Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the evaluation of the integral involving the product of polylogarithms, specifically the expression
$$\int^1_0 \mathrm{Li}_p(x) \mathrm{Li}_q(x) \mathrm{Li}_r(x) \,dx$$
Participants explore various approaches to derive a general formula for this integral, examining specific cases and related series expansions.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant initiates the discussion by referencing previous work and expressing uncertainty about deriving a general formula for the integral of the product of polylogarithms.
- Another participant suggests starting with the simpler case of
$$\int^1_0 \mathrm{Li}_p(x)\,dx$$
and provides a method involving integration by parts, leading to a recursive relation with the Riemann zeta function.
- Further contributions detail the evaluation of integrals of the form
$$\int^1_0 x^{n-1} \mathrm{Li}_p(x)\,dx$$
and derive expressions involving sums of zeta functions and harmonic numbers.
- Participants discuss the implications of setting specific values for parameters in the integrals, leading to different forms of the results.
- One participant introduces a series related to
$$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^q(n+1)^k}$$
and explores its relationship to polylogarithmic functions and logarithmic integrals.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion does not reach a consensus on a general formula for the integral of the product of polylogarithms. Multiple approaches and perspectives are presented, with participants building on each other's contributions without resolving the overarching question.
Contextual Notes
Participants express various assumptions and conditions in their calculations, including dependencies on the values of parameters and the convergence of series. Some steps in the derivations remain unresolved or are contingent on further exploration.