How do we find the real part of the integral of sec(x) sec(x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the real part of the integral of sec(x) sec(x), exploring various methods of integration, including complex analysis and trigonometric identities. Participants share different approaches and clarify concepts related to the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method using complex numbers, expressing sec(x) in terms of exponentials and attempting a substitution to evaluate the integral.
  • Another participant suggests a different approach using trigonometric identities to express sec(x) in terms of tangent and proposes a substitution that leads to a rational integrand.
  • A later reply emphasizes the desire to see the integration done using complex numbers, indicating prior familiarity with other methods.
  • Another participant advises combining logarithmic terms and explains how to extract the real part using the modulus of a complex number.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the concept of modulus and seeks further reading resources.
  • Another participant defines the modulus of a complex number and relates it to geometric interpretations on the Argand Plane.
  • A subsequent post humorously comments on the naming conventions in mathematics, referencing historical figures in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to approach the integral, with no consensus reached on a single method. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the preferred technique for finding the real part of the integral.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express assumptions about familiarity with complex analysis and integration techniques, while others indicate gaps in understanding specific concepts like modulus.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in advanced integration techniques, particularly those involving complex numbers and trigonometric identities.

cragar
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[tex] sec(x) = \frac{2}{e^{ix}+e^{-ix}}[/tex]
then i multply bot top and bottom by [tex]e^{ix}[/tex]
so i can do a u substitution
[tex]u=e^{ix} du=ie^{ix}[/tex]
so then [tex]\int {\frac{2du}{(u^2+1)i}} <br /> =\frac {2arctan(u)}{i}}[/tex]
so then i turn the arctan into a log
then i get [tex]ln|e^{ix}+i|-ln|e^{ix}-i| + c[/tex]
then how do i get the real part out if this .
 
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Well, you MIGHT do it that way, but a simpler integration would be to set:
[tex]1=\cos^2(\frac{x}{2})+\sin^{2}\frac{x}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\cos(x)=\cos^{2}(\frac{x}{2})-\sin^{2}(\frac{x}{2})[/tex]
These identities implies:
[tex]\sec(x)=\frac{1+\tan^{2}(\frac{x}{2})}{1-\tan^{2}(\frac{x}{2})}[/tex]
Setting, therefore:
[tex]u=\tan(\frac{x}{2})\to\frac{du}{dx}=\frac{1}{2}\sec^{2}(\frac{x}{2})=\frac{1}{2}(1+u^{2})[/tex]

You'll get a rational integrand in u that you can solve by partial fractions decomposition:
[tex]\int\sec(x)dx=\int\frac{2du}{1-u^{2}}[/tex]
 
sorry i should have said i want to see it done with complex numbers ,
I have done it that way before . but i wrote it like
[tex]\frac{cos(x)}{1-(sin(x))^2}[/tex]
then u=sin(x) and du=cos(x)
 
Combine the two log terms into one, and use [tex]Log z = \ln |z| + i Arg(z)[/tex]. Ie the Real part is simply the natural log of the modulus.
 
thanks for all of your answers guys , I am not sure what modulus is i tired looking it up
could you maybe tell me where to read about it i have only had calc 3 .
 
I'm sure you have if your doing integration like this! The modulus of a complex number a+bi is sqrt(a^2+b^2). You can think of it as the length of the line that connects the origin to a+bi on the Argand Plane.
 
Gib Z said:
I'm sure you have if your doing integration like this! The modulus of a complex number a+bi is sqrt(a^2+b^2). You can think of it as the length of the line that connects the origin to a+bi on the Argand Plane.

Wessel Plane, if I may.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caspar_Wessel
 
Ahh my mistake !

In mathematics often things aren't named after who really should have gotten credit for them! There's a joke that for an entire century after Euler, to ensure other mathematicians got some recognition, things were named after the first person after Euler to discover it. =]
 

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