Can You Evaluate This Definite Integral with Trig Functions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the definite integral $\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx$, with a focus on the transformations and equivalences of integrals involving trigonometric functions and exponential terms. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of integral properties.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the introduction of the factor $\displaystyle 2^x$ in the integrand and questions how it relates to the factor of $\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}$.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the changes made to the bounds of the integral.
  • A participant mentions awaiting further clarification from another user, indicating that additional proof or explanation is expected.
  • A participant notes that they have edited their post to include more details and a proof related to the integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach consensus, as there are multiple questions and points of confusion regarding the transformations of the integral.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions underlying the transformations of the integral, particularly regarding the factors introduced and the bounds used.

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Evaluate the definite integral $\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx$, where $n$ is a natural number.
 
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$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

Use the substitution $t = -x$

$$I = \displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^t\sin nt}{(1+2^t)\sin t}\,dt = \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

Since $t$ is just a dummy variable and by summing the two formulas

$$2I =\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

Let us consider two different cases when $n$ is even

$$I_k = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(2kx)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_k-I_{k-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(2kx)-\sin(2kx-2x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_k-I_{k-1} =2 \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(x)\cos(2kx-x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx = \int^{2\pi}_0\cos(2kx-x)\,dx = 0$$

Hence

$$I_k=I_{k-1} = I_1 = 2\int^{2\pi}_0 \cos(x) \,dx= 0 $$

If $n$ is odd , let

$$I_j = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin((2j+1)x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_j-I_{j-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin((2j+1)x)-\sin((2j-1)x)}{\sin(x)}\,dx$$

$$I_j-I_{j-1} = \int^{2\pi}_0\frac{\sin(x)\cos(2jx)}{\sin(x)}\,dx = 0$$

Similarily

$$I_j = I_{j-1} = I_0 = \int^{2\pi}_0 \frac{\sin(x)}{\sin(x)} \,dx= 2\pi$$

Finally we get that

$$I= \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx= \begin{cases}
0 & \text{n is even} \\
\pi & \text{n is odd}
\end{cases}$$
 
Last edited:
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx =\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

$$I =\frac{1}{2}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

The integral is $0$ if $n$ is even and $2\pi$ if it is odd. I will prove it later.

I'm having trouble seeing how any of these integrals are equal?

Where did the extra factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2^x \end{align*}$ in the integrand come from? How did that all become a factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$? Also how did you change the bounds?
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
$$I=\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx =\displaystyle \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{2^x\sin nx}{(1+2^x)\sin x}\,dx $$

$$I =\frac{1}{2}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{0}^{2\pi} \dfrac{\sin nx}{\sin x}\,dx $$

The integral is $0$ if $n$ is even and $2\pi$ if it is odd. I will prove it later.

Prove It said:
I'm having trouble seeing how any of these integrals are equal?

Where did the extra factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} 2^x \end{align*}$ in the integrand come from? How did that all become a factor of $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$? Also how did you change the bounds?

Hi Prove It,

I think given Zaid has mentioned that he would prove how such and such are true, we will wait for his second post for more clarification...(Smile)
 
I just edited my post. I added more clarifications and the proof of the last integral.
 

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