Verify Gamma function, not a homework problem

In summary, the speaker wants to verify their method for finding the value of \Gamma(n+p+1) with p=-ve, which is commonly used in Bessel's equation. They provide their calculations for p=-1/2, -3/2, and -5/2 and ask for feedback on whether their method is correct. They also mention using Wolfram Alpha and Maple to check their work.
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yungman
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I want to verify the procedure of finding .[tex]\Gamma(n+p+1)[/tex]. with p =-ve. This is usually found in Bessel's equation. It is well talked about if p=+ve. But books I have don't even talking about in general how to find the series representation when p=-ve. I worked this out and I want to verify with you guys whether I am correct for some simple numbers of p= -1/2, -3/2,-5/2.

I use [tex]\Gamma(n+p+1) = \frac{\Gamma(n+p+2)}{ (n+p+1) }[/tex] as the bases to expand the equations below.



I start using this identity of p=1/2

[tex]\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1) = ((n-1)+\frac{1}{2}+1) \Gamma[(n-1)+\frac{1}{2}+1] = ((n-n)+\frac{1}{2}+1)((n-n+1)+\frac{1}{2}+1)...[(n-1)+\frac{1}{2}+1]\Gamma(0+\frac{1}{2}+1)[/tex]

[tex] \Rightarrow \Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1) = (\frac{0+1+2}{2})(\frac{2+1+2}{2})(\frac{4+1+2}{2})...(\frac{((2n-2)+1+2)}{2})\Gamma(\frac{0+1+2}{2})[/tex]

[tex]\Gamma(\frac{3}{2})=\frac{1}{2}\Gamma (\frac{1}{2})[/tex]

[tex] \Rightarrow \Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1) = (\frac{1}{2})(\frac{3}{2})(\frac{5}{2})...(\frac{2n+1}{2})\Gamma(\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1} n!}[/tex]





For p=-1/2 I use the result from above and add to it:
[tex]\Gamma(n-\frac{1}{2}+1) = \frac{\Gamma(n-\frac{1}{2}+2)}{ (n-\frac{1}{2}+1) } = \frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1)}{ (n-\frac{1}{2}+1) } = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1}n! (n-\frac{1}{2}+1) } = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1}n! (\frac{2n-1+2}{2}) } [/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \Gamma(n-\frac{1}{2}+1) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n}n! (2n+1) } = \frac{(2n)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n}n! }[/tex]



For p=-3/2
[tex]\Gamma(n-\frac{3}{2}+1) = \frac{\Gamma(n-\frac{3}{2}+2)}{ (n-\frac{3}{2}+1) } = \frac{\Gamma(n-\frac{1}{2}+1)}{ (n-\frac{3}{2}+1) } = \frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1)}{ (n-\frac{3}{2}+1) (n-\frac{1}{2}+1) }[/tex]


[tex]\Rightarrow \Gamma(n-\frac{3}{2}+1) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1}n! (n-\frac{3}{2}+1)(n-\frac{1}{2}+1) } = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1}n! (\frac{2n-3+2}{2}) (\frac{2n-1+2}{2})} [/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \Gamma(n-\frac{3}{2}+1) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n-1}n! (2n-1)(2n+1) } = \frac{(2n)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n-1}n! (2n-1)}[/tex]




For p=-5/2
[tex]\Gamma(n-\frac{5}{2}+1) = \frac{\Gamma(n-\frac{3}{2}+1)}{ (n-\frac{5}{2}+1) } = \frac{\Gamma(n+\frac{1}{2}+1)}{ (n-\frac{5}{2}+1) (n-\frac{3}{2}+1) (n-\frac{1}{2}+1) }[/tex]


[tex]\Gamma(n-\frac{5}{2}+1) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n+1}n! (\frac{2n-3}{2}) (\frac{2n-1}{2})(\frac{2n+1}{2})}[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow \Gamma(n-\frac{5}{2}+1) = \frac{(2n+1)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n-2}n! (2n-3)(2n-1) (2n+1)} = \frac{(2n)!\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{2n-2}n! (2n-3)(2n-1)}[/tex]


Please tell me whether I did this correct or not. There is not example or homework of this in a few of my books but we do use it in Bessel equation expansion. I just work out this formulas.
 
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FAQ: Verify Gamma function, not a homework problem

What is the Gamma function and why is it important?

The Gamma function, denoted by Γ(z), is a mathematical function that extends the concept of factorial to real and complex numbers. It is important in various fields of mathematics and physics, such as probability theory, number theory, and quantum mechanics.

How do you verify the Gamma function?

To verify the Gamma function, we use the definition of the function and apply it to a specific value of z. We then compare the result with the known values of the Gamma function for that particular value of z. If the results match, then we can say that the Gamma function has been verified.

What is the difference between the Gamma function and the factorial function?

The Gamma function is an extension of the factorial function, which is defined only for positive integers. The Gamma function, on the other hand, is defined for all complex numbers (except negative integers) and provides a continuous function that generalizes the idea of factorial.

Can the Gamma function be evaluated for negative values?

No, the Gamma function is not defined for negative values of z. This is because the function diverges for negative values and does not have a finite value.

What are some practical applications of the Gamma function?

The Gamma function has many practical applications in mathematics and physics. Some examples include calculating probabilities in statistics, solving differential equations in physics, and computing values in number theory.

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