)^3} = \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{n+k-k}{n^3k^2(n+k)^3} = \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^3k^2(n+k)^2}-\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^3k(n+k)^3}$$

First sum

$$\begin{align}\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^3k^2(n+k)^2} &= \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^4k^2(n+k)}-\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^4k(n+k)^2}\\
&=\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^5k^2}-\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^5k(n+k)}-\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^5k(n+k)}+\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^5(n+k)^2}\\
&=\zeta(5)\zeta(2)-2\sum_{n \geq 1}\frac{H_n}{n^5}+\sum_{n \geq 1}\frac{H^{(2)}_n}{n^5}
\end{align}$$

$$\begin{align}\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^3k(n+k)^3} &= \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{1}{n^4k(n+k)^2}-\sum_{n \geq 1}\frac{H_n^{(3)}}{n^4}\\
&= \sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{H^{(2)}_n}{n^5}-\sum_{n,k\geq 1}\frac{H_n}{n^5}-\sum_{n \geq 1}\frac{H_n^{(3)}}{n^4}
\end{align}$$
 

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