Integrate problem with undefined constant

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of a specific integral involving complex exponentials and the challenge of evaluating it without defining a constant "a". Participants explore the capabilities of Mathematica in handling this integral and discuss numerical integration as an alternative approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the integral to be calculated and notes that Mathematica returns the same expression instead of a numerical result.
  • Another participant expresses doubt that Mathematica provides a closed form for the integral, suggesting it likely returns an unevaluated integral due to the complexity involved.
  • This second participant mentions that even simpler integrals do not yield closed forms, indicating potential difficulties in finding a solution.
  • A numerical integration approach is proposed, utilizing memoization to define a function for the integral that can be plotted over a range of values.
  • Participants express a willingness to share any findings regarding a closed form if discovered in the future.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether a closed form for the integral exists, with some participants expressing skepticism about its feasibility. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the integral's evaluation without defining the constant "a".

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of Mathematica in evaluating the integral and the potential complexity of the expression involved. The discussion highlights the dependence on the definition of the constant "a" and the challenges in finding a closed form.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those working with complex integrals, users of Mathematica, and individuals exploring numerical integration techniques in mathematical analysis.

sukharef
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Hello!

I'm trying to calculate this integral:

Integrate [Exp[-I a *y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]], {y, -Infinity, Infinity}] , where "a" - constant that i'll define later.

So the result of the calculation acсording to Mathematica is the same expression : Exp[-I a *y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]].

What can i do to calculate my integral without defining my constant "a" and using NIntagrate?

Thank you in advance.
 
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I doubt that Mma returns the integrand - it probably returns an unevaluated integral, no matter what choice you make for the constant a. The integral probably does not have a nice closed form in terms of any common or existing special functions.

Mma doesn't even evaluate the "simpler" integral Exp[I*Sin[y] - y^2].

If you just need to use this result just define the numerical integral (with memoization)

int[a_?NumericQ] := int[a] = NIntegrate[Exp[-I a*y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]], {y, -Infinity, Infinity}]//Chop

It's a little slow... but you can get a reasonable plot of the integral

Plot[int[x], {x, -10, 10}, PlotPoints -> 15, MaxRecursion -> 3, PlotRange -> All]
attachment.php?attachmentid=37617&stc=1&d=1311986079.png
 

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Thank you so much for answer!
 
Not a problem. I hope it was useful.
If you do find a closed form to that integral - don't forget to post it here!
 

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