A comparison theorem for two divided differences and applications to special functions

In this paper, we present a general comparison theorem for two divided differences of a three times differentiable function. This gives a unified treatment for (logarithmically) complete monotonicity, monotonicity and inequalities involving some special functions including gamma, psi and polygamma functions. As their consequences, we not only refine and generalize some important results, but also present simple and interesting alternative proofs of certain earlier results. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc.