A false approach to an integral....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the integral $\displaystyle \int_{0}^{2\ \pi} \sqrt{1 + \sin^{2} x}\ dx$ using complex analysis techniques, particularly the residue theorem. Participants explore the implications of branch points and contour deformation in the context of this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the integral could theoretically be evaluated using the residue theorem but notes the necessity of deforming the contour around branch points at $z=1 - \sqrt{2}$ and $z=\sqrt{2}-1$.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "fail," asking whether it refers to the inability to apply the transformation or the difficulty of solving the integral with that transformation.
  • A participant highlights that the square root introduces two branch points within the unit circle, complicating the direct application of the residue theorem.
  • It is noted that unless paths are chosen to exclude the branch points, the direct use of the residue theorem becomes impossible, suggesting that the problem may be more complex than using elliptic integrals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the presence of branch points affecting the evaluation of the integral, but there is no consensus on the feasibility of using the residue theorem or the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves unresolved mathematical steps related to contour deformation and the implications of branch points on the evaluation of the integral.

chisigma
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In...

http://mathhelpboards.com/questions-other-sites-52/unsolved-analysis-number-theory-other-sites-7479-3.html#post38136

... it has been found the value the integral...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{2\ \pi} \sqrt{1 + \sin^{2} x}\ dx\ (1)$ At first it seems feasible to set $z = e^{i\ x}$ and the Euler's relation $\displaystyle \sin x = \frac{e^{i\ x} - e^{- i\ x}}{2\ i}$ so that the integral becomes...

$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{2\ \pi} \sqrt{1 + \sin^{2} x}\ dx = \int_{\gamma} \frac{\sqrt{1 + (\frac{z - z
^{-1}}{2\ i})^{2}}}{i\ z}\ dz\ (2)$

... being $\gamma$ the unit circle and finally solve (2) with the residue theorem. Thi approach however fails and it is requested to explain why...

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/1799._xfImportMerry Christmas from Serbia


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In theory it could be evaluated using the residue theorem. But you would need to deform the contour around the branch points at $z=1 - \sqrt{2}$ and $z= \sqrt{2}-1$.
 
Last edited:
What do you mean by fail ? , is it the case the we cannot apply the transformation ? or the integral is difficult to solve using that transformation ?
As RV indicated the square root produces two branch points for the polynomial so in case they are inside $$|z|=1$$ we have to deform the contour around them. Looking at the complexity of the answer it might be solvable by this contour but more challenging than using elliptic integrals .
 
As RV said the problem is the fact that f(z) has two brantch points inside the unit circle and that means that, unless You choose more or less complicated paths excluding them, the direct use of the residue theorem is impossible...
View attachment 1799Merry Christmas from Serbia


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