What is the role of Laurent series in solving limits at infinity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of Laurent series in calculating limits at infinity, particularly in the context of integrals involving the logarithm of the Gamma function. Participants explore how series expansions can be applied to evaluate limits and clarify the concept of expansion at infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral involving the logarithm of the Gamma function and questions how Laurent series can assist in solving limits at infinity.
  • Another participant suggests that if the Laurent series lacks positive powers of n, the absolute term represents the limit as n approaches infinity, while noting complications arise if there are finite positive powers.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the meaning of "expansion at n=∞" and how complex expressions can be simplified using this concept.
  • One participant equates the expansion at n=∞ to an expansion around u=0 for u=1/n, prompting questions about the nature of such expansions.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of expanding around n while allowing n to approach infinity, with references to specific expansions and their implications for limits.
  • Another participant confirms that the limit of 1/z as z approaches infinity is indeed 0, questioning the reasoning behind the expansion approach and affirming the correctness of certain expansions presented earlier.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of Laurent series and the implications of expanding around infinity. There is no consensus on the correct approach to these expansions or their outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding the nature of series expansions and their application to limits, particularly in the context of negative powers and the behavior of terms as n approaches infinity.

MAGNIBORO
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hi, I try to calculate the integral
$$\int_{0}^{1}log(\Gamma (x))dx$$

and the last step To solve the problem is:
$$1 -\frac{\gamma }{2} + \lim_{n\rightarrow \infty } \frac{H_{n}}{2} + n + log(\Gamma (n+1)) - (n+1)(log(n+1))$$
and wolfram alpha tells me something about series expansion at ##n=\infty## of laurent series
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?...rmassumption={"C",+"limit"}+->+{"Calculator"}

I know a little about series of laurent, but I do not understand how they serve to solve limits
and expansion at ##n=\infty##.
 
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If the Laurent series does not include positive powers of n (as in this problem), then the absolute term is your limit (the negative powers vanish for n->infinity).

If it has a finite number of positive powers of n, then your expression does not have a limit. If none of those cases apply, it gets complicated.
 
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mfb said:
If the Laurent series does not include positive powers of n (as in this problem), then the absolute term is your limit (the negative powers vanish for n->infinity).

If it has a finite number of positive powers of n, then your expression does not have a limit. If none of those cases apply, it gets complicated.
I do understand that, but what does it mean "expansion at ##n=\infty##". and how wolfram alpha obtained for complicated expresions like
$$\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty } \frac{H_{n}}{2} + n + log(\Gamma (n+1)) - (n+1)(log(n+1))$$
 
It is the same as an expansion around u=0 for u=1/n.

How: Sum all terms of the expansion of the summands in the usual way.
 
mfb said:
It is the same as an expansion around u=0 for u=1/n.

How: Sum all terms of the expansion of the summands in the usual way.

but expancion at u=0 of n=1/u Is not it just 1/u?
like expancion at z=0 of y= z^2 - 3z +1/z is not just z^2 - 3z +1/z?

and other question:
the expancion of 1/z at z=n is
$$\frac{1}{z}=\frac{1}{u+n}=\frac{1}{n}\, \frac{1}{1+\frac{u}{n}}=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty }\frac{(-1)^{k}\, (z-n)^{k}}{n^{k+1}}$$

for n tends to infinity Would be
$$\lim_{n\rightarrow \infty }+\frac{1}{n}-\frac{z-n}{n^{2}}+... = 0$$

so... what mistake I have?
 
The limit of 1/z for z->infinity is 0. Where is the problem?
If you expand around n, letting the expansion point go to infinity looks odd.
MAGNIBORO said:
but expancion at u=0 of n=1/u Is not it just 1/u?
like expancion at z=0 of y= z^2 - 3z +1/z is not just z^2 - 3z +1/z?
Those are the correct expansions.
 
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mfb said:
The limit of 1/z for z->infinity is 0. Where is the problem?
If you expand around n, letting the expansion point go to infinity looks odd.
Those are the correct expansions.
thanks =D
 

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