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Consider this series $I_n$:

$$I_n = \int\limits_0^{\pi/4} \tan^{2n}(x)\ dx$$

How do I use Mathematica to simplify $I_n + I_{n+1}$ as a function of $n$?

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  • $\begingroup$ Mathematica input should be provided, images do not cut and paste very well. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 17:18

1 Answer 1

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Usually it is convenient to use Assumptions, e.g.

Int[n_] = Integrate[Tan[t]^(2 n), {t, 0, Pi/4}, Assumptions -> n >= 0]
1/4 (-PolyGamma[0, 1/4 + n/2] + PolyGamma[0, 3/4 + n/2])

The result is immediate, because

FullSimplify[1/4 (-PolyGamma[0, 1/4 + n/2] + PolyGamma[0, 5/4 + n/2])]
1/(1 + 2 n)

i.e.

FullSimplify[ Int[n] + Int[n + 1]] // TraditionalForm

$$\frac{1}{2 n+1}$$

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    $\begingroup$ It is sufficient to assume n>=0, i.e., n need not necessarily be an integer. $\endgroup$
    – Bob Hanlon
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 17:00
  • $\begingroup$ @BobHanlon Right. $\endgroup$
    – Artes
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 17:07
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks ! Now, I need to show that In - I(n+1) <= 0. I use FullSimplify[Int[n] - Int[n + 1] >= 0] // TraditionalForm and I was expected a "True". But, nothing happens. Do you know why? $\endgroup$
    – nolwww
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 17:58
  • $\begingroup$ @nolw38 If you have another question, a good custom is asking it as a separate one. I would demonstrate in details how to prove it, however since you've neither upvoted nor accepted my answer I'll only suggest to look at the formula $5.9.16$ in NIST and use a simple inequality between arithmetic and geometric means. $\endgroup$
    – Artes
    Commented Mar 22, 2018 at 19:19
  • $\begingroup$ Sorry, just accepted your answer !! $\endgroup$
    – nolwww
    Commented Mar 23, 2018 at 5:20

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