How to Solve Complex Logarithmic Integrals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of solving complex logarithmic integrals, specifically the integral \(\int_{0}^{\infty}\ln^2\left(\frac{x^2}{x^2+3x+2}\right)dx\). Participants explore various integration techniques, including integration by parts and series expansions, while expressing difficulties in handling certain forms of the integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration in solving the integral and mentions reaching a dead end with related integrals like \(\int \ln(x)\ln(x+1)dx\).
  • Another participant suggests using integration by parts and series representation for integrals, proposing that this approach could simplify the problem.
  • A participant shares their progress with integrating \(\int \frac{\ln(x+2)}{x+1}dx\) and discusses their method of substitution to find a series representation.
  • Some participants question the validity of using Taylor series for the logarithm due to convergence issues over the interval of integration.
  • There is a claim that there should be no closed form result for the integral, leading to a discussion about the nature of the integrand and its positivity.
  • Concerns are raised about the manipulation of series and integrals, with some participants suggesting that such manipulations may yield incorrect results.
  • One participant mentions using contour integration but expresses unfamiliarity with the technique.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the methods to approach the integral. While some suggest series expansions as a viable method, others challenge the appropriateness of this approach due to convergence issues. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on the validity of the techniques used.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for incorrect results due to the improper application of series expansions outside their radius of convergence. The discussion also highlights the complexity of the integrals involved, which may not yield closed-form solutions.

  • #31
gabbagabbahey said:
The coefficient of your first term on RHS should be 4 not 2.



You have a sign error; it should be +2x not -2x.




Instead of using the series (which doesn't converge over the interval we are interested in, it is better to use the definition of PolyLogarithm Mute gave to show that

\int \frac{\ln(x+1)}{x}dx=-\operatorname{Li}_2(-x)

And hence:

\int \ln(x)\ln(x+1)dx=\ln(x)[(x+1)\ln(x+1)-x]+2x-(x+1)\ln(x+1)+\operatorname{Li}_2(-x)



Again; avoid the divergent series by showing that

\int \frac{\ln(x+2)}{x}dx=\ln(2)\ln(x)-\operatorname{Li}_2(\frac{-x}{2})

And Hence:

\int \ln(x)\ln(x+2)dx=\ln(x)[(x+2)\ln(x+2)-x]-(x+2)\ln(x+2)+2x-\ln(2)\ln(x)+\operatorname{Li}_2\left( \frac{-x}{2}\right)



Good.



Again, avoid the series by showing

\int \frac{\ln(x+2)}{x+1}dx=-\operatorname{Li}_2(-(x+1))

And Hence:

\int \ln(x+1)\ln(x+2)dx=\ln(x+1)[(x+2)\ln(x+2)-(x+1)]-(x+2)\ln(x+2)+2x+\operatorname{Li}_2(-(x+1))



There is a small error, you should get:

\int \ln^2(x+2)dx=(x+2)\ln^2(x+2)-2(x+2)\ln(x+2)+2x

Fix those errors and then add up your terms and cancel as much as possible to show that

\int \ln^2\left(\frac{x^2}{x^2+3x+2}\right) dx=8\ln(2)\ln(x) + 4 x\ln^2(x)- 4 (x+1)\ln(x)\ln(x+1) + (x+1)\ln^2(x+1) - 4 (x+2)\ln(x)\ln(x+2)

+2 (x+2)\ln(x+1)\ln(x+2)+ (x+2)\ln^2(x+2) + 2\operatorname{Li}_2(-(x+1))-4\operatorname{Li}_2(-x)-8\operatorname{Li}_2\left(-\frac {x} {2} \right)

After you do that, I'll help you through incorporating the limits.


I have few comments:

1. Shouldn't we on the last result have 4x^2ln^2(x) instead of plain x, without square?

2. also, here

\int \frac{ln(x+2)}{x}dx=\int \frac{ln[2(1-(-\frac{x}{2}))]}{x}dx=\int \frac{ln(2)}{x}+\int \frac{[1-(-\frac{x}{2})]}{-2*\frac{-x}{2}}=ln(2)ln(x)+\frac{1}{2}Li_2(\frac{-x}{2})

If so then we would have a slight change on our final result: i.e.

we would have 4ln(2)ln(x)+2Li(-\frac{x}{2})

Or, am i missing something here?


Other than these, i managed to bring the expression to match that of yours.
 
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  • #32
sutupidmath said:
I have few comments:

1. Shouldn't we on the last result have 4x^2ln^2(x) instead of plain x, without square?

Nope, I overlooked an error in your first integral; you should have

\int \ln^2(x)dx=x\ln^2(x)-2x\ln(x)+2x

That gets rid of the x squared thing
2. also, here

\int \frac{ln(x+2)}{x}dx=\int \frac{ln[2(1-(-\frac{x}{2}))]}{x}dx=\int \frac{ln(2)}{x}+\int \frac{[1-(-\frac{x}{2})]}{-2*\frac{-x}{2}}=ln(2)ln(x)+\frac{1}{2}Li_2(\frac{-x}{2})

Nope, you need to use

\operatorname{Li}_2\left( \frac{-x}{2}\right)=-\int \frac{\ln[1-(-\frac{x}{2})]}{\frac{-x}{2}} d\left( \frac{-x}{2} \right)\neq -\int \frac{\ln[1-(-\frac{x}{2})]}{\frac{-x}{2}} dx

:wink:
 

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