Changing limits of integration - definite integral (without u sub)?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a definite integral involving the function \(\frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\) over the interval from \(-R\) to \(R\). The original poster is attempting to understand how to express this integral in terms of an integral from \(0\) to \(R\) and is exploring the properties of even functions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to break down the integral into two parts and is questioning how to manipulate the limits of integration. Some participants suggest using the property of even functions and substituting variables to simplify the expression.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's reasoning and providing insights into the properties of even functions. There is a productive exchange regarding the manipulation of variables and the interpretation of dummy variables in integrals.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the symmetry of the function involved and the implications of changing variables within the context of definite integrals. The original poster expresses some confusion regarding the integration limits and variable substitution.

aristotle_sind
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello
Can someone please tell me how is: \int_{-R}^{R} \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx = 2\int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx
where,
m and R are positive real numbers

This is how I'm trying to solve it...

\int_{-R}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx = \int_{-R}^0 \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx + \int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx

\Rightarrow \int_{-R}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx = - \int_{0}^{-R} \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx + \int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx

Can't solve it any further :(
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's true for any even function ##f(x)##. That means ##f(-x) = f(x)## so the graph is symmetric about the y axis. In your argument try ##x=-u## in your first integral at the end.
 
LCKurtz said:
It's true for any even function ##f(x)##. That means ##f(-x) = f(x)## so the graph is symmetric about the y axis. In your argument try ##x=-u## in your first integral at the end.

so I put ##x=-u## in one of the integrals .. this is what I get...

\int_{-R}^{R} \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx = \int_{0}^{R} \frac{\cos mu}{u^2 + 1}\,du + \int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx

but now the two integrals on RHS have different variables .. How do I add them so the resulting expression becomes
2\int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx
 
Last edited:
Show us what happens when you let ##x=-u## in your integral$$
\int_{-R}^0 \frac{\cos (mx)}{x^2+1}~dx$$
 
LCKurtz said:
Show us what happens when you let ##x=-u## in your integral$$
\int_{-R}^0 \frac{\cos (mx)}{x^2+1}~dx$$

I just changed my previous post .. can you please check that...
 
aristotle_sind said:
so I put ##x=-u## in one of the integrals .. this is what I get...

\int_{-R}^{R} \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx = \int_{0}^{R} \frac{\cos mu}{u^2 + 1}\,du + \int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx

but now the two integrals on RHS have different variables .. How do I add them so the resulting expression becomes
2\int_{0}^R \frac{\cos mx}{x^2 + 1}\,dx

aristotle_sind said:
I just changed my previous post .. can you please check that...

The ##x## and ##u## variables are dummy variables. You put the ##0## and ##R## limits in either and get the same answer from both.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Oh .. That clears everything up .. Thanks a lot mate...
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K