Function with Euler's constant

In summary, the conversation discusses an alternative way of displaying ##\frac{x}{e^{x}-1}## as a trigonometric function without using the bernoulli-numbers. Various suggestions are made, including using Taylor series and Faulhaber-formulas. The questioner also asks for clarification on the role of the Bernoulli Numbers and why they only appear with 2n index. A link to the Riemann Zeta function is provided for further understanding.
  • #1
eaglechief
26
1
Hello all,

is there an alternative way of displaying

##\frac{x}{e^{x}-1}##

as a trigonometric function, not using the bernoulli-numbers ?

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure what you mean by "display as a trigonometric function". Would writing [itex]e^x[/itex] as [itex]cos(x)+ i sin(x)[/itex] help?
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "display as a trigonometric function". Would writing [itex]e^x[/itex] as [itex]cos(x)+ i sin(x)[/itex] help?
Regardless of what it means, writing it this way would not help since it is not true. It is ##e^x##, not ##e^{ix}## ...
 
  • #5
Turn it upside down: [itex]e^{x}-1=\frac{x}{1!}+\frac{x^{2}}{2!}+... [/itex], so [itex] \frac{e^{x}-1}{x}=\frac{1}{1!}+\frac{x}{2!}+\frac{x^{2}}{3!}...[/itex]. Don't know if that helps.
 
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Likes aikismos
  • #6
Maybe set up a triangle with one side ## f(x)=x ## and the other side a local linearization of ## e^x -1 ##, then use Taylor series for arcsin or arc cos? Just an idea, Ihave not worked it out.
 
  • #7
Thanks for your answers, I do think the answers of Svein and WWGD do help me the best.

Basically, i am trying to understand, what the Bernoulli Numbers "do" and why they can be developed in a series expansion leading to the simple result x/(e^x-1).
I started by checking that Faulhaber-formulas, where the bernoulli-numbers appear in the last term while summarising x^2n with escalating x. Second, i wonder why they "appear" only with 2n index (except B#1).

thx for any hint !
 

FAQ: Function with Euler's constant

What is Euler's constant?

Euler's constant, also known as the Euler-Mascheroni constant, is a mathematical constant denoted by the symbol 'γ' (gamma). It is approximately equal to 0.5772156649 and is a key number in many mathematical and scientific calculations.

How is Euler's constant related to functions?

Euler's constant is commonly used in various mathematical functions, such as the logarithmic and exponential functions. In these functions, it serves as a base or a coefficient, and helps in simplifying complex calculations.

What is the significance of Euler's constant in calculus?

In calculus, Euler's constant is useful in understanding the behavior of certain functions, such as the gamma function and the zeta function. It also appears in the Euler-Maclaurin formula, which is used to approximate the sum of a series.

Can Euler's constant be expressed as a fraction or a finite decimal?

No, Euler's constant is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a fraction. It is also a transcendental number, which means it is not the root of any algebraic equation and has an infinite number of decimal places.

What are some real-world applications of Euler's constant?

Euler's constant has numerous applications in various scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and statistics. It is used in the calculation of compound interest, in the study of fluid dynamics, and in the analysis of data sets. It also plays a crucial role in the Riemann hypothesis, one of the most famous unsolved problems in mathematics.

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