Evaluating the Integral Using the Clausen Function

In summary, Integral challenge #2 is a unique scientific challenge that tests participants' knowledge and problem-solving abilities by presenting them with a complex and practical problem to solve. It differs from other challenges by requiring integration of multiple scientific disciplines. The general steps for solving the challenge include understanding the problem, conducting research, identifying solutions, developing a plan, testing, and evaluating results. Both individuals and teams can participate, but having a diverse team is recommended. Participating in the challenge can improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills and potentially make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.
  • #1
DreamWeaver
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Find a closed form evaluation for the following trigonometric integral, where the \(\displaystyle 0 < \theta \le \pi/2\):\(\displaystyle \int_0^{\theta}\frac{x^2}{\sin x} \, dx= \text{?}\)

Hint:

Consider

\(\displaystyle \int_0^{\theta} x\log \left(\tan \frac{x}{2} \right)\, dx\)

and then express this logtangent integral in terms of Clausen functions, by splitting logtan into logsin + logcos integrals...
 
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  • #2
Hi all, this is my first post on Math Help Boards. :)

The answer to this problem is
$$\theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2} -\frac{7}{2}\zeta(3)+4\theta \text{Cl}_2(\theta)-\theta \text{Cl}_2(2\theta)+4\text{Cl}_3(\theta)-\frac{1}{2}\text{Cl}_3(2\theta)$$

where $\text{Cl}_n(z)$ denotes the Clausen Function.

Proof:
Let $I$ denote our integral. On applying integration by parts we obtain

$$
I=\theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2}-2\int_0^{\theta}x \log \tan \frac{x}{2}\; dx
$$

Now, we invoke the Fourier series of $\log \tan \frac{x}{2}$:

$$\log \tan \frac{x}{2}=-2 \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\cos(2n-1)x}{2n-1}$$

It follows that

$$
\begin{align*}
I &= \theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2}+4\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{2n-1}\int_0^{\theta}x \cos(2n-1)x \; dx \\
&= \theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2}+4\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{2n-1}\left\{\theta \frac{\sin(2n-1)\theta}{2n-1}-\frac{1}{2n-1}\int_0^\theta \sin(2n-1)x dx\right\} \\
&= \theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2}+4\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{2n-1}\left\{\theta \frac{\sin(2n-1)\theta}{2n-1}+\frac{\cos(2n-1)\theta -1}{(2n-1)^2}\right\} \\
&= \theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2} -\frac{7}{2}\zeta(3) +4\theta \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\sin(2n-1)\theta}{(2n-1)^2}+4\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\cos (2n-1)\theta}{(2n-1)^3} \\
&= \theta^2 \log \tan \frac{\theta}{2} -\frac{7}{2}\zeta(3)+4\theta \text{Cl}_2(\theta)-\theta \text{Cl}_2(2\theta)+4\text{Cl}_3(\theta)-\frac{1}{2}\text{Cl}_3(2\theta)
\end{align*}
$$

In the last step, I used

$$
\begin{align*}\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\cos(2n-1)\theta}{(2n-1)^3} &=\text{Cl}_3(\theta)-\frac{1}{8}\text{Cl}_3(2\theta) \\
\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\sin(2n-1)\theta}{(2n-1)^2}&=\text{Cl}_2(\theta)-\frac{1}{4}\text{Cl}_2(2\theta)
\end{align*}
$$
 

Related to Evaluating the Integral Using the Clausen Function

1. What is the purpose of Integral challenge #2?

The purpose of Integral challenge #2 is to test the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills of participants by presenting them with a complex and multi-faceted problem to solve.

2. How is Integral challenge #2 different from other scientific challenges?

Integral challenge #2 is unique because it requires participants to integrate knowledge from multiple scientific disciplines in order to find a solution. It also involves real-world scenarios, making it more practical and relevant.

3. What are the general steps for solving Integral challenge #2?

The general steps for solving Integral challenge #2 include: understanding the problem, conducting research, identifying possible solutions, developing a plan of action, testing the solution, and evaluating the results.

4. Can individuals or teams participate in Integral challenge #2?

Both individuals and teams can participate in Integral challenge #2. However, it is recommended to have a diverse team with members from different scientific backgrounds to bring a variety of perspectives and expertise.

5. What are the benefits of participating in Integral challenge #2?

Participating in Integral challenge #2 can help individuals and teams develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. It also provides an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge to real-world problems and potentially make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

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