Proving Zwillinger's Formula #686 - Is it Correct?

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The discussion revolves around the validity of Zwillinger's formula #686 from "CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae," specifically the integral \(\int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{\ln\left(\ln\frac{1}{x}\right)}} =\sqrt{\pi}\). Participants are questioning the correctness of this formula and exploring how to prove or disprove it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants analyze the behavior of the logarithmic functions involved as \(x\) approaches the limits of integration, noting potential issues with the integral's convergence and the nature of its values. Others express skepticism about the formula's correctness and suggest that the presence of multiple logarithmic functions complicates the evaluation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning the assumptions behind the formula and exploring different interpretations of the integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding the behavior of the logarithmic functions, but no consensus has been reached regarding the validity of the formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the integral may yield complex values under certain conditions, raising concerns about the formula's applicability. There is also mention of difficulty in finding the integral in bibliographical resources, suggesting a potential gap in available references.

dextercioby
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It's formula #686 of Zwillinger's book "CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae" 31-st edition, 5-th chapter.

He claims that

[tex]\int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{\ln\left(\ln\frac{1}{x}\right)}} =\sqrt{\pi}[/tex].

Is it correct...?:confused: And if so, how does one find/prove something like that...?

Daniel.
 
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That doesn't look right. As x goes from 0 to 1, ln(1/x) goes from infinity to 0, and ln(ln(1/x)) goes from infinity to -infinity, all monotonically. ln(ln(1/x))=0 at x=1/e and so the integral from 0 to 1/e is real and nonzero, while the integral from 1/e to 1 is imaginary and nonzero, so the answer should be complex.
 
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I could do that myself as well. It looked rather odd that i couldn't find the integral in the bibliographical resources...

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
It's formula #686 of Zwillinger's book "CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae" 31-st edition, 5-th chapter.

He claims that

[tex]\int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{\ln\left(\ln\frac{1}{x}\right)}} =\sqrt{\pi}[/tex].

Is it correct...?:confused: And if so, how does one find/prove something like that...?

Daniel.

It seems that there are too many ln's, i.e.,

[tex] \int_{0}^{1} \frac{dx}{\sqrt{\ln\frac{1}{x}}} = \Gamma \left( \frac{1}{2} \right) =\sqrt{\pi}[/tex]
 
Wow, that can be it. It sounds very reasonable.

Daniel.
 

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