Another Improper Integral Using Complex Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the improper integral $$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx$$ using complex analysis techniques. Participants are exploring the application of residue theory and the use of Jordan's Lemma in the context of complex integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of contour integration and the application of residue calculus, particularly questioning how to separate real and imaginary parts of the integrals involved. There is also exploration of using Euler's formula to express cosine in terms of exponential functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing confusion over the steps taken in the original poster's approach. Some have suggested alternative methods, such as separating the integral into two parts based on the properties of cosine and sine functions. There is recognition of the need to clarify the integration paths and the application of Jordan's Lemma.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original method used is consistent with previous problems, yet they are struggling to reconcile the results with the expected answer. There is mention of external resources, like Chegg, which provide different approaches that are not fully understood by some participants.

transmini
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Homework Statement


$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx$$

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + \int_{C_R} \space \frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}dz = 2\pi i\sum\space res \space f(z)$$
Then using Jordan's Lemma, as ##R\to\infty## the 2nd integral on the left hand side goes to 0.
$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + \int_{C_\infty} \space \frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}dz = 2\pi i\sum\space res \space f(z)$$
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + 0 = 2\pi i (lim_{z\to 3i} (z-3i)\frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}) = 2\pi i e^{-6}$$
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx = \int_{-R}^R \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx + i\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{sin(2x)}{x-3i}dx = 2\pi i e^{-6}$$
matching real and imaginary parts gives
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx = 0$$
however the answer is written as ##i\pi e^{-6}##. This one I'm totally lost on. This is the exact method used on every single problem in the section, but for some reason doesn't work here at all, unless I'm completely missing my mistake. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
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I'm not sure what you did in that last step because both integrands are complex. How did you split up the real and imaginary parts?
 
FactChecker said:
I'm not sure what you did in that last step because both integrands are complex. How did you split up the real and imaginary parts?
I used Euler's Equation: ##e^{i\theta} = cos(\theta)+i sin(\theta)## where in this case ##\theta = 2x##. However, as you mention it, the integrands themselves are not entirely real, so just having ##i## multiplied to one doesn't necessarily make it complex. Which explains why the "complex" part is closer to the answer than the "real" part. I see why that doesn't work now, but I don't quite understand how else to go about this problem.
 
I don't see it either. Is there some way to use the even and odd function properties of cos and sin to split the 2πie-6 in half? I'm too rusty at this and can't say any more.
 
FactChecker said:
I don't see it either. Is there some way to use the even and odd function properties of cos and sin to split the 2πie-6 in half? I'm too rusty at this and can't say any more.
I honestly have no idea. We've only ever learned the original way I did it, and it doesn't look like the book covers anything else. I've looked at Chegg's solution, and they split ##cos(2x) = \frac{e^{2ix}+e^{-2ix}}{2}## and then created 2 separate integrals using that. The positive exponent was integrated positively over a semicircle in the upper half plane whereas the negative exponent was then subtracted and integrated over a semicircle in the lower half plane. Then the residue was only the residue of the upper half plane. Then they jumped to the final answer. I don't really follow any of the steps along the way though. I get the splitting of ##cos(2x)## but not why one integral is integrated along one curve and the other integral is integrated along a different curve.
 
It sounds like both integrals use the real line and the upper and lower half circle integrals disappear. That leaves the integral along the real line to be split evenly between the two integrals.
 
transmini said:

Homework Statement


$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx$$

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + \int_{C_R} \space \frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}dz = 2\pi i\sum\space res \space f(z)$$
Then using Jordan's Lemma, as ##R\to\infty## the 2nd integral on the left hand side goes to 0.
$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + \int_{C_\infty} \space \frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}dz = 2\pi i\sum\space res \space f(z)$$
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx + 0 = 2\pi i (lim_{z\to 3i} (z-3i)\frac{e^{2iz}}{z-3i}) = 2\pi i e^{-6}$$
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i}dx = \int_{-R}^R \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx + i\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{sin(2x)}{x-3i}dx = 2\pi i e^{-6}$$
matching real and imaginary parts gives
$$\int_{-R}^R \space \frac{cos(2x)}{x-3i}dx = 0$$
however the answer is written as ##i\pi e^{-6}##. This one I'm totally lost on. This is the exact method used on every single problem in the section, but for some reason doesn't work here at all, unless I'm completely missing my mistake. Any suggestions? Thanks.

You seem to have claimed that
$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{\text{Re}(e^{2ix})}{x-3i} \, dx = \text{Re} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i} \, dx\; \Leftarrow \text{FALSE}$$
You need to express ##\cos(2x)## as ##(1/2)e^{2ix} + (1/2) e^{-2ix}## and then deal with the two terms separately.
 
Ray Vickson said:
You seem to have claimed that
$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{\text{Re}(e^{2ix})}{x-3i} \, dx = \text{Re} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{e^{2ix}}{x-3i} \, dx\; \Leftarrow \text{FALSE}$$
You need to express ##\cos(2x)## as ##(1/2)e^{2ix} + (1/2) e^{-2ix}## and then deal with the two terms separately.
That's what Chegg was attempting to show, but there's an immense lack of explanation. It may have just been me though since it was late. Going back through and separating into the 2 separate integrals gave me the right answer, and I answered my other questions as well. The integrals are integrated over different curves in order to use Jordan's Lemma, and only the residue of the first integral was used because the second integral has no residues. Thanks again
 

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