Is the Gamma Function Convergent for Re(z)<0 and Im(z)≠0?

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SUMMARY

The Gamma function, defined as \(\Gamma(z) = \int_0^{\infty} t^{z-1} e^{-t} dt\), converges for \(\text{Re}(z) > 0\) and diverges for \(\text{Re}(z) \leq 0\) with \(\text{Im}(z) = 0\). The case for \(\text{Re}(z) \leq 0\) and \(\text{Im}(z} \neq 0\) presents complexities due to oscillatory behavior. The discussion suggests that while the integral diverges when evaluated directly, the rapid oscillation of the integrand may lead to convergence under certain conditions. The necessity of analytic continuation for \(\text{Re}(z) < 0\) is emphasized as a critical aspect of understanding the Gamma function in this domain.

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jostpuur
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<br /> \Gamma(z) = \int\limits_0^{\infty} t^{z-1} e^{-t} dt<br />

I can see that if \textrm{Re}(z)&gt;0, then the integral converges, and that if \textrm{Re}(z)\leq 0 and \textrm{Im}(z)=0, then it diverges. However, I found the case \textrm{Re}(z)\leq 0 and \textrm{Im}(z)\neq 0 more difficult.

<br /> t^{z-1} = t^{x-1}\big(\cos(y\log(t)) + i\sin(y\log(t))\big),\quad\quad z=x+iy<br />

Clearly the positive and negative parts (of real and imaginary parts) are not integrable alone, but it could be, assuming that we don't yet know the right answer, that the rapid oscillation would make the integral

<br /> \lim_{\delta\to 0^+} \int\limits_{\delta}^{\infty} t^{z-1} e^{-t} dt<br />

convergent. So, indeed, is it convergent or not? Anyone knowing proofs?

edit: Heuristically speaking, when t\to 0^+, then \log(t)\to-\infty rather slowly, so my guess is that the oscillations are going to be too slow for convergence.

edit edit: hmhmh... or then I could approximate e^{-t}=1+O(t), and actually integrate t^{z-1} with formula t^{z-1} = D_t \frac{1}{z}t^z, and see that it diverges...

Thanks for the attention, and I hope you enjoyed the entertainment.
 
Last edited:
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You must use the analytic continuation in re z < 0.
 

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