Psi function or digamma function?

In summary, the conversation is about the series representation of the psi function, specifically in the solution of the Bessel function of the second kind. The expressions for the psi functions are given as psi(m+1) and psi(n+m+1), which can be represented as series involving the digamma function. The series are derived from the definition of the psi function, which is equal to the derivative of the logarithm of the gamma function. The conversation also mentions the use of LaTeX to write the equations.
  • #1
Belgium 12
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0
Hi everyone,
concerning serie representation of psi function.
In te solution of bessel function of the second kind we have the following expressions for the psi functions

psi(m+1) and psi(n+m+1) then they give the series for the two psi functions ie(or digamma function)

sum
k from 1 to m of 1/k and ( for the first)
sum k from 1 to m+n of 1/k (for the second)

Is it possible to explain where this serie come from maybe using defintion of the psi function.I can't write latex sorry.

Tank you veru much
 
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  • #2
The LaTeX part is easier than your actual question:
https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

We have ##\psi(x)=\dfrac{d}{dx}\log(\Gamma(x))## and are interested in ##\psi(n)=H_{n-1} -\gamma=H_{n-1}-\lim_{n \to \infty}\left(H_n-\log(n)\right)##.
So we have heuristically a difference quotient of
$$
\log(\Gamma(n))=\log \left(\prod_k k \right)= \sum_k \log k = \sum_k \int_1^k \dfrac{1}{x}\,dx
$$
on the left hand side and the same difference on the right hand side.

An exact proof is a bit more to do. See this nice collection of formulas around ##\Gamma(x)## and ##\psi(x)##:
http://fractional-calculus.com/gamma_digamma.pdf
 

FAQ: Psi function or digamma function?

1. What is the definition of the Psi function or digamma function?

The Psi function or digamma function, denoted by ψ(x), is a special function in mathematics that is defined as the logarithmic derivative of the Gamma function. It is used to solve problems related to the distribution of prime numbers and in various other areas of mathematics and physics.

2. How is the Psi function related to the Gamma function?

The Psi function is the logarithmic derivative of the Gamma function, which means that it is the derivative of the natural logarithm of the Gamma function. In other words, ψ(x) = (Γ'(x)) / Γ(x).

3. What are the main properties of the Psi function?

The main properties of the Psi function include:

  • It is an odd function, meaning that ψ(-x) = -ψ(x)
  • It has a singularity at x = 0, where it approaches negative infinity
  • It has simple poles at negative integer values of x, where the residue is equal to 1
  • It satisfies the functional equation ψ(x+1) = ψ(x) + 1/x
  • It can be expressed in terms of other special functions such as the Hurwitz zeta function and the polygamma function

4. How is the Psi function used in number theory?

The Psi function plays a crucial role in the study of prime numbers and their distribution. It is used in the Prime Number Theorem, which states that the number of primes less than a given number x is approximately equal to x/ln(x). The Psi function is also used in the Riemann zeta function, which is closely related to the distribution of prime numbers.

5. What are some real-life applications of the Psi function?

The Psi function has various applications in mathematics and physics, including:

  • Number theory: as mentioned before, it is used in the study of prime numbers and their distribution
  • Statistical mechanics: it is used in the calculation of partition functions in statistical mechanics
  • Quantum mechanics: it appears in the solution of the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom
  • Fluid dynamics: it is used in the study of fluid flow in porous media
  • Signal processing: it is used in the calculation of the autocorrelation function in signal processing

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