How Do You Solve This Logarithmic Integral Involving Cosine?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\int_0^{2 \pi} x \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx\), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically dealing with logarithmic integrals and properties of definite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of properties of definite integrals and suggest changing variables to simplify the integral. There are attempts to clarify the reasoning behind these properties and how they apply to the given integral.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various approaches to the integral. Some have provided hints and suggestions for rewriting the logarithmic expression, while others are questioning the assumptions about the properties being used.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the periodicity of the function involved and how it relates to the properties of definite integrals. Participants are also seeking clarification on specific mathematical properties and their applications.

utkarshakash
Gold Member
Messages
852
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


[itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{2 \pi} x \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx[/itex]


Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



Using property of definite integral
2I = [itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{2 \pi} 2 \pi \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx[/itex]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


[itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{2 \pi} x \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx[/itex]


Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



Using property of definite integral
2I = [itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{2 \pi} 2 \pi \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx[/itex]

I'm not sure what "property of definite integral" would give you that. You'll have to spell it out. Here's a hint. Change the variable to u=2pi-x and see what happens.
 
You can also rewrite the log of a quotient into something simpler.
 
Dick said:
I'm not sure what "property of definite integral" would give you that. You'll have to spell it out. Here's a hint. Change the variable to u=2pi-x and see what happens.

[itex]\int_0^a f(x) = \int_0^a f(a-x)[/itex]. This is what I've used.

Then I added both integrals to get rid of x outside log.
 
SteamKing said:
You can also rewrite the log of a quotient into something simpler.

Can you please elaborate? I didn't get you.
 
utkarshakash said:
[itex]\int_0^a f(x) = \int_0^a f(a-x)[/itex]. This is what I've used.

Then I added both integrals to get rid of x outside log.

Integrating from one point to another finds the area under the curve between those two points. Think about the graphs of f(x) and f(a-x). f(a-x) is going to be flipped over the x-axis and shifted to the left by "a" units.. Most of the time, the value of the integral wouldn't be the same for both functions. Sorry to tell ya, but I think the property of definite integral may only apply to periodic functions. I don't think this function is periodic

utkarshakash said:
Can you please elaborate? I didn't get you.

[itex]log(\frac{a}{b})=log(a)-log(b)[/itex]
[itex]log(a*b)=log(a)+log(b)[/itex]
 
utkarshakash said:
Using property of definite integral
2I = [itex]\displaystyle \int_0^{2 \pi} 2 \pi \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx[/itex]

Okay. Now observe that
$$\int_0^{2 \pi} \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx=2\int_0^{\pi} \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx$$

Use the same property you used before.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Okay. Now observe that
$$\int_0^{2 \pi} \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx=2\int_0^{\pi} \ln \dfrac{3+ \cos x}{3- \cos x} dx$$

Use the same property you used before.

Well done.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K