Uniform representation of the incomplete beta function in terms of elementary functions

Abstract

We consider the incomplete beta function Bz(a, b) in the maximum domain of analyticity of its three variables: a, b, z ∈ C, −a /∈ N, z /∈ [1, ∞). For <b ≤ 1 we derive a convergent expansion of z−aBz(a, b) in terms of the function (1 − z) b and of rational functions of z that is uniformly valid for z in any compact set in C \ [1, ∞). When −b ∈ N ∪ {0}, the expansion also contains a logarithmic term of the form log(1 − z). For <b ≥ 1 we derive a convergent expansion of z−a(1 − z) bBz(a, b) in terms of the function (1 − z) b and of rational functions of z that is uniformly valid for z in any compact set in the exterior of the circle |z − 1| = r for arbitrary r > 0. The expansions are accompanied by realistic error bounds. Some numerical experiments show the accuracy of the approximations.