Evaluating the Integral \int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int_0^{2\pi} \log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta\), which is situated within the context of complex analysis and logarithmic functions. Participants are exploring the implications of singularities and the behavior of the logarithm in the complex plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the transformation of the integral and question the validity of equating \(\int_0^{2\pi} \log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta\) with \(\int_0^{2\pi} \log(1 - \cos(\theta))d\theta\). There are attempts to apply substitutions and analyze singularities at the endpoints, leading to questions about the integration limits and the nature of the logarithmic function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different perspectives on the integral's evaluation. Some have suggested defining a branch cut for the logarithm, while others have provided alternative expressions for the integral. There is no explicit consensus yet, but various lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity introduced by the multivalued nature of the logarithm in the complex plane and the implications of singularities in the evaluation process. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and approaches to the problem.

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Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral
[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So I'm essentially integrating log|z| around a circle of radius 1 centered at -1. Evaluating at the endpoints gives a singularity, but I feel like that shouldn't matter since they are only the endpoints. I guess my main issue is I don't know how to integrate log|z|. I was inclined to say that:

[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta = \int_0^{2\pi}log(1 - cos(\theta))d\theta.[/tex]

Is this equality correct?

I also tried u-du substitution with [itex]u = e^{i\theta} - 1[/itex] and [itex]d\theta = \frac{du}{i(u - 1)}[/itex], but then when I update the limits of integration I get that I'm integrating from zero to zero, I know there's a conceptual issue which explains why that happens and how rectify it, but I still don't understand it.

Can anyone help me with this? Thanks.
 
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Poopsilon said:

Homework Statement



Evaluate the integral
[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta[/tex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So I'm essentially integrating log|z| around a circle of radius 1 centered at -1. Evaluating at the endpoints gives a singularity, but I feel like that shouldn't matter since they are only the endpoints. I guess my main issue is I don't know how to integrate log|z|. I was inclined to say that:

[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta = \int_0^{2\pi}log(1 - cos(\theta))d\theta.[/tex]

Is this equality correct?

I also tried u-du substitution with [itex]u = e^{i\theta} - 1[/itex] and [itex]d\theta = \frac{du}{i(u - 1)}[/itex], but then when I update the limits of integration I get that I'm integrating from zero to zero, I know there's a conceptual issue which explains why that happens and how rectify it, but I still don't understand it.

Can anyone help me with this? Thanks.

In the complex plane, log is a multivalued function. You can try defining a branch cut. I checked the solution on Mathematica, and it returned 0 as well.
 
Poopsilon said:
[
[tex]\int_0^{2\pi}log|e^{i\theta}-1|d\theta = \int_0^{2\pi}log(1 - cos(\theta))d\theta.[/tex]

Is this equality correct?

I don't think so. I get:

[tex]\int_0^{2\pi} \log\left|e^{it}-1\right|dt=\int_0^{2\pi}\left[\log \sqrt{2}+1/2 \log \left(1-\cos(t)\right)\right] dt[/tex]
 
[tex] \vert e^{i \theta} - 1 \vert = \sqrt{(\cos \theta - 1)^2 + \sin^2 \theta} = \sqrt{2 \, (1 - \cos \theta)} = \sqrt{2 \, 2 \, \sin^{2} \frac{\theta}{2}} = 2 \, \left\vert \sin \frac{\theta}{2} \right\vert[/tex]

But, if [itex]0 \le \theta \le 2 \pi[/itex], then [itex]\sin \frac{\theta}{2} \ge 0[/itex], and the absolute sign is unimportant.
 

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