How Can I Solve This Complex Integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a complex integral involving trigonometric functions and exponential terms. Participants explore various methods for finding a closed form for the integral, which includes binomial expansion and asymptotic techniques. The conversation includes attempts to manipulate the integral into a more manageable form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original integral presented involves complex constants and a binomial expansion, with the participant seeking a closed form.
  • Some participants suggest that Laplace's method might be applicable, noting the required form for the integral and the conditions for its use.
  • One participant proposes rewriting the exponential term using Euler's identity to possibly simplify the integration process.
  • Another participant shares a link to an online integral solver but notes that the input was incorrect, leading to a different integral being solved.
  • There is a mention of the integral being "ugly" and a subsequent check revealing that Mathematica could not find a formula for the integral, suggesting that a solution may not exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the best approach to solve the integral, with no consensus on a definitive method or solution. Multiple competing views on potential techniques remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their approaches, including the complexity of the integral and the challenges in applying certain mathematical techniques. There is also a mention of the need for specific forms and conditions for the methods discussed.

mvillagra
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Hi, can someone give me a hand with this "little" integral please.

\int (\cos{k})^{t-s+1}(b-a\sin^2k)^{s/2}e^{-ik(n-1)}dk

where
t is the time, which is discrete
s is between 0 and t
k has domain [-pi, pi]
n is a natural number
a, b are complex constants

actually this integral is the binomial expansion of this other integral

\int (\cos{k}+\sqrt{b-a\sin^2k})^t\cos k \quad e^{-ik(n-1)}dk

there are some other constants, which I omitted. Also, I am omitting the coefficients and summation of the binomial expansion in the first integral.

I'm looking for a closed form, and I tried using asymptotic approximations but it doesn't work because in general to solve it using asymptotic techniques you need to write it in this form:

f(k)e^{\phi(k,t)}

and I can't do that. Maybe there are some other asymptotic techniques that I don't know, maybe you can also give me a hand on this.

Thanks in advance!
 
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That looks painfull. Sorry, but I have no ideas.
 
Maybe Laplaces's method could work. It requires an integral with the form:

I_n=\int_a^b \phi(k)[f(x)]^tdk

Take a maximum point \xi of the function f, then the integral is:

I_n\sim \phi(\xi)[f(\xi)]^{t+1/2}\left[\frac{-2\pi}{tf{''}(\xi)}\right]^{1/2}\textrm{ as }t\to\infty

I think that this method only requires f and \phi to be analytic.
 
I am not fully sure right now how to incorporate it, but it seems as though you have "[URL identity[/URL] in your original equation. Perhaps you can rewrite e^{-ik(n-1)} in terms of complex numbers (cosine and sine). You would have e^{-ik(n-1)} = e^{i(1k- kn)} = \frac{e^{ik}}{e^{kn}} = \frac{cos(1k)+isin(1k)}{cos(kn)+isin(kn)}. If that seems like a good idea, maybe someone else could go into this integration in more detail (using euler's identity).

If that helps at all, that would be great. Otherwise, forgive me, and you can always check answers to various integrations online- Wolfram offers a website that does nearly all integrations.

I did out your"binomial expansion" equation and the results can be found:
http://integrals.wolfram.com/index....sin(k))^2k)^(t)cos(x)e^(-ix(n-1)&random=false

Goodluck,JL
 
Last edited by a moderator:
jeff1evesque said:
I am not fully sure right now how to incorporate it, but it seems as though you have "[URL identity[/URL] in your original equation. Perhaps you can rewrite e^{-ik(n-1)} in terms of complex numbers (cosine and sine). You would have e^{-ik(n-1)} = e^{i(1k- kn)} = \frac{e^{ik}}{e^{kn}} = \frac{cos(1k)+isin(1k)}{cos(kn)+isin(kn)}. If that seems like a good idea, maybe someone else could go into this integration in more detail (using euler's identity).

I did out your"binomial expansion" equation and the results can be found:
http://integrals.wolfram.com/index....sin(k))^2k)^(t)cos(x)e^(-ix(n-1)&random=false

I tried to decompose it but the integral stays ugly :frown:

Also, I've checked the link, but the input was incorrect, there was one parenthesis missing and solved a different integral. I fixed it, and the answer I got was "Mathematica could not find a formula for your integral. Most likely this means that no formula exists" :cry:

Thank you very much for the reply
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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