PUBLIKACIJE ELEKTROTEHNICKOG FAKULTETA UNIVERZITETA U BEOGRADU

PUBLICATIONSDE LA FACULTE D'ELECTROTECHNIQUEDE L'UNIVERSITE A BELGRADE

SERIJA: MATEMATIKA I FIZIKA - SERlE: MATHEMATIQUES ET PHYSIQUE

N!! 381-,N!! 409 (1972)

395. SUPPLEMENTING THE ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSION OF THE

GAMMA FUNCTION AND OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS*

Dusan V. Slavic

In this paper we give the asymptotic relation

Logr(z+a)= (z+a- log z-z+ log V27t-log (1- bei21'tc(z+a»

~)

for the logarithm of the gamma function, where z=x+iy, a is a real number.
Bk (a) are BERNOULLI'S polynomials and

This relation differs from the known ones, since it contains the additional
term -log (l-bei21'tc(z+a», without which one must suppose that larg (z + a)l::;;;
::£;7t-a, o<a::;;;7t. In the neighbourhood of singular points, this additional term
is dominant.
We also give the corresponding additional terms for the asymptotic
relations for r (z + a), tjJ(z + a) and tjJ' (z + a).

In this paper we shan take

+00
T(z) = J e-t
o
tz-1 dt, Re z > 0, z = x + iy

as the definition of the gamma function. For Re z::;;;0, we take the values
which are obtained by analytical continuation of the gamma function using
the functional equation
(1) T(z+ 1)=zT(z)
except in simple poles for z = p (p = 0, - 1, - 2, ...).
. Presented October 19, 1971 by D. D. ADAMOVIC.

73
74 Supplementing the asymptotic expansion of the gamma function. . .

Logarithm of the gamma function, denoted by LogF(z), will mean the

determination of the logarithm which is a continuous function for - 7t< arg z < 7t,
and f0r arg z = 0 we have 1m Log F (z) = O.
In his letter to DE MOIVRE, STIRLINGinformed him of the result

I
" 1 k+- 2
k+-
~ exp( -~-+ 7
(2) k!,,42r.
[ - +.. .
e J
24(k +
l ~)
2880( k +
~ r J
see [1], p. 180, as well as [2], p. 341.
Later on, DE MOIVREgave the relation
+00
1 B 2n
(3) 10gF(z)'" (
z--
2 ) logz-z+logV27t+ 2:
n~12n (2n-l) z2n-t

(which is usually ascribed to STIRLING). B2n denote BERNOULLI'S numbers

1 I 1 5 69 ...
B2=-, B 4 ---
- Bs = - -, BIO=-' B 12 =--
6 30' 30 66 2730 '

defined by
+00
z Bn n
--L..,-z, - "" Izl<27t.
ez-l n~1 n!

Formula (2) can be obtained by the use of EULER'S summation formula

with I(x) = log x; see [3], pp. 329-330.
T. BAYESproved in 1763 the divergence of the so-called STIRLING'S ex-
pansion (3). Using HERMITE'SequalLy
(4)

where ~ (s) is the RIEMANNzeta function

~(s)= y
n=1
{ nS
~- T(n-S)
T(n) }
(Res>O),

see [4], p. 56, it can be shown that the modulus of the general term in (3)
for n- + 00, behaves as
IB2 n I -,...",(~ - log (1t e2 n» 2n-1 1
2n(2n-I)lzI2n-1 \1te 41te ) [z!2n-1 '

i. e., that it tends to infinity for a fixed z, which implies the divergence of (3)
for all z. Naturally, this does not diminish the importance of (3), but it requ-
ests further specifications. In virtue of (4) it is easy to show that the modu-
lus of the (n + 1)-th term of (3) is less than the modulus of the n-th term if
n-l 1
Izl>-+ .
1t" "-
V30
 D. V. Slavic 75

The following formula also carries the name of STIRLING:

(5) LOgr(z)=
{(
z-~
2 ) 10gZ-Z+IOgV27t+ ~
n=12n
B2n
(2n-l) z2n-1 }
+RN(Z),

where Iarg z i< 7t and

1 secargZ 2N+l
( 6)
I
R N (z )1< IB2N+21
=(2N+l)(2N+2) (~ 2 ) .
This estimrte of the remainder seems to be due to P. GILBERT, see, for
ex_mple, [5], p. X.
In [6], p. 252, we find
IB2Nd 7t
(7) IR N (z)l~- largzl ~-,
(2N+l)(2N+2)lz/2N+l' 4
and
(8) IB2N+21 cosec 12 arg z [,
7t 7t
IR N (z)l~ -~Iargzl<-.
-(2N+l)(2N+2)lzI2N+1 4 2
Combining these results we get

