(a) Where does g(x) = x x!(−x)! equal zero? What other familiar function has the same set of roots? (b) The function e−x2 provides the raw material for the all-important Gaussian bell curve from probability, where it is known that )∞ −∞ e−x2 dx = √π. Use this fact (and some standard integration techniques) to evaluate (1/2)!. (c) Now use (a) and (b) to conjecture a striking relationship between the factorial function and a well-known function from trigonometry.

Calculus For The Life Sciences
2nd Edition
ISBN:9780321964038
Author:GREENWELL, Raymond N., RITCHEY, Nathan P., Lial, Margaret L.
Publisher:GREENWELL, Raymond N., RITCHEY, Nathan P., Lial, Margaret L.
Chapter11: Differential Equations
Section11.1: Solutions Of Elementary And Separable Differential Equations
Problem 54E: Plant Growth Researchers have found that the probability P that a plant will grow to radius R can be...
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(a) Where does g(x) = x x!(−x)! equal zero? What other familiar function has the same set of roots? (b) The function e−x2 provides the raw material for the all-important Gaussian bell curve from probability, where it is known that )∞ −∞ e−x2 dx = √π. Use this fact (and some standard integration techniques) to evaluate (1/2)!. (c) Now use (a) and (b) to conjecture a striking relationship between the factorial function and a well-known function from trigonometry.

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