Definite integrals: solving with residue theory and contour integration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a definite integral involving sine and a rational function, specifically \(\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\text{Sin}[x]}{x}\frac{1}{x^2+a^2}dx\), using residue theory and contour integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the integral using various methods, including splitting the sine function into exponentials and employing contour integration with upper/lower semi-circles. They also consider the implications of a removable singularity at \(z=0\). Other participants question the handling of poles in the integrals and suggest an alternative contour integral to explore.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches and questioning the implications of their methods. Some guidance has been offered regarding contour integration, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach to solve the original integral.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of contour integration and residue theory, with specific attention to poles and singularities in their calculations. The original poster expresses difficulty in achieving a specific result and is seeking direction.

eschiesser
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Homework Statement



I need to solve this integral for a>0:

[itex]\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\text{Sin}[x]}{x}\frac{1}{x^2+a^2}dx[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Using wolfram mathematica, I get that this integral is:

[itex]\frac{\pi -e^{-x} \pi }{2x^2}=\frac{\pi (1-\text{Cosh}[a]+\text{Sinh}[a])}{2 a^2}[/itex]

I cannot get to this result. I have tried to split the sine into exponentials, and use the upper/lower infinite semi-circle contours, which results in

[itex]I =\frac{\pi }{2} \text{Res}\left[\frac{ e^{-i x}}{x}\frac{1}{x^2+a^2},\left\{x,a e^{i \frac{3\pi }{2}}\right\}\right]-\frac{\pi }{2} \text{Res}\left[\frac{ e^{i x}}{x}\frac{1}{x^2+a^2},\left\{x,a e^{i \frac{\pi }{2}}\right\}\right]=\frac{\pi \text{Sinh}[a]}{2 a^2}[/itex]

I also tried to add a branch point and solve with that method but then I get the same answer...

Does the "removable singularity" at z=0 have something to do with this? Please steer me in the right direction!
 
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If you split sine into exponentials and then split the integrals, then each integral has a pole at x=0 as well.
 
But then, isn't my contour running over the pole in each integral?
 
eschiesser said:
But then, isn't my contour running over the pole in each integral?

Tell you what, how about you forget that problem for now and just try and solve:

[tex]\oint \frac{e^{iz}}{z}\frac{1}{z^2+a^2} dz[/tex]

where the contour is the upper half-disc with an indentation around the pole at the origin. Take the limit as the radius of the indentation goes to zero and let the radius of the large arc go to infinity. Then you have:

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x)dx+\lim_{\rho\to 0}\int_{\pi}^0 f(z)dz+\lim_{R\to\infty}\mathop\int_{\text{half-arc}} f(z)dz=2\pi i r[/tex]

Won't that work? See if it does. I don't know for sure.
 

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