Complex Integral Homework: Calculate (z+(1/z))^n dz

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the complex integral of the function (z+(1/z))^n over the unit circle, where z is a complex number. Participants are exploring methods to evaluate this integral using substitutions and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the substitution of z with e^(i*theta) and the subsequent transformation of the integral. There are attempts to expand the expression using trigonometric identities and considerations of different cases based on whether n is odd or even.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their approaches and questioning the validity of their methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding the expansion of terms and the handling of the integral, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential difficulties with the integration process, particularly in managing the powers of n and the resulting expressions. Participants are also navigating the limitations of their mathematical notation capabilities.

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Homework Statement


Homework Equations




I hope there's someone who can help me with the following:

I have to calculate the integral over C (the unit cicle) of (z+(1/z))^n dz, where z is a complex number.

The Attempt at a Solution




I tried to use the subtitution z=e^(i*theta), so you get
(z+(1/z))^n dz=(2*i*Sin(theta))^n * i*e^(i*theta) dtheta
but then I get stuck.
Is this the right way, and if, how do I proceed. And if it isn't, how should I do it?
 
Last edited:
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i suppose you integral looks like:
[tex]\int_{|z|=1} (z+1/z)^n dz = i \int_0^{2\pi} (e^{i\theta}+e^{-i\theta})^n e^{i\theta} d\theta[/tex]

now did what you did then also try to expand the remaining [tex]e^{i\theta}=\cos \theta +i \sin \theta[/tex], and now you end up with two integrals with just cos and sin... you can then do the integral for two cases n odd and n even... etc...
 
Ok, but then you get:

(2*cos(theta))^n *e^(i*theta)

but I don't know how to get rid of the n...

(Don't know to use latex...)
 
i said to use [tex]e^{i\theta}=\cos \theta +i \sin \theta[/tex] to expand the second exponential.. and then multiply out to get something like
[tex]\cos^{n+1} \theta + \cos^n \theta \sin \theta[/tex] and now you can try integrate these assuming that n is an integer. I am guessing that there will be two cases: n odd an n even
 

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