Complex Analysis - Contour integral

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on computing the integral Re ∫_γ (√z)/(z+1) dz along a quarter-circle path from 1 to i, using the principal branch of the square root function. The user attempts to solve the integral using the complex analog of the 2nd Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and partial fractions, leading to a complex logarithmic expression. The solution is refined by employing an analytically-continuous antiderivative approach, ultimately yielding the result 2[(√i - arctan(√i)) - (1 - arctan(1))]. Mathematica approximates the value as -0.584, confirming the correctness of the approach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex analysis fundamentals
  • Understanding of contour integrals
  • Knowledge of principal branches of complex functions
  • Familiarity with the properties of logarithmic and arctangent functions in the complex plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of contour integrals in complex analysis
  • Learn about analytically-continuous functions and their applications
  • Explore the use of partial fractions in complex integrals
  • Investigate the implications of branch points and cuts in complex functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those specializing in complex analysis, as well as anyone interested in advanced techniques for evaluating contour integrals.

EC92
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have the following problem:
Compute
[itex]\operatorname{Re} \int _\gamma \frac{\sqrt{z}}{z+1} dz,[/itex]
where [itex]\gamma[/itex] is the quarter-circle [itex]\{ z: |z|=1, \operatorname{Re}z \geq 0 , \operatorname{Im} z \geq 0 \}[/itex] oriented from 1 to [itex]i[/itex], and [itex]\sqrt{z}[/itex] denotes the principal branch.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've been trying to solve this using the complex analog of the 2nd Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Substituting [itex]u = \sqrt{z}[/itex] and using partial fractions, I get
[itex]\int_\delta 2 - \frac{i}{u+i} + \frac{i}{u-i} du[/itex]
where delta is the eighth-circle from 1 to [itex]e^{i\pi /4}[/itex]
This is equal to
[itex][2u - i \log(u+i) + i\log (u-i)]_{u=1} ^{u=e^{i\pi/4}}[/itex],

and the real part is then

[itex][\operatorname{Re} u + \operatorname{Arg}(u+i) -\operatorname{Arg}(u-i)]_{u=1} ^{u = e^{i \pi /4}}[/itex]

However, the arguments at [itex]u=e^{i\pi /4}[/itex] do not come out to nice forms. I am wondering if my approach is even correct, and if there's a better way to solve problems of this type.
Thanks.

[Mathematica says the value is approximately -0.584].
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Combine the logs:
$$-i \log (u+i) + i\log(u-i) = i\log\frac{u-i}{u+i}$$ For ##u=e^{i\pi/4}##, you should be able to show that ##\frac{u-i}{u+i} = -i \tan \pi/8##.
 
EC92 said:
I am wondering if my approach is even correct, and if there's a better way to solve problems of this type.


Yes. You can approach it entirely in terms of an analytically-continuous antiderivative. But I realize that analytically-continuous thing is what, not easy to understand? First, what is any-old antiderivative? That's easy right:

[tex] \begin{align}<br /> \int_1^i \frac{\sqrt{z}}{z+1}dz&=\int_1^{\sqrt{i}} \frac{2u^2}{u^2+1}du\\<br /> &=2(u-\arctan(u)\biggr|_1^{\sqrt{i}}<br /> \end{align}[/tex]

Ok then, as long as you evaluate that antiderivative along an analytically-continuous path from 1 to [itex]e^{\pi i/4}[/itex] then you can simply evaluate the antiderivative at it's end-points. But the multi-valued function [itex]\arctan(z)[/itex] has branch-points at [itex]\pm i[/itex] so my path from 1 to [itex]\sqrt{i}[/itex] doesn't pass near these points or go around them, so I can use the prinicpal-valued branch of arctan(z) and simply write:

[tex]\int_{1}^{i}\frac{\sqrt{z}}{z+1}=2\left[(\sqrt{i}-\arctan(\sqrt{i}))-(1-\arctan(1))\right][/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K