Improper Integral: Solve for \pi\log(x+1)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the improper integral \(\int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy\) and its relation to the expression \(\pi\log(x+1)\). Participants explore various methods and substitutions to approach the problem without using complex analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss different substitutions, such as \(y=\tan\theta\), and express confusion about the variable of integration. Some consider the possibility of demonstrating the integral's equality to \(\pi\log(x+1)\) without direct computation. Others explore the derivative of \(\pi\log(x+1)\) and its implications for the integral.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to differentiate the integral with respect to \(x\) and to establish a relationship between the integral and the logarithmic expression. Some participants suggest using series expansions, while others question how to handle constants that may arise during integration. There is a productive exchange of ideas, but no explicit consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the preference to avoid complex analysis and express uncertainty about how to relate changes in \(x\) and \(y\) within the context of the integral.

DeadOriginal
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Homework Statement


[itex]\int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy[/itex]

Homework Equations


The answer is [itex]\pi\log(x+1)[/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution


I have attempted many different substitutions like [itex]y=\tan\theta[/itex]. I have also tried breaking up the log but nothing definitive comes out. Any help would be appreciated. I would prefer to not use any complex analysis.
 
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DeadOriginal said:

Homework Statement


[itex]\int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}[/itex]

Homework Equations


The answer is [itex]\pi\log(x+1)[/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution


I have attempted many different substitutions like [itex]y=\tan\theta[/itex]. I have also tried breaking up the log but nothing definitive comes out. Any help would be appreciated. I would prefer to not use any complex analysis.

Which is the variable of integration? Without either dx or dy, I can't tell.
 
Mark44 said:
Which is the variable of integration? Without either dx or dy, I can't tell.

Sorry. It is now fixed. We are integrating with respect to y.
 
I am beginning to think that there is a way to show that the integral is equal to [itex]\pi\log(x+1)[/itex] without directly computing the integral. Any thoughts?
 
DeadOriginal said:
I am beginning to think that there is a way to show that the integral is equal to [itex]\pi\log(x+1)[/itex] without directly computing the integral. Any thoughts?
Perhaps, ...

consider that [itex]\displaystyle \ \frac{d}{dx}\pi\log(x+1)=\frac{\pi}{x+1}\ .[/itex]
 
SammyS said:
Perhaps, ...

consider that [itex]\displaystyle \ \frac{d}{dx}\pi\log(x+1)=\frac{\pi}{x+1}\ .[/itex]

Yes, this.

Expressing it as an expansion can also work.
 
Hmm. That looks very interesting. Thanks guys. I will play with that.
 
I am confused. How do I use the fact that [itex]\frac{d}{dx}\pi\log(x+1)=\frac{\pi}{x+1}[/itex]? Shouldn't we be considering the changes in [itex]y[/itex] and not [itex]x[/itex]?
 
DeadOriginal said:
I am confused. How do I use the fact that [itex]\frac{d}{dx}\pi\log(x+1)=\frac{\pi}{x+1}[/itex]? Shouldn't we be considering the changes in [itex]y[/itex] and not [itex]x[/itex]?

Are you familiar with the expansion for ##\frac{1}{1-x}##?

Use that to find an expansion for ##\frac{\pi}{1-(-x)}##

What do you get?
 
  • #10
I got [itex]\pi\sum\limits_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^{n}x^{n}[/itex] but I don't see how I can apply this to solving the integral.
 
  • #11
Let the original integral be F(x). What does dF/dx look like? Can you solve the integral wrt y in that?
 
  • #12
[itex]F(x)=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy[/itex]
so
[itex]\frac{d}{dx}F(x)=\frac{d}{dx}\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{2xy^{2}}{(y^{2}+1)(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}dy=2x\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{y^{2}}{(y^{2}+1)(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}dy=2x\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\left[\frac{Ay+B}{y^{2}+1}+\frac{Cy+D}{x^{2}y^{2}+1}\right][/itex]
where [itex]A,C=0[/itex] and [itex]B=-\frac{1}{1-x^{2}},D=\frac{1}{1-x^{2}}[/itex]. Then
[itex]2x\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\left[\frac{Ay+B}{y^{2}+1}+\frac{Cy+D}{x^{2}y^{2}+1}\right]=\frac{2x}{1-x^{2}}\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{x^{2}y^{2}+1}dy-\frac{2x}{1-x^{2}}\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{y^{2}+1}dy=\frac{2x}{1-x^{2}}\left(\frac{\pi}{2x}\right)-\frac{2x}{1-x^{2}}\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)=\frac{\pi-x\pi}{1-x^{2}}=\pi\left(\frac{1-x}{1-x^{2}}\right)=\frac{\pi}{x+1}[/itex].

This shows that
[itex]\frac{d}{dx}F(x)=\frac{d}{dx}\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy=\frac{d}{dx}\pi\log(x+1)[/itex]
but I don't see how it shows that
[itex]\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}dy=\pi\log(x+1)[/itex].
When we integrate them both in terms of [itex]x[/itex], would we not have a constant on both sides that could be different?
 
  • #13
DeadOriginal said:
When we integrate them both in terms of [itex]x[/itex], would we not have a constant on both sides that could be different?
Yes, so the final step is to show that the constant is zero. You have f(x) = g(x) + c for all x. How might you determine c? Any ideas?
 
  • #14
Hmm... Let me sit on this for a while. I will post again once I have an idea! Thanks!
 
  • #15
Ok. Here's an idea. Took longer to think of than it should of..
Since
[itex]F(x)=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}=\pi\log(x+1)+C[/itex]
we can let [itex]x=0[/itex] such that
[itex]F(0)=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(1)}{y^{2}+1}=\pi\log(1)+C=0[/itex].
Hence it must be that [itex]C=0[/itex].
 
  • #16
DeadOriginal said:
Ok. Here's an idea. Took longer to think of than it should of..
Since
[itex]F(x)=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(x^{2}y^{2}+1)}{y^{2}+1}=\pi\log(x+1)+C[/itex]
we can let [itex]x=0[/itex] such that
[itex]F(0)=\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}\frac{\log(1)}{y^{2}+1}=\pi\log(1)+C=0[/itex].
Hence it must be that [itex]C=0[/itex].

That'll do it.
 
  • #17
Thanks a ton!
 

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