Integral Calc: Solving Log(sin(x))^2 from 0 to Pi/2

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    Calculation Integral
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the definite integral of (log(sin(x)))^2 over the interval (0, Pi/2). Participants explore various approaches to solving this integral, including numerical methods and references to related mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion over the correct form of the integral and the interval, with one participant correcting the integrand to (log(sin(x)))^2.
  • There are suggestions to post the question in a different forum or seek help from other sources.
  • One participant mentions a related integral known as Lobachevsky's integral and provides a functional equation that it satisfies, proposing that the definite integral equals pi/2 ln(2).
  • Another participant questions the necessity of absolute value signs in the context of sin(x) being positive in the specified interval.
  • Some participants discuss the potential for extending the argument to higher powers of the logarithm, with one proposing a general formula for I(n), the integral of (log(sin(x)))^n.
  • There are multiple references to the difficulty of expressing the integral in terms of elementary functions, with some participants expressing skepticism about its solvability in that manner.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to solve the integral, and multiple competing views remain regarding the necessity of absolute values and the applicability of certain mathematical results.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correct form of the integral and the interval limits, as well as dependencies on definitions and assumptions related to the logarithmic function and its properties.

mathslover
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Hi guys,recently I came across the following integral and need assistance in solving the problem.

The crux of the problem is calculating the definite integral of log(sin(x)*sin(x)) over
the interval ( 0, Pi/2).
Sorry, I made a mistake in typing the integrand.
It should be (Log(sin(x)))^2 instead.
 
Last edited:
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mathslover said:
Hi guys,recently I came across the following integral and need assistance in solving the problem.

The crux of the problem is calculating the definite integral of log(sin(x)*sin(x)) over
the interval ( 0, Pi/2).

I think you should post this in the calculus group or try yahoo answers.
 
Last edited:
Hardly a number theory question!

The problem is [tex]\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin^2(x))dx[/tex]?

It might help to reduce it to [tex]2\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin(x))dx[/itex] <br /> If not, I tend to suspect the integral cannot be written in terms of elementary functions.[/tex]
 
a little research reveals the related problem, where apparently the definite integral is calculable in spite of the difficulty of the indefinite one.

the integral of ln(cos) from 0 to x, is called Lobachevsky's integral f(x), and it satisfies the functional equation f(x) = 2f(pi/4 + x/2) - 2f(pi/4 -x/2) - xln(2).

hence the definite integral from 0 to pi/2 equals pi/2 ln(2).
 
HallsofIvy said:
Hardly a number theory question!

The problem is [tex]\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin^2(x))dx[/tex]?

It might help to reduce it to [tex]2\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin(x))dx[/itex] <br /> If not, I tend to suspect the integral cannot be written in terms of elementary functions.[/tex]
[tex] <br /> ABSOLUTE VALUE SIGN! <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f621.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":mad:" title="Mad :mad:" data-smilie="4"data-shortname=":mad:" />[/tex]
 
arildno said:
ABSOLUTE VALUE SIGN! :mad:

sin^2 is always positive?
 
ice109 said:
sin^2 is always positive?
Sure it is; but sin(x) is not in the interval given.
So, when the "2" is re-placed in front of the logarithm, instead of being an exponent within it, you must put sin(x) within the absolute value sign.
 
Halls typoed the interval, it was meant to be pi/2 not 2pi. So in the correct interval, absolute value signs are not needed, but for what arildno read off, they were, no were all just a little bit confused here =] Mathwonk's got some good books, because I can't find Lobachevsky integral anywhere =[ But if the function equation holds, then mathwonks value is correct.
 
see joseph kitchen, calculus.
 
  • #10
I am sorry , the integrand should be (log(sin(x)))^2 and the interval is (Pi/2, 0) .-Mathslover
 
  • #11
Use a numerical formula (i.g, Gauss's).
 
  • #12
I would like to find the definite integral of (log(sin(x)))^2 under the interval (pi/2,0)
Numerical integration can only give a numerical answer

I would like to find the above integral in terms of well-known constants


-Mathslover
 
  • #13
Reading through "Ramanujan's notebook Part 2" and "Collected Papers of Ramanujan ",
I chanced upon an entry which solved my problem beautifully.
I just wish that much more can be learned from Ramanujan's work.





-mathslover
 

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  • #14
Devilishly Clever! Can the argument be extended to deal with higher powers?
 
  • #15
The beautiful point about this calculation is that it is applicable for all positive integers.


Define I(n)=Int((log(sin(x)))^n, {x=0 to pi/2}) then it can be shown that


I(0) = pi/2
I(1) = -(pi/2)*log(2)
I(2) = (pi^3)/(24) + (pi/2)*(log(2))^2

and I(3) is a function of log(2) , pi and Zeta(3)

-mathslover
 
  • #16
HallsofIvy said:
Hardly a number theory question!

The problem is [tex]\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin^2(x))dx[/tex]?

It might help to reduce it to [tex]2\int_0^{2\pi} log(sin(x))dx[/itex] <br /> If not, I tend to suspect the integral cannot be written in terms of elementary functions.[/tex]
[tex] <br /> This is not very difficult. As [tex]log(sin^2(x))=2 log(sin(x))[/itex]<br /> In the same way as [tex]log(x^2)=2 log x[/itex][/tex][/tex][/tex]
 

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