What is the method to obtain this integral result?

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SUMMARY

The integral result discussed is given by the equation \(\frac{N}{\overline{\gamma}}\,\int_0^{\infty}\gamma\,\left[1-\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\right]^{N-1}\,\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\,d\gamma=\,\overline{\gamma}\sum_{k=1}^N\frac{1}{k}\). The key to solving this integral lies in recognizing that the term \(\left[1-\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\right]^N\) represents the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the random variable \(\gamma\). To derive the expected value of \(\gamma\), one must differentiate the CDF to obtain the probability density function (PDF).

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EngWiPy
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Hello,

I am reading some material that using mathematics extensively, and I encountered with the following result:

[tex]\frac{N}{\overline{\gamma}}\,\int_0^{\infty}\gamma\,\left[1-\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\right]^{N-1}\,\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\,d\gamma=\,\overline{\gamma}\sum_{k=1}^N\frac{1}{k}[/tex]

How did they get there? I tried to use the binomial expansion and assemble the exponentials, but the result was totally different. Any hint will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
 
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Note that the integrand looks very much like a derivative of
[tex]\left( 1 - e^{-\gamma / \overline{\gamma}} \right)^N[/tex]
with respect to either gamma or gamma-bar.
Maybe you can use that to your advantage.
 
CompuChip said:
Note that the integrand looks very much like a derivative of
[tex]\left( 1 - e^{-\gamma / \overline{\gamma}} \right)^N[/tex]
with respect to either gamma or gamma-bar.
Maybe you can use that to your advantage.

Yes, you are right. the term [tex]\left[1-\mbox{e}^{-\gamma/\overline{\gamma}}\right]^N[/tex] is the CDF of [tex]\gamma[/tex]. In the integral it is intended to find the statistical average (the expected value) of [tex]\gamma[/tex] which needs the PDF of [tex]\gamma[/tex] which is the derivative of the CDF with respect to [tex]\gamma[/tex]. But I am still stuck. Any further hint?

Thanks in advance
 

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