Contour Integration Homework: Integrating e^(bx)/(1+e^x)dx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of the function e^(bx)/(1+e^x) from negative infinity to positive infinity, with the constraint that 0 < b < 1. Participants are exploring contour integration techniques and residue calculations in the complex plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of contour integration and the application of Jordan's lemma, questioning its validity given the conditions of b. There are suggestions to consider substitutions, such as u = e^x, and to analyze the behavior of the integrand at infinity. Some participants express uncertainty about the residue calculations at specific poles.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various approaches and questioning assumptions. There is no clear consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored, particularly regarding the behavior of the integral and the application of complex analysis techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the unusual form of the integral and the complexities introduced by the behavior of the integrand at infinity. There is an acknowledgment of potential misconceptions regarding the use of Jordan's lemma in this context.

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Homework Statement



Integrate [e^(bx)]/(1+e^x)dx from inf to -inf

0<b<1

Homework Equations



Sum of the residues times 2pi equals the integral with a path that encloses the residues. That path includes the complex part of path which is above the x-axis and the real part which is a straight line on the x axis. It's a semi circle.

The Attempt at a Solution



So I put this into the complex plain and at (pi)i as one of poles and calculate the residue there. However usually the complex curve part goes to zero but in this case it doesn't. Also I never saw an integral in this form before. I know integrals in the form (x^-a)/(1+x) and trig integrals using the Jorden Lemma. Any help will be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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e^{bx}=(e^b)^x and because b<1,if we'll tend to zero when x tends to infinity.Also 1+e^x tends to infinity when x tends to infinity.So you can use Jordan's lemma.
 
I suggest you start with the substitution ##u=e^x## first.
 
sorry guys,what I said was wrong.b<1 doesn't mean we can use Jordan's lemma.
 
xdrgnh said:
So I put this into the complex plain and at (pi)i as one of poles and calculate the residue there. However usually the complex curve part goes to zero but in this case it doesn't. Also I never saw an integral in this form before. I know integrals in the form (x^-a)/(1+x) and trig integrals using the Jorden Lemma. Any help will be appreciated.

How about using a rectangle enclosing just the pole at ##\pi i##?

And by the way, you mind showing how you're computing the residue(s) because even the one at ##\pi i## is not in my opinion, too easy to compute.
 
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