(o~largzl~:)

(9) K (z) = cosec (2 arg z)

(: ~larg=l~tp)
arg Z 2N+I
(sec- 2 ) (tp~largzl<7t)
where cp is the solution of the equation
2N+l

(cos ~ ) = sin 2cp

7t 7t
For - - ~ arg z ~ - the modulus of the remainder is less than the mo-
4 4
dulus of the fLst omitted term

ILOgr(Z) - {(z - logz-H log V2 7t+ ~

~) n~1 2n(2n~~)Z2n-l}[ (2N + l~~;~+: ~)IZI2N+l.

A large number of inequaIi:ies involving r (z) for arg z = 0 is given in

[7], pp. 175-179, and their generalisations in [8].
If z-+oo along the line argz='IX, -7t<IX<7t, then
. 1 arg z 1 ex
I1m -sec--= Ilm-sec-=
" 0,
z-oo Iz I 2 z_oo Iz I 2
and therefore RN (z) also tends to zero.
From this we get the known asymptotic relation
Bm
(10) LogT(Z)=
(Z-~ )IOgZ-Z+logV27t
2
+ ~
n~1 2n (2n-l) z2n-l
+O(Z-2N-I),

largz!~7t-a, o<a~7t.
76 Supplementing the asymptotic expansion of the gamma function. .
"

However, if z~oo along the line z=x+iy, x<O, y=Yo=FO, then

1
2 2
1 arg z 2
( )
.
11m-sec-=
' I1m
"
- =-,
Iz->oo[zl 2 x->-oo y2+X2+XVX2+y2 IYol

and (6) implies that RN (z) does not tend to zero when z~ 00.
The expression in the curved brackets of the relation (5) is a bounded
function for finite z. Since LogF(z) for z=p (p=O, -1, -2, ...) has loga-
rithmic singularities, it is clear that RN(Z) does not tend to zero for z~oo;
consult [9], p. 29.
(-l)p
Since the gamma function has for z = p simple poles with residues
p!
(see, for example, [10], p. 18), the real part of the logari~hm of the gamma
functions in the neighbourhood of z = p has the following behaviour
(11) Re Log F(z)"" -log 1
z - pl.
Th:::refore, RN (z) must take over th::: role of th~ term which expresses the
logarithmic singulariLies. We shall now determine the asymptotic expression of
function F (z) such th:1t RN (z) = F (z) + 0 (Z-2N-1) since only after its compu-
tation we obtain the relation
N
1
(12) LogF(z)=
( 2) z-- logz-z+logV27t - +F(z) + L B 2n
z2n-l
+O(Z-2N-1)
n=12n(2n-l)

which could be called asymptotic expansion of the logari~hm of the gamma

function.
From (6) and (10) follows
(13) F (z) = 0 (Z-2N-1),

Since 10gF{z)=10gF(z), I argzl<7t, see, for instance, [11], p. 256, (l2)

implies
(14) F (z) = F (z), [argzl<7t.
Substituting the value of the asymptotic expansion (12) for z + 1 and z
into (1) we see th<:t it is satisfied for all natural number N. The impact of
an eventual additional term F (z) cannot be determined, and we therefore
conclude tha.t
(15) F(z+ 1)=F(z)+o(z-2N-1),

compare, for example, [12], pp. 104-105, 127-131.

1
Asymptotic values of the expansion (12) for 2z, z and z+- satisfy
2
the LEGENDRE duplication formula

(16)
 D. V. Slavic 77

The eventual additional term F (z) cannot be, therefore, determined from (16).
This implies
(17) F(2Z)=F(z)+F(z+ ~)+0(Z-2N-l)
compare [12], pp. 233-234.
Combining (1), (6), (7) and (16) we obtain
N (l_2-(2n-I»)B
(18) Logr
( )
z+-
1
2
=zlogz-z+log V-27t- 2:
n=12n(2n-1)z2n-1
2n

