Psi function or digamma function?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Belgium 12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Psi
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the series representation of the psi function, also known as the digamma function. It highlights the expressions for psi functions, specifically psi(m+1) and psi(n+m+1), which yield series sums: sum from k=1 to m of 1/k and sum from k=1 to m+n of 1/k, respectively. The relationship between the psi function and the gamma function is established through the formula ψ(x) = d/dx log(Γ(x)), and the discussion references the harmonic numbers and their connection to the digamma function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the digamma function and its properties
  • Familiarity with the gamma function and its applications
  • Basic knowledge of harmonic numbers and their significance
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation and series summations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the digamma function from the gamma function
  • Explore the properties and applications of harmonic numbers
  • Learn about series expansions and their convergence criteria
  • Investigate advanced topics in fractional calculus related to the gamma and digamma functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students studying advanced calculus or special functions, particularly those interested in the properties and applications of the digamma function and gamma function.

Belgium 12
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone,
concerning serie representation of psi function.
In te solution of bessel function of the second kind we have the following expressions for the psi functions

psi(m+1) and psi(n+m+1) then they give the series for the two psi functions ie(or digamma function)

sum
k from 1 to m of 1/k and ( for the first)
sum k from 1 to m+n of 1/k (for the second)

Is it possible to explain where this serie come from maybe using definition of the psi function.I can't write latex sorry.

Tank you veru much
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The LaTeX part is easier than your actual question:
https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

We have ##\psi(x)=\dfrac{d}{dx}\log(\Gamma(x))## and are interested in ##\psi(n)=H_{n-1} -\gamma=H_{n-1}-\lim_{n \to \infty}\left(H_n-\log(n)\right)##.
So we have heuristically a difference quotient of
$$
\log(\Gamma(n))=\log \left(\prod_k k \right)= \sum_k \log k = \sum_k \int_1^k \dfrac{1}{x}\,dx
$$
on the left hand side and the same difference on the right hand side.

An exact proof is a bit more to do. See this nice collection of formulas around ##\Gamma(x)## and ##\psi(x)##:
http://fractional-calculus.com/gamma_digamma.pdf
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K