Solving for k With Gamma Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the variable k in equations involving the Gamma function, specifically in the context of manipulating and simplifying expressions that include Gamma and Beta functions. Participants explore properties of the Gamma function and its relationship to factorials, while also addressing potential errors in the initial problem setup.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation k*Γ((n-1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1) and requests assistance in solving for k.
  • Another participant notes the relationship between the Gamma function and factorials, suggesting that for positive integers, \Gamma(n+1) = n! could be useful.
  • A participant proposes a solution for k as k= \frac{\Gamma(\frac{n}{2}+ 1)}{\Gamma(\frac{n-1}{2}+ 1)}, questioning if further simplification is desired.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of expressing k without the Gamma function, with one participant expressing uncertainty about their understanding of the problem.
  • Another participant mentions the use of Euler's Reflective formula to work with a specific Gamma function value, \Gamma(-1/2).
  • A participant reveals a correction in their initial problem statement, indicating that they need to solve for k in the equation k*Γ((n+1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1), which they believe may lead to a more straightforward solution using the Beta function.
  • The need to find the solution to B((n/2) + 1, 1/2) is also mentioned as part of the revised problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and approaches to the problem, with some proposing solutions while others indicate confusion or the need for further clarification. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to simplify k.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge potential errors in their initial approaches and the complexity of manipulating Gamma and Beta functions, indicating that assumptions about the problem setup may affect the solutions proposed.

Matthollyw00d
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k*Γ((n-1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1)

I need to solve for k, and I'm having some difficulty manipulating the gamma function to obtain my desired result. Any properties, hints or help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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The Gamma function relates to the factoria function for a positive integer by \Gamma <br /> (n+1) =n! If things like n/2 are a problem, we have \Gamma((n+1)/2+1)=(n+1)/2*\Gamma\((n+1)/2)
 
Last edited:
Matthollyw00d said:
k*Γ((n-1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1)

I need to solve for k, and I'm having some difficulty manipulating the gamma function to obtain my desired result. Any properties, hints or help would be greatly appreciated.
I must be completely misunderstanding the question.
k= \frac{\Gamma(\frac{n}{2}+ 1)}{\Gamma(\frac{n-1}{2}+ 1)}
What more do you want? To reduce the right side to a single gamma function?
 
HallsofIvy said:
I must be completely misunderstanding the question.
k= \frac{\Gamma(\frac{n}{2}+ 1)}{\Gamma(\frac{n-1}{2}+ 1)}
What more do you want? To reduce the right side to a single gamma function?

Yes, sorry. Obviously that could be a solution and I'll live with that solution if it's the best I can get; however, I'm pretty sure k can be reduced to just a simple expression of n without the Gamma function hanging around.

And Robert Ihnot, that's pretty much all I've been using and a bit of the Beta Function, but was unable to get very far last night. I kept getting a Γ(-1/2) and I can't work with that.
 
You can work with that using Euler's Reflective formula: \Gamma(1-z)\Gamma(z)
=\pi divided by sin(\pi(z))
 
Last edited:
As it turns out I had made an error early on in the problem and it turns out I need to find k for k*Γ((n+1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1) instead of k*Γ((n-1)/2 + 1)=Γ(n/2 + 1). Which now seems much more promising and I should be able to find a solution with the Beta Function. Now I just need to find the solution to
B((n/2) + 1, 1/2)
 

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