How do I solve 6 complex integrals using contours?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a set of complex improper integrals using the calculus of residues. Participants explore various integrals, share their approaches, and express challenges related to branch points and contour selection in the complex plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Nasim presents seven integrals, detailing specific challenges with branch points and contour selection for each integral, particularly emphasizing the complexities introduced by multi-valued functions.
  • Some participants express that the solutions to these integrals can be extremely difficult, with one participant noting that their solution for integral (2) is lengthy and involves non-elementary functions.
  • Another participant mentions that they did not solve the integrals by hand but relied on a computer program, indicating that the solutions can be complex and lengthy.
  • There is a mention of Mathematica providing complicated answers that may include advanced functions like the LambertW function, suggesting variability in the simplicity of solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the integrals are challenging and that solutions may involve complex or non-elementary functions. However, there is no consensus on specific methods or solutions, and multiple competing views on the complexity of the integrals remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the presence of branch points and the need for careful contour selection, indicating that assumptions about the behavior of functions in the complex plane are crucial to the discussion. The reliance on computational tools suggests that some mathematical steps may be unresolved or not fully explored.

nasim
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Hello ppl,


I'm trying to solve these 6 improper integrals using calculus of residues.
OK, I have actually got 7 now...


(1) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln(1+x)}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
PS: I already know how to solve
[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln(x)}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
which equals 0, where ln(z) is a multiple-valued function
in the complex domain with branch point z=0.
But I didn't know what contour to use for (1) since
the branch point of ln(1+z) is at z=-1. If I indent it
at z=-1 and use a similar shaped contour to that of
ln(z), I get the contribution from -1 to 0 in addition to
the contribution from 0 to [tex]\infty[/tex], which
throws me off.


(2) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln(1+x+x^{2})}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
PS: Again, I know how to solve
[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln(1+x^{2})}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
which equals [tex]\pi \ln 2[/tex], but the presence of "x"
within [tex]1+x+x^{2}[/tex] in (2) is giving me a hard time.


(3) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln^{3}(1+x^{2})}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex] i.e. [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{(\ln(1+x^{2}))^{3}}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]


(4) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{x \ln(1+x^{2})}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]


(5) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\ln(1+x^{2})}{(1+x^{2}) \sqrt{4+x^{2}}} dx[/tex]


(6) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sqrt{x} \ln{(1+x)}}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
Here, the numerator consists of product of 2 multi-valued functions
with differing branch points within the complex domain
[one at z=0 for [tex]\sqrt{z}[/tex], the other at z=-1 for ln(1+z)].
How do I tackle 2 branch points and what would be the best
contour to use here?


(7) [tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sqrt{x} \sin^{-1}(1+x)}{1+x^{2}} dx[/tex]
Again, the numerator here consists of product of 2 multi-valued functions
(sqrt and arc sin); with one branch point at z=0 for [tex]\sqrt{z}[/tex],
and then 2 branch cuts for [tex]\sin^{-1}(1+z)[/tex]
(i) from [tex]-\infty[/tex] to -2, and (ii) from 0 to [tex]\infty[/tex].


Thanks,
---Nasim (nasim09021975@gmail.com)
 
Last edited:
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Were you given these for homework or just wondered how to do them? Because the solutions I get for some of these are extremely difficult.

My solution to number 2, which agrees with Mathematica, is 8 lines long and contains non elementary functions.
 
Gib Z said:
Were you given these for homework or just wondered how to do them? Because the solutions I get for some of these are extremely difficult.

My solution to number 2, which agrees with Mathematica, is 8 lines long and contains non elementary functions.

wow, that is cool, Gib Z ! :eek: will you please let me know (to
the best of your ability) how you solved them, at least if I can
observe/witness/critic your way of thinking, I believe I can
learn more of the amazing and beautiful topic of residue calculus!

after all, I am here to learn, aren't I ? o:)
 
Actually I didn't do them by hand, I probably couldn't. I am just telling you that a Computer Program that is very intelligent gets a very long answer.
 
Mathematica often gives complicated answers with stuff like the LambertW function even if the answer can be simple.
 

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