Contour Integrals - Example 2.5, Palka, Section 2.2, Ch.4 .... ....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the inequality $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi$$ for the interval $$0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$ as presented in Example 2.5 of Bruce P. Palka's book on complex function theory. Participants explore graphical interpretations and mathematical reasoning related to this inequality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests clarification on the inequality $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi$$ for $$0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$.
  • Another participant provides a graphical interpretation, noting that the sine function lies above the line $$y = (2/\pi)x$$ in the specified interval.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about how to formally prove the inequality despite understanding the graphical representation.
  • Concavity of the sine function is introduced as a reasoning tool, with a participant explaining that the second derivative indicates the sine function is concave on the interval, leading to the conclusion that the line segment from the origin to $(\pi/2, 1)$ must lie below the sine graph.
  • Participants acknowledge each other's contributions, with one thanking another for clarifying the concept of concavity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the graphical interpretation of the inequality and the role of concavity, but the formal proof of the inequality remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide a formal proof of the inequality, and the reasoning relies on graphical analysis and properties of the sine function without establishing a definitive mathematical argument.

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I am reading Bruce P. Palka's book: An Introduction to Complex Function Theory ...

I am focused on Chapter 4: Complex Integration, Section 2.2 Properties of Contour Integrals ...

I need help with an aspect of Example 2.5,Section 2.2, Chapter 4 ...

Example 2.5, Chapter 4 reads as follows:View attachment 7435In the above text from Palka, we read the following:" ... ... But $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi \text{ whenever } 0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$ ... ... "Can someone please explain exactly why/how $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi \text{ whenever } 0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$ ... ... ?
Help will be much appreciated ...

Peter
 
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Peter said:
In the above text from Palka, we read the following:" ... ... But $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi \text{ whenever } 0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$ ... ... "Can someone please explain exactly why/how $$\text{ sin } u \ge 2u/ \pi \text{ whenever } 0 \le u \le \pi / 2$$ ... ... ?

Consider the graphs below.

[DESMOS=-0.5496108949416503,1.9503891050583497,-0.1562499999999729,2.343750000000027]\sin\ x;\frac{2x}{\pi}[/DESMOS]

Notice the sine wave lies above the green line from $x = 0$ to $x = \pi/2$, where the sine reaches its peak. The equation of the line passing through the origin and $(\pi/2, 1)$ is indeed $y = (2/\pi)x$. So we have $\sin x \ge (2/\pi)x$ whenever $0 \le x \le \pi/2$.
 
Euge said:
Consider the graphs below.
Notice the sine wave lies above the green line from $x = 0$ to $x = \pi/2$, where the sine reaches its peak. The equation of the line passing through the origin and $(\pi/2, 1)$ is indeed $y = (2/\pi)x$. So we have $\sin x \ge (2/\pi)x$ whenever $0 \le x \le \pi/2$.
OK Thanks Euge ... can see that ...

Mind you ... I still have no idea how one would prove the inequality is true ...

Peter
 
I was hinting at concavity of the sine function on the interval $[0, \pi/2]$. Since $(\sin x)'' = -\sin x \le 0$ over $[0, \pi/2]$, the sine is concave in that interval. Hence, the line segment joining any two points in $[0, \pi/2]$ on the sine graph must lie below the sine graph. In particular, the line segment from the origin to $(\pi/2, 1)$ must be below the graph of the sine on $[0, \pi/2]$, which means $(2/\pi)x \le \sin x$ for all $x\in [0, \pi/2]$.
 
Euge said:
I was hinting at concavity of the sine function on the interval $[0, \pi/2]$. Since $(\sin x)'' = -\sin x \le 0$ over $[0, \pi/2]$, the sine is concave in that interval. Hence, the line segment joining any two points in $[0, \pi/2]$ on the sine graph must lie below the sine graph. In particular, the line segment from the origin to $(\pi/2, 1)$ must be below the graph of the sine on $[0, \pi/2]$, which means $(2/\pi)x \le \sin x$ for all $x\in [0, \pi/2]$.
Thanks for a MOST helpful post, Euge ...

Sorry that I did not pick up on your hint regarding concavity ...

Peter
 

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