:''This article is about reflection in number theory and calculus. For reflection formulas in geometry, see
Reflection (mathematics).''
In
mathematics, a 'reflection formula' or 'reflection relation' for a
function ''f'' is a relationship between ''f''(''a''-''x'') and ''f''(''x''). It is a special case of a
functional equation, and it is very common in the literature to refer to use the term "functional equation" when "reflection formula" is meant.
Reflection formulas are useful for
numerical computation of
special functions. In effect, an approximation that has greater accuracy or only converges on one side of a reflection point (typically in the positive half of the
complex plane) can be employed for all arguments.
Known formulae
The
even and odd functions satisfy simple reflection relations around ''a''=0. For all even functions,
:
and for all odd functions,
:
A famous relationship is 'Euler's reflection formula'
:
for the
Gamma function , due to
Leonhard Euler.
There is also a reflection formula for the general ''n'':th order
polygamma function ,
:
The
Riemann zeta function satisfies
:
and the
xi function satisfies
:
References
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