Efficiently Solving a Complex Integral: A Scientist's Approach

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the integral of a complex exponential function, specifically the integral of \( e^{x(2 + 3i)} \). Participants explore different approaches to find the antiderivative and the imaginary part of the result, focusing on the mathematical steps involved in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial attempt at solving the integral by separating the real and imaginary components of the complex exponential.
  • Another participant critiques the first attempt, suggesting that the antiderivative of the complex exponential should be calculated directly and provides a formula for it.
  • A third participant points out a mistake in the first post regarding the separation of terms in the exponential function, emphasizing the correct integration formula.
  • The first participant acknowledges the error and expresses a desire to move on from the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to solving the integral, with multiple competing views and corrections presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the integration process and the handling of complex numbers remain unaddressed, and there are unresolved mathematical steps in the proposed solutions.

dcl
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Here is the problem:
[tex]{\mathop{\rm Im}\nolimits} \int {e^{x(2 + 3i)} } dx[/tex]

One sec, I'm having another go at it.
[tex] = {\mathop{\rm Im}\nolimits} \int {e^2 } e^{3ix} dx[/tex]
[tex] = {\mathop{\rm Im}\nolimits} \int {e^2 } [\cos (3x) + i\sin (3x)]dx[/tex]
[tex] \begin{array}{l}<br /> = \frac{{ - e^2 \cos (3t)}}{3} \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

How'd I go?
 
Last edited:
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Not very well, I'm afraid..
Let us first consider the problem to calculate the antiderivative of the complex exponential,
[tex]\int{e}^{(2+3i)x)}dx[/tex]

This is simply:
[tex]\int{e}^{(2+3i)x)}dx=\frac{1}{2+3i}{e}^{(2+3i)x)}+C[/tex]

where C is an arbitrary complex constant (I'll set it in the following to 0, for simplicity)

We are to find the imaginary part:
[tex]Im(\frac{1}{2+3i}{e}^{(2+3i)x)})=Im(\frac{2-3i}{13}{e}^{(2+3i)x)})[/tex]
or:
[tex]Im(\frac{1}{2+3i}{e}^{(2+3i)x)})=\frac{e^{2x}}{13}(2\sin(3x)-3\cos(3x))[/tex]
 
[tex]e^{x(2+3i)} = e^{2x}e^{3xi} \neq e^{2}e^{3xi}[/tex]

It's easier than that. Remember that:

[tex]\int e^{ax} dx = \frac{1}{a}e^{ax} + C[/tex]

Once you integrate you then need to separate real from imaginary.
 
Last edited:
Stuffed up in the first step :(
Thanks guys. :)
prolly should goto bed now. :(
 

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