Numerical analisis and complex integrals

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of complex integrals using numerical analysis, specifically focusing on integrals involving the Riemann Zeta function and their numerical approximation. Participants explore the challenges and considerations in achieving precision in such evaluations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a complex integral, specifically involving the Riemann Zeta function, can be evaluated using numerical analysis and suggests a change of variable to simplify the integral.
  • Another participant asserts that complex integrals can be approximated using numerical methods, highlighting that the convergence rate of the integral affects the time required to achieve a certain level of precision.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of accurately approximating the Zeta function itself for the integral's precision, with a suggestion that achieving high accuracy may require significant computational effort.
  • A participant proposes that if Pi(x) can be expressed as a triple integral, knowing the integral's accuracy could suffice for certain calculations.
  • Questions are posed regarding whether the time to evaluate a complex integral depends on the variable x, particularly in the context of the inverse Laplace transform.
  • Another participant points out that the accuracy required for evaluating Pi(x) is related to the error tolerance specified, and discusses the implications of x appearing in the integral.
  • A later reply confirms that the presence of x in the integral will affect the approximation, suggesting that it could have a significant impact on the evaluation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the challenges of numerical evaluation of complex integrals, particularly regarding the dependence on the Riemann Zeta function and the variable x. There is no consensus on the best approach or the implications of these factors.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the convergence rate of the integral and the accuracy of the numerical approximation of the Zeta function. The discussion also highlights potential complexities introduced by the variable x in the integrals.

eljose
Messages
484
Reaction score
0
I have a dobut,can a complex integral be evaluated by using numerical analisis?..for example the integral LnR(s)/R(s) where R(s) is Riemann Zeta function with the limits (c+i8,c-i8) i would use the change of variable s=c+iu so the integral becomes a real integral with the limit (-8,8) now how could i evaluate it?..thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes complex integrals can be evaluated (should say "approximated") using numerical methods. The time it takes to achieve a certain level of precision depends on a few factors. Like if you're integrating over an infinite contour, how fast does the integral converge? The slower it converges, the farther out you'll have to go to get a certain level of accuracy and the more time it will take you.

There's another problem if you're trying to approximate an integral involving Zeta numerically- you'll have to approximate Zeta itself numerically. The more accurate you want your integral, the more accurate you'll need to approximate zeta and the more points you'll need to approximate Zeta at.

You've often claimed how your integrals can be evaluated numerically in a very cavalier way. Are you beginning to see some of the difficulties? I'm no wiz at numerical methods, you might want to do some research yourself and try to get at least some understanding of the time it would take to calculate your integrals to even a few decimal places of accuracy, let alone the precision you'd need to calculate pi(x) when x is a mere 4 or 5 digits.
 
Thanks for replying shmoe,but let,s suppose we have that Pi(x) is equal to a triple integral then would be enoguh to know the integral with an accuracy of 01. for example.

Another question i have...if f(x) is equal to a complex integral does the time to evaluate an integral depend on x?..for example if we want to evaluate numerically the inverse Laplace transform given by the integral ds1/R(s)exp(st) does the tiem emplyed to eavluate this integral depend on the value of t?...
 
You're triple integral actually evaluted pi(x)/x^4 I seem to recall. So, to work out pi(10)^n you'd need to evaluate the integral to an error of no more than 10^{-4n} units. (i've no idea wat accuracy of 01. means)

Is the x inside your integral? (even as a free variable)? if so that'll affect the cost of the integral.
 
with 0.1 i meant the error in the sense [Ireal-Iapprox]<0.1.

the x in the integral appears in the form (x^s)f(s) where the integration is made in s across the real line Re(s)=c

Using the integral transform Int(1,8)f(x)x^-(s+1) i have managed to get a triple integral representation for Pi(x) but it involves calculating the poles for R(4-q) and LnR(ns) that,s why i have decided to search for a numerical approach the integrand is F(n,q,s)x^s/s but i don,t know if the error in approximating it will depend on the value x
 
Last edited:
Of course it will depend on the x, since it has an x^s inside the integral, so naturally it will have some effect on the approximation, and an exponentially bad one at a guess.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K