MHB Improper complex integrals--residue

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Complex
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the evaluation of the improper integral $$\int_0^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx$$, confirming its value as $$\frac{\pi}{6}$$. Participants agree that it is valid to express this integral as $$\frac{1}{2}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx$$ due to the function's evenness and convergence. The method involves using complex analysis and residue theory to evaluate the integral over the entire real line. The conclusion reinforces that the integral's value is indeed $$\frac{\pi}{6}$$, validating the approach taken. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing even functions in integral evaluation.
Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
Given this:
$$
\int_0^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx = \frac{\pi}{6}
$$
Can I do this:
$$
\int_0^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx
$$
and solve the integral like this
$$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^4 + 1}dx = 2i\pi\sum_{z \ \text{upper half}}\text{Res}_{z}f = \frac{\pi\sqrt{2}}{2}
$$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dwsmith said:
Given this:
$$
\int_0^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx = \frac{\pi}{6}
$$
Can I do this:
$$
\int_0^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx = \frac{1}{2}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{x^2}{x^6 + 1}dx
$$
Yes because the integral is convergent and you're using the way back of the even function when having a symmetric interval.
I never learned well about computing integrals by using complex analysis methods so I'll let another one which may confirm your procedure.
 
Krizalid said:
Yes because the integral is convergent and you're using the way back of the even function when having a symmetric interval.
I never learned well about computing integrals by using complex analysis methods so I'll let another one which may confirm your procedure.

It works because it is an even function. I actually just shown the integral is pi/6
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
632
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K