+F(Z+ ~)+O(Z-2N-l),

where F(Z+ is up to now unknown term which satisfies (13), (14), (15)
~)
and (17).
Expansion (18), together with (13), for z = k + J... contains STIRLING'S
2
formula (2).
We shaH now evaluate the asymtotic value of F (z + for Rez<O,
~)
1m Z 6; 0, when z-+ 00. Replacing z by - z from (18) it follows
(19) -Logr(~ -z)=zlogz+7tZi-z-1ogV27t -F(~ -z)
N (1 2-(2n-I»)B
- 2n 1t
-<argz~7t.
- 2: 2n (2n-1)z2n-1 + 0 (Z-2N-l), 2
n~1
Equality 2 cos 7tZ = einz + e-inz implies

(20) -log cos 7tz = - Jog (1 + ei2nz) + log 2 - 7tzi.

Using the functional equation

r( ~ +z).r( ~ -z). cos 7tZ= 7t,

as well as (19) and (20), we obtain

(21) F(~ +Z)+F(~ -z)= -log(l +ei2nz)+0 (Z-2N-l), O~argz:;;;7t,

which yields
(22) F(~ +z)+ F(~ -z)= -log(1 +ri2nz) +0( -Z)-2N-l), -7t<argz<O.

Equations (13), (21) and (22) imply

(23) F(Z + ~) = 0 (Z-2N-l)

-log (1 + ei2nz) + 0 (Z-2N-l)

7S Supplementing the asymptotic expansion of the gamm function...

The obtained asymptotic values (23) are in accordance with (14), (15)
and (17).
We therefore have for z_oo

(24) Logr(z + )=z logz-z+ log V27t -log (1 + beiZncz)

~
N (I - 2 -(2N-I» B
- 2: 'n + 0 (Z-ZN-l),
n~l
2n(2n-l)z2n-l
where z = x + iy and
b= 1 (x<O), b=O (x~O), c= -1 (y<O), c= 1 (y~O),
Using again functional equations (1) and (16) from (24) we get for z-oo

(25) Log r (z) = (z -1) log z - z + log V2 7t -Ie g (1- bei2nCZ)

N B
+ 2: 'n~ + 0 (Z-ZN-l),
n=12n(2n-l)z2f1-1

where z and c have the SE-me meaning, as b = 1 (x< -}) and b = 0 x ~ +).
(
E. W. BARNESgave i:l 1899 (see, for txemple, [13], p. 63) the following
asymptotic relation, which is more general than (10)
S=-I)~EkC~
(26)
Logr(z+
(
a)= z+ a- --'-
2 )log z- z+ log V27t + ~
k=2k(k-l)zk-l
+ 0 (z-m),

larg(z+a)I~7t-a, 0<a~7t.
where Bk(a) BERNOULLI'S polynomials

Bo(a)=1, Bi(a)=a---'-, Bz(a)=aZ-a+--'-,

2 6

zeaz + 00 zk
--=
eZ-1
2: -Bda),
k~ok!
Izl<2r..

J. L. FIELDS has recently given an ekmentary proof of rel::..tion (26);

see [14], pp. 32-33. This proof is based on the It:pksement of z by z + a
in (l0 I and in further rearrangement of tel ms. Using thc.t proof, starting
with (25), we obt::..in the asymptotic relation
LOgr(z+a)=( z+a-1) logz-z+logV27t -log(l-beiZnctz+a»

(27) + ~ (-I):!k~
k=2k(k-l)zk-'
+ 0 (z-m),

z=x+iy, b=1 (x+a<f), b=o(x+a~f), c=-1(y<0), c=1(y~0).

 D. V. Slavic 79

For a = 0 relation (27) contains (25), since B2n+l (0) = 0, B2n (0) = B2n.
Using the known relations B2n+l(i)=0, B2n(~)= _(1-2-(2n-l))B2nwe
I.
prove t h at (27) for a = - contz.lllS (24).
2
Notice that the expressions on the regiht hand sides of asymptotic rela-
tions (26) and (27) c::~nhave arbitrary imaginary part, whose modulus is gre-
ater than 7t. It is therefore justifia.ble to write the left hand sides of those
relations as Log r (z + a), or to add to the right hand sides 2/7t i (/ a conve-
nient integer). One should have in mind that formulas (26) and (27) give
asymptotic valaes of the logarithm of the gamma function Log r (z + a) on
one sheet of the RIEMANN surf,ce of that function, actually on the one for
which arg (z + a) = 0 ha.s 1m Log r(z + a) = O.
The additional term for x< ~ and Iy 1-+ + 00 has the asymptotic btha-
2
vlOur
-log (1 - bei2ncz), ,e-2nIY I(cos 27tx + i sin 27tx),

and for z-+p (p is a negative integer or zero)

-log(l-beinCZ), ,log( -i27tc(z-p».
It is also easy to show that
I-log (1- b,pncz) I;:;;;-log (1- e-2nlyl)

and this majorization has some importance for x<~.

