Estimating the integral of a decreasing trigonometric function

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on estimating the integral of the function \(\int_0^{\infty} e^{-x} \cos^2(x^2) dx\) using numerical methods. The user Adam proposes substituting \(u = x^2\) to transform the integral into \(\int_A^{\infty} \frac{e^{-\sqrt{u}} \cos^2(u)}{\sqrt{u}} du\) for tail estimation. Another participant suggests a simpler approach by applying the inequality \(\cos(x^2)^2 \leq 1\) to bound the tail directly. Both methods ultimately yield the same result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of numerical integration techniques
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of substitution methods in integral calculus
  • Basic concepts of bounding functions in analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research numerical integration methods such as Simpson's Rule and Trapezoidal Rule
  • Study the properties of the cosine function and its bounds
  • Learn about substitution techniques in integral calculus
  • Explore advanced techniques for estimating tails of improper integrals
USEFUL FOR

Students in numerical analysis, mathematicians interested in integral estimation, and anyone looking to improve their skills in evaluating improper integrals.

TehAdzMan
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi,

So this is part of an assignment for my numerical analysis class.

The integral is this:

[tex] <br /> \int_0^{\infty} e^{-x} \cos^2 (x^2) dx<br /> [/tex]

We are instructed to evaluate the integral from 0 to some large A using numerical methods (which I'm fine with), and then estimate the tail, ie the integral from A to infinity.

Basically we need to come up with some method to estimate and bound the remainder in the tail.
My idea was to substitute [tex]u = x^2[/tex] which gives [tex]\int_A^{\infty} \frac{e^{- \sqrt{u}} \cos^2(u)}{\sqrt{u}} du[/tex]
and then I guess take the maximum of the cos function as 1 and just remove it, and use the remaining function, which I think would be quite easy to integrate and would give a maximum bound.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Adam
 
Physics news on Phys.org
TehAdzMan said:
Hi,

So this is part of an assignment for my numerical analysis class.

The integral is this:

[tex] <br /> \int_0^{\infty} e^{-x} \cos^2 (x^2) dx<br /> [/tex]

We are instructed to evaluate the integral from 0 to some large A using numerical methods (which I'm fine with), and then estimate the tail, ie the integral from A to infinity.

Basically we need to come up with some method to estimate and bound the remainder in the tail.
My idea was to substitute [tex]u = x^2[/tex] which gives [tex]\int_A^{\infty} \frac{e^{- \sqrt{u}} \cos^2(u)}{\sqrt{u}} du[/tex]
and then I guess take the maximum of the cos function as 1 and just remove it, and use the remaining function, which I think would be quite easy to integrate and would give a maximum bound.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Adam

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't see why you just don't use cos(x^2)^2<=1 to get a bound on the tail. But sure, you can do it that way too.
 
Last edited:
Yeah I just realized that my way is retarded and ends up with the exact same result.

Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K