Evaluating Integral with Polylogarithms: Help Needed!

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the parametric integral \(\int_0^{\theta}\tan^{-1}(a\tan x)\,dx\) for \(0 < a < 1\) and \(0 < z < 1\) where \(z=\tan\theta\). The user, Gethin, successfully derives a partial result involving polylogarithmic terms, specifically the dilogarithm function \(\text{Li}_2\). However, Gethin struggles to simplify the last four polylogarithmic terms into manageable real parts, indicating a potential reference to Lewin's book for further insights. The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating functions involving inverse tangent and polylogarithms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric integrals
  • Familiarity with the inverse tangent function, \(\tan^{-1}\)
  • Knowledge of polylogarithmic functions, particularly the dilogarithm \(\text{Li}_2\)
  • Basic complex analysis concepts, including complex partial fractions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of the dilogarithm function, \(\text{Li}_2\)
  • Study complex integration techniques, particularly involving inverse trigonometric functions
  • Explore Lewin's book on polylogarithms for deeper insights into simplifying complex integrals
  • Investigate the relationship between polylogarithmic functions and real parts in integrals
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, calculus students, and researchers working on complex integrals and polylogarithmic functions will benefit from this discussion.

DreamWeaver
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Hi all! :D

I've been trying to evaluate the parametric integral

\int_0^{\theta}\tan^{-1}(a\tan x)\,dx

But I keep getting stuck... For 0 &lt; a &lt; 1\,, 0 &lt; z &lt; 1\,, and z=\tan\theta\, I manage to get as far as\int_0^{\theta}\tan^{-1}(a\tan x)\,dx =

\theta\tan^{-1}(\tan \theta)+\frac{1}{2}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1}{1-a}\right)-\frac{1}{2}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1}{1+a}\right)

-\frac{1}{4}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1-iaz}{(1-a)(1+a^2z^2)}\right)<br /> +\frac{1}{4}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1+iaz}{(1+a)(1+a^2z^2)}\right)
+\frac{1}{4}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1-iaz}{(1+a)(1+a^2z^2)}\right)<br /> -\frac{1}{4}\text{Li}_2\left(\frac{1+iaz}{(1-a)(1+a^2z^2)}\right)
Try as I might, I just can't seem to find a way to reduce those last four polylogarithmic terms into 'well-behaved' real parts... I'm sure there's a way to do it - undoubtedly in Lewin's book, which I don't have - but I just can't seem to find the solution.

Any ideas? ;)

Cheers!

Gethin

ps. The partial-result shown above was due to splitting the integral into complex partial fraction terms using:

$$\int_0^z\frac{\tan ^{-1}x}{(1+a^2x^2)}\,dx=$$

$$\frac{1}{2i}\int_0^z\log\left(\frac{1+ix}{1-ix}\right)\frac{dx}{(1+iax)(1-iax)}\,dx$$
 
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In case you haven't seen my response in the other forum look up the following http://mathhelpboards.com/calculus-10/generalized-fractional-logarithm-integral-5467.html.

Mainly we can prove that

$$\overline{\text{Li}_2(z)}=\text{Li}_2(\overline{z})$$
 
Thanks Z! :D:D:D

I saw your post on t'other forum... I'll tickle this one tonight and see what real results fall out...

Once again, many thanks! (Rock)
 

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