2
The ,dditional term is a part cf the complex f',.mction eW+ eZ= 1, which
is geometricdly represent(d in [14], p. 308.
From (26) we obtz.in the asymptotic relation for the g<..mma function

(28)

which is more general than the known relation

ZI I I .
/2 1t 139
r(z)=\j--;
Z
()
-;; ,1 + 12z +288;2- 51840z3 +O(z-)
4
),
see for ex<..mple[14], p. 32.
In [14], p. 33, we c,,-n find the relation

Iarg z I ;:;;; 7t - ~,

For a= 0 from (28) we obtain

I
--z
lim (1- bei2ncz) eZ Z2 r (z) = V2 7t.
z->-oo
80 Supplementing the asymptotic expansion of the gamma function...

Diferentiating (26) with respect to z, we g;:t

i 2dc (_l)k+1 Bk (a)
(29) ~ (z + a) = log z + -
exp(-i21tc(z+a))-b
+ ~ kzkl
+ 0 (z-m-l).
k=l
Relation (29) is more general than the known relation
m (_I)k+1B (a)
~(z+a)=logz+ k +O(z-m-l), larg(z+a)I~7t-a, o<a~7t;
L: kzk
k=l
see for example, [14], p. 33.
Since ~
Bk (a) = k Bk-l (a), differentiating (27) with respect to a, we obtain
da
a relation which is equivalent to (29).
Using the known equality Bo (a) = 1, diferentiating (29) with respect to z
or a, we deduce

(30) .1/ ( z+a ) -- - 41t2bc2exp(-i21tc(z+a))

~
+ L.
(-l)kBda)
zk+1
-+ O( z -m-2 ) .
(exp(-i21tc(z+a))-b)2
k=O

*
D. S. MITRINOVIC,P. M. VASIC, D. D. ADAMOVIC,J. D. KECKIC, R. E. SHAFER,
M. S. KLAMKIN,J. FIELDSand Y. L. LUKE have read this article in manuscript and have
made some valuable remalks and sugg~stions.

REFERENCES

1. H. T. DAVIS: Tables of the higher matematical functions. Bloomington Indiana, 1933

2. H. JEFFREYS- B. SWIRLES:Methods of mathematical physics. Cambrigde 1966.
3. T. J. I'A. BROMWICH:An introduction to the theory of infinite series. London 1955.
4. D. V. SLAVIC: On summation of series. These Publications N!! 302 - NI! 319 (1970),
53-59.
5. TaOAUlI,bl Aozapu£jJM08 ZWJMa-£jJYHKIl,UU 8 KOMnAeKcHou oOAacmu. MocKBa 1966.
6. E. T. WHITTAKER- G. N. WATSON:A course of modern analysis. Gambrigde 1927.
7. D. S. MITRINOVIC:An:llytic inequalities. B~rIin-H()idelberg-New York 1970.
8. J. D. KECKIC- P. M. VASIC: Some inequalities for the gamma function. Publ.
Inst. Math. (Beograd) 11 (25) (1971), 107-114.
9. H. JEFFREYS:Asymptotic approximations. Oxford 1962.
10. D. S. MITRINOVIC- D. Z. DOKOVIC:Specijalne funkcije. Beograd 1964.
11. M. ABRAMOWITZ - I. A. STEGUN:Handbook o/mathematical functions with formu-
las, graphs, and mathematical tables. New York 1968.
12. M. KUCZMA:Functional equations in a single variable. Warszawa 1968.
13. r. EEHTMER - .n;. :)PJJ;EHII: BblclUue mpaHClI,eHOeHmHble £jJYHKII,UU.MocKBa 1965.
14. Y. L. LUKE: The special functions and their approximations, vol. I New York-
-London 1969.
15. D. S. MITRINOVIC:Kompleksna analiza. Beograd 1967.

Katedra za matematiku
E1ektrotehnicki fakultet
11000 Beograd, Jugoslavija