Curious definite integral : sine integral times exponential

In summary, the conversation involves a curious integral and the question of whether it belongs to a larger group of integral definitions. The integral is \int_0^\infty \mathrm{Si}(ax)e^{-x}\mathrm{d}x=\mathrm{atan}(a), where Si(x) is the sine integral function. The equation was proven using Taylor series and there is a simplification involving Si Taylor coefficients and the Gamma function. Another similar equation is also mentioned.
  • #1
hmiamid
4
0
Hello PF,

I just found a curious integral. I wondered if it comes from a bigger group of integral definitions:
[tex]\int_0^\infty \mathrm{Si}(ax)e^{-x}\mathrm{d}x=\mathrm{atan}(a)[/tex]
Where Si(x) is the sine integral function [itex]\mathrm{Si}(x)=\int_0^x \frac{\mathrm{sin}x}{x}\mathrm{d}x[/itex]
I proved the equation by developing Si(x) in Taylor series and there is a nice simplification between Si Taylor coefficients and the Gamma function.
 
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  • #2
Sure something like

$$\int_0^\infty \! \! \! \left\{ \int_0^x \mathrm{f}( \tau ) \, \mathrm{d} \tau \right\} e^{-s \, x}\mathrm{d}x=\dfrac{1}{s} \int_0^\infty \mathrm{f}( x ) \, e^{-s \, x}\mathrm{d}x$$
 

1. What is a curious definite integral?

A curious definite integral is a specific type of definite integral that involves a combination of the sine integral and exponential functions. It is called "curious" because it is a non-standard integral that does not have a simple closed-form solution.

2. How is a curious definite integral expressed mathematically?

A curious definite integral is typically written in the form ∫ab sin(x) * ex dx, where a and b are the lower and upper limits of integration, respectively.

3. What is the significance of the sine integral times exponential in this integral?

The sine integral and exponential functions are both important mathematical functions that arise frequently in various areas of science and engineering. The combination of these functions in a curious definite integral makes it a particularly interesting and challenging problem to solve.

4. Can a curious definite integral be evaluated using traditional methods of integration?

No, a curious definite integral cannot be evaluated using traditional methods of integration such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions. It requires more advanced techniques such as integration by contour integration or numerical methods.

5. What are some real-life applications of curious definite integrals?

Curious definite integrals can be used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics to model real-world phenomena. They are particularly useful in calculating the area under curves that involve the combination of sine and exponential functions, which often arise in problems involving oscillations and growth/decay processes.

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