Complexifying an Integral: How to Solve Tricky Integrals Using Complex Numbers

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving integrals involving exponential and trigonometric functions using complex numbers, specifically through the method presented by Arthur Mattuck of MIT. The integral \(\int e^{-x} \cos(x) \, dx\) can be transformed into \(\text{Re} \int e^{x(-1+i)} \, dx\), simplifying the integration process. The challenge arises when dealing with \(\sin(x)\), where the imaginary part of \(e^{ix}\) is utilized. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sine and cosine in the context of complex exponentials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex number theory, specifically Euler's formula \(e^{ix} = \cos(x) + i\sin(x)\)
  • Integration techniques involving exponential functions
  • Understanding of real and imaginary parts of complex functions
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates in complex analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Euler's formula in solving integrals involving trigonometric functions
  • Learn about the method of residues in complex analysis for evaluating integrals
  • Explore advanced integration techniques, such as contour integration
  • Review examples of integrals involving both sine and cosine functions using complex exponentials
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced calculus techniques, particularly those focusing on integral calculus and complex analysis.

jellicorse
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Watching a video on differential equations by Arthur Mattuck of MIT, I came across a method which was new to me for solving certain integrals, such as \int e^{-x}cos(x)dx . part of the video is here:

Given that e^{ix}=cosx+isinx, this integral can be re-written as Re\int e^{ix}\cdot e^{-x}dx = Re\int e^{x(-1+i)}dx and integrated this way, avoiding the need for reduction formulas...

I have looked up a few examples of this and think I can understand it when cos(x) is part of the integral, but am unsure when it comes to sin(x).

There is a (now closed) thread on this forum https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511534&highlight=complexifying+integral which I have been attempting to follow but I can't see quite how it works. I was wondering if anyone could help me to understand this.

The following is effectively the working from that post:

\int e^x sin2x dx

=Re\int e^x \cdot e^{i(\frac{\pi}{2}-2x)}dx

I can see that since the real part of polar co-ordinates is contained in the "cos(2x)" part, they have put the Sin(2x) in terms of Cos(2x) by subtracting it from \frac{\pi}{2}.

But I don't see how the next step is reached:

=Re\frac{i}{1-2i}e^{(1-2i)x}


I'm not sure how they got to this, nor what the intermediate steps might be. If I was doing this, I would have gone along the lines of Re\int e^{x+i(\frac{\pi}{2}-2x)}dx. While I can see that that expression doesn't look very attractive to try to integrate, I can not see how the author got to e^{(1-2)x}
 
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jellicorse said:
Watching a video on differential equations by Arthur Mattuck of MIT, I came across a method which was new to me for solving certain integrals, such as \int e^{-x}cos(x)dx . part of the video is here:

Given that e^{ix}=cosx+isinx, this integral can be re-written as Re\int e^{ix}\cdot e^{-x}dx = Re\int e^{x(-1+i)}dx and integrated this way, avoiding the need for reduction formulas...

I have looked up a few examples of this and think I can understand it when cos(x) is part of the integral, but am unsure when it comes to sin(x).


If you want sin(x), take the imaginary part of e^{ix} instead of the real part.
 
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OK, thanks Pasmith...
 

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