Challenging Math Problem: Can You Solve This Confusing Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a challenging integral problem presented in a forum thread. Participants are attempting to understand the notation and the mathematical concepts involved, including the use of complex logarithms and derivatives. The conversation includes exploratory reasoning about the integral's bounds and the overall structure of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the variable \varphi is constant with respect to x.
  • There is uncertainty about which branch of the complex logarithm should be used in the problem.
  • One participant suggests that the integral involves taking the fifth derivative of a polynomial, indicating a misunderstanding of notation.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the origin of the integral and the meaning of the sigma notation used in the problem.
  • Some participants clarify that the integral's bounds are derived from solving a limit, but there is disagreement about the clarity and correctness of the notation used.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of the problem's notation, with one participant arguing that it detracts from the mathematical challenge.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the integral's lower and upper bounds, with some participants attempting to clarify their roles in the sigma notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of confusion and disagreement regarding the notation and structure of the problem. While some attempt to clarify aspects of the integral and its bounds, others critique the problem's complexity and potential errors, indicating that no consensus exists on the clarity or correctness of the presented problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for errors in the problem's formulation and express uncertainty about the mathematical steps involved, particularly regarding the notation and the limits of integration.

i2c
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Is [tex]\varphi[/tex] constant with respect to x?

What branch of the complex logarithm are we supposed to use?
 
Yes Phi is just a constant. What branch of the complex logarithm? Um, I don't know what that means, (I'm only going to be in AP Calculus next year :)) But I can hint to you that e^(i*pi) = -1 rearranged with a ln will give you what I'm looking for. (I think a scientific calculator *should* do that part? Maybe?) Oh and by the way, I kind of messed up, what I'm saying is that's the function, and take the fifth derivative of it, so i know it's not the correct notation but I screwed up.
 
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would you mind explaining where the integral comes from and what is that awkward symbol, that sort of looks like the Summation Sign (Sigma)? Moreover, what is f? In general, I can't make any sense of what's going on
 
I'm lost, also. I'm not sure what's going on in this problem and the symbolism used is very perplexing...
 
It's supposed to be perplexing. It's a sigma, on top, instead of being a number like 32 or infinity, it's a number but you have to solve the limit to find the number. The middle equation is just finding the fifth derivative of the equation. (Very easy it's just a polynomial) and then the bottom term (in a sigma it would normally be x = 8 or something) is just x = something but you have to solve the integral first to get that number. And I don't really know how I got that integral I just was messing around on my TI89. But I can assure that the top and bottom constraints work. And the notation is supposed to be confusing, if I wrote, sigma(2x-3, x, x=5, 26) that would be no fun now would it?
 
Okay, so what you're saying is that the [tex]\int^{ln\sqrt<i>{-1}}_{e^{i\Pi}} 2sin(x)cos(x)dx</i>[/tex] is the lower bound of the giant sigma? the upper bound is limit portion of the problem?
 
i2c said:
It's supposed to be perplexing. It's a sigma, on top, instead of being a number like 32 or infinity, it's a number but you have to solve the limit to find the number. The middle equation is just finding the fifth derivative of the equation. (Very easy it's just a polynomial) and then the bottom term (in a sigma it would normally be x = 8 or something) is just x = something but you have to solve the integral first to get that number. And I don't really know how I got that integral I just was messing around on my TI89. But I can assure that the top and bottom constraints work. And the notation is supposed to be confusing, if I wrote, sigma(2x-3, x, x=5, 26) that would be no fun now would it?

The level of difficulty of a problem does has nothing to do with how confusing the notation is. It seems like you went out of your way to make this problem as confusing as possible.. its not only confusing, but it has several errors. A genuinely difficult math problem will be difficult regardless. You should practice writing a problem as straightforward as possible.
 
sEsposito said:
Okay, so what you're saying is that the [tex]\int^{ln\sqrt<i>{-1}}_{e^{i\Pi}} 2sin(x)cos(x)dx</i>[/tex] is the lower bound of the giant sigma? the upper bound is limit portion of the problem?


Yes, except it's ln(sqrt(i root(-1)))

aq1q said:
The level of difficulty of a problem does has nothing to do with how confusing the notation is. It seems like you went out of your way to make this problem as confusing as possible.. its not only confusing, but it has several errors. A genuinely difficult math problem will be difficult regardless. You should practice writing a problem as straightforward as possible.

Yes I did, and sorry about the errors I don't *really* know what I'm doing. :)
 

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