Difficult cosh integral using Leibniz rule?

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    Integral Leibniz
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a challenging definite integral encountered in quantum mechanics, specifically within the context of the WKB approximation. Participants seek guidance on how to approach the integral, which involves hyperbolic functions and differentiation under the integral sign.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the integral ∫(1 - a(cosh(x))-2)1/2 dx and expresses difficulty in solving it, noting that the answer found on Wolfram is complex.
  • Another participant questions whether the integral is definite or indefinite, suggesting that some indefinite integrals can be easier to evaluate with limits.
  • A clarification is made that the integral is indeed definite, with limits involving the inverse hyperbolic cosh function.
  • A participant mentions their inability to integrate the function except for the case when a = 1, expressing skepticism about the integrability of the integral in general and referencing gamma and airy functions without certainty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the integrability of the integral or the effectiveness of the suggested methods, indicating that multiple views and uncertainties remain regarding the approach to solving the integral.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the integral's form and the potential applicability of certain mathematical functions, such as the gamma function and airy functions, which remain unresolved.

Kavorka
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I was wondering if I could get some pointers on how to at least start on this. In quantum mechanics we are using the WKB approximation, and we end up with a definite integral that looks like this:

∫(1 - a(cosh(x))-2)1/2 dx = ∫(1/cosh(x)) (1 - a(cosh(x))2)1/2 dx

where a is a positive constant. I've tried everything I can think of to no avail, the answer on wolfram isn't pretty but it seems like if I can figure out what process to use I could reach it eventually. I asked the professor and he suggested Leibnitz rule, but not sure how differentiation under the integral sign would help here.
 
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Kavorka said:
definite integral

But it does not have limits on it. Do you mean indefinite ? I am asking because some indefinite integrals are easy to evalute with limits.

Are you just interested in final result ?
 
Buffu said:
But it does not have limits on it. Do you mean indefinite ? I am asking because some indefinite integrals are easy to evalute with limits.

Are you just interested in final result ?

From how my professor was describing it it seemed like the limits wouldn't be too helpful, but yes it is a definite integral from -cosh-1(a0.5 to cosh-1(a0.5 (inverse hyperbolic cosh, not cosh^-1 )
 
Kavorka said:
From how my professor was describing it it seemed like the limits wouldn't be too helpful, but yes it is a definite integral from -cosh-1(a0.5 to cosh-1(a0.5 (inverse hyperbolic cosh, not cosh^-1 )

I tried to integrate it and I was unable to do so except for ##a = 1## (which you can do easily). I think it is not integratable but I am no expert, I don't have any clue about gamma function, airy functions ...
 

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