Finding Bounds for a Tricky Complex Integral

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the complex integral $$\int_{\gamma} ze^{z^2}dz$$ along a specified contour $\gamma(t) = 2t + i - 2ti$ for $0 \leq t \leq 1$. Participants explore the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus for complex functions and the implications of the path taken in the evaluation of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the integral can be evaluated using the fundamental theorem of integration, noting that the value depends on the endpoints of the contour $\gamma$.
  • Others clarify that since $f(z) = ze^{z^2}$ is an entire function, the path taken does not affect the value of the integral, as long as the function is analytic along the path.
  • A participant questions how to find the appropriate bounds for the integral and whether they would still be 0 and 1.
  • There is a discussion about the substitution involved in the integral and the expression for $w$ in the context of the evaluation.
  • Some participants reiterate the expression for the antiderivative of the function and its evaluation at the endpoints, emphasizing the simplification process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the fundamental theorem of calculus for complex functions, but there is some contention regarding the relevance of the path taken and the specific evaluation steps involved. The discussion remains unresolved on certain details, particularly regarding the bounds and substitutions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the clarity of the substitution for $w$ and the specific bounds for the integral, which some participants find ambiguous.

Dustinsfl
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$$
\int_{\gamma}ze^{z^2}dz
$$

$\gamma(t) = 2t + i -2ti$, for $0\leq t\leq 1$.

$
\int_{\gamma} f(\gamma(t))\gamma'(t)dt
$

But

$
\int_{\gamma}ze^{z^2}dz \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}\int e^wdw
$

So then I would be solving

$$
\frac{1}{2}\int\exp(4t-1+4ti-8t^2i)(4+4i-16ti)dw
$$

Correct? And how would I find the appropriate bounds for this integral or would it still be 0 and 1?
 
Last edited:
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dwsmith said:
$$
\int_{\gamma}ze^{z^2}dz
$$

$\gamma(t) = 2t + i -2ti$, for $0\leq t\leq 1$.

$
\int_{\gamma} f(\gamma(t))\gamma'(t)dt
$

But

$
\int_{\gamma}ze^{z^2}dz \Rightarrow \frac{1}{2}\int e^wdw
$

So then I would be solving

$$
\frac{1}{2}\int\exp(4t-1+4ti-8t^i)(4+4i-16ti)dw
$$

Correct? And how would I find the appropriate bounds for this integral or would it still be 0 and 1?
As you correctly say, $\int ze^{z^2}dz = \frac{1}{2}\int e^wdw = \frac12e^w = \frac12e^{z^2}$. In other words, your function has an indefinite integral. The fundamental theorem of integration applies, and says that the value of the integral along the path $\gamma$ is the difference between the values of the indefinite integral at the endpoints of $\gamma$.

The endpoints of $\gamma$ are $\gamma(0) = i$ and $\gamma(1) = 2-i$. So the integral is equal to $\frac12\left(e^{(2-i)^2} - e^{i^2}\right)$.
 
Opalg said:
As you correctly say, $\int ze^{z^2}dz = \frac{1}{2}\int e^wdw = \frac12e^w = \frac12e^{z^2}$. In other words, your function has an indefinite integral. The fundamental theorem of integration applies, and says that the value of the integral along the path $\gamma$ is the difference between the values of the indefinite integral at the endpoints of $\gamma$.

The endpoints of $\gamma$ are $\gamma(0) = i$ and $\gamma(1) = 2-i$. So the integral is equal to $\frac12\left(e^{(2-i)^2} - e^{i^2}\right)$.

So you are evaluating this integral
$$
\frac{1}{2}\int_{i}^{2-i}\exp\left(4t-14ti-8t^2i\right)(2-2i)dw
$$
 
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dwsmith said:
So you are evaluating this integral
$$
\frac{1}{2}\int_{i}^{2-i}\exp\left(4t-14ti-8t^2i\right)(2-2i)dw
$$
No, he's evaluating $\displaystyle \int_{i}^{2-i} z e^{z^{2}} \ dz$. The path taken doesn't matter.

I'll state the theorem directly from my old textbook.

Let $f$ be analytic in a simply connected domain D. If $z_{0}$ and $z_{1}$ are any two points in D joined by a contour $C$, then $\displaystyle \int_{C} f(z) \ dz = \int_{z_{0}}^{z_{1}}f(z) \ dz= F(z_{1})-F(z_{0})$ where $F$ is an antiderivative of $f$ in $D$.

$f(z) = ze^{z^{2}}$ is an entire function. It's analytic everywhere. So the above applies.
 
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Random Variable said:
No, he's evaluating $\displaystyle \int_{i}^{2-i} z e^{z^{2}} \ dz$. The path taken doesn't matter.

I'll state the theorem directly from my old textbook.

Let $f$ be analytic in a simply connected domain D. If $z_{0}$ and $z_{1}$ are any two points in D joined by a contour $C$, then $\displaystyle \int_{C} f(z) \ dz = \int_{z_{0}}^{z_{1}}f(z) \ dz= F(z_{1})-F(z_{0})$ where $F$ is an antiderivative of $f$ in $D$.

$f(z) = ze^{z^{2}}$ is an entire function. It's analytic everywhere. So the above applies.

After I make the substitution, I have $\displaystyle\frac{1}{2}\int_i^{2-i}e^wdw$ what is $w = $ now?
 
$\displaystyle F(z) = \int f(z) = \int ze^{z^{2}} \ dz = \frac{1}{2} e^{z^{2}} + C $

so $\displaystyle \int_{\gamma} f(z) \ dz = \int_{i}^{2-i} f(z) \ dz = F(2-i) - F(i) = \frac{1}{2}e^{(2-i)^{2}} - \frac{1}{2} e^{i^{2}}$ and then simplify if you want
 
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Random Variable said:
$\displaystyle F(z) = \int f(z) = \int ze^{z^{2}} = \frac{1}{2} e^{z^{2}} + C $

so $\displaystyle \int_{\gamma} f(z) \ dz = \int_{i}^{2-i} f(z) \ dz = F(2-i) - F(i) = \frac{1}{2}e^{(2-i)^{2}} - \frac{1}{2} e^{i^{2}}$ and then simply if you want

That is what I wasn't understanding.
 

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