Finding an integral using a series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral ##\displaystyle \int_0^1 \frac{\arctan x}{x}dx##, with a focus on the use of series representation for the integrand.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the integral into a series form and the conditions under which the summation and integral can be interchanged. There are questions about the convergence of the series at the endpoints of the interval.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the conditions for interchanging summation and integration, while others have raised concerns about the convergence of the series at the endpoint x = 1. Multiple interpretations regarding the convergence and the validity of the approach are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a specific concern regarding the conditional convergence of the series at the endpoint x = 1, which may affect the validity of the interchange of operations.

Mr Davis 97
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Homework Statement


##\displaystyle \int_0^1 \frac{\arctan x}{x}dx##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I converted the integral to the following; ##\displaystyle \int_0^1 \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{2n+1}dx##. In this case am I allowed to swap the summation and integral signs?
 
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Mr Davis 97 said:

Homework Statement


##\displaystyle \int_0^1 \frac{\arctan x}{x}dx##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I converted the integral to the following; ##\displaystyle \int_0^1 \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^n\frac{x^{2n}}{2n+1}dx##. In this case am I allowed to swap the summation and integral signs?
Since the series is absolutely convergent on the interval in question, yes, you can exchange the operations. Here's a link to another thread that discusses this -- https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ntegral-differentiation-with-integral.564620/.
 
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Mark44 said:
Since the series is absolutely convergent on the interval in question, yes, you can exchange the operations. Here's a link to another thread that discusses this -- https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ntegral-differentiation-with-integral.564620/.

This argument does not quite work: the series is absolutely convergent on the open interval ##0 \leq x < 1## but is only conditionally convergent at ##x=1##. However, the OP can try another argument instead: he can check for uniform convergence on the closed interval, and that will be enough. See, eg.,
https://www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk/~agk22/uniform.pdf .
 
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Ray Vickson said:
This argument does not quite work: the series is absolutely convergent on the open interval ##0 \leq x < 1## but is only conditionally convergent at ##x=1##. However, the OP can try another argument instead: he can check for uniform convergence on the closed interval, and that will be enough. See, eg.,
https://www.dpmms.cam.ac.uk/~agk22/uniform.pdf .
I was a bit worried about that endpoint at x = 1, but didn't include my concern in what I wrote.
 

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