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I want to prove the equation is satisfied. 'p' is a natural number. $$\sum_{n=1}^{∞} \frac{\Gamma(n)}{\Gamma(n+p+1)}=\frac{1}{p^2\Gamma(p)}$$ Understandably, This formula can be written as this. $$\sum_{n=1}^{∞} \frac{1}{n(n+1)\cdots(n+p)}=\frac{1}{pp!}$$ Please give me hint or prove.

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    $\begingroup$ Please do not vandalize your question. $\endgroup$ Feb 3, 2014 at 19:45

3 Answers 3

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The Beta function to the rescue:

$$\frac{\Gamma(n)\Gamma(p+1)}{\Gamma(n+p+1)} = B(n,p+1) = \int_0^1 t^{n-1}(1-t)^p\,dt.$$

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  • $\begingroup$ How can I induce $\sum_{n=1}^∞ \int_{0}^{1} t^{n-1}(1-t)^p dt=\frac{1}{p}$? $\endgroup$
    – Delete
    Feb 3, 2014 at 21:11
  • $\begingroup$ @Delete By the monotone convergence theorem, $$\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\Gamma(n)\Gamma(p+1)}{\Gamma(n+p+1)} = \sum_{n=1}^\infty \int_0^1 t^{n-1}(1-t)^p\,dt = \int_0^1 \left(\sum_{n=1}^\infty t^{n-1}\right)(1-t)^p\,dt.$$ You know the sum of a geometric series, and that gives you a simple integral whose value is $\frac{1}{p}$. $\endgroup$ Feb 3, 2014 at 21:15
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Here is an approach. Recalling the function $\frac{1}{1-x}$, then the series in consideration can related to it by noticing it is the fraction integral of order $p+1$

$$ \sum_{n=1}^{∞} \frac{\Gamma(n)}{\Gamma(n+p+1)}x^{n+p}=\sum_{n=0}^{∞} \frac{\Gamma(n+1)}{\Gamma(n+p+2)}x^{n+p+1}\\=\frac{1}{\Gamma(p+1)}\int_{0}^{x}(x-t)^{p}\frac{1}{1-t}dt. $$

Now, just evaluate the last integral and then substitute $x=1$. See a related problem.

Note: It is easier to substitute $x=1$ in the integral and then evaluate it, that's is

$$ \frac{1}{\Gamma(p+1)}\int_{0}^{1}(1-t)^{p}\frac{1}{1-t}dt =\dots\,.$$

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Have you looked at the function $$ F_{p}(x)=\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{x^{n+p}}{n(n+1)\cdots(n+p)},\;\;\; |x| < 1 ? $$ The value you want is $\lim_{x\uparrow 1}F_{p}(x)$.

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