Integrating Exp, Trig Composite function

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The discussion focuses on integrating the functions e^(ax)cos(bx) and e^(ax)sin(bx) simultaneously by using complex numbers. The user initially struggles with the integration process and realizes that their approach to separating real and imaginary parts is incorrect. A key point raised is the need to properly handle the arithmetic of complex numbers, particularly when finding the real and imaginary components of the reciprocal of a complex number. After receiving guidance, the user successfully completes the integration, indicating that the issue was primarily algebraic. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in complex integration.
NickKnack
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Homework Statement


Hey, I've been working through a book and one problem just gets me that I know should be a piece of cake. I don't know if I'm just being an idiot or not seeing something but the problem is to take int e^(ax)cos(bx)dx and int e^(ax)sin(bx)dx simultaneously by multiplying the second integral by i, combine and integrate, and then separate back out the real and imaginary parts of the answer to get both solutions. By looking on an integral table i know that my answer isn't right and i can tell that it obviously isn't right because I'm not explicitly integrating the trig functions. Anyway, here's what I have so far.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



int(e^(ax) cos(bx))dx + i*(int e^(ax)sin(bx)dx)
int(e^(ax)(cos(bx) + isin(bx))dx)
int(e^(ax+ibx)dx)
int(e^(x(a+ib)))dx
1/(a+ib)e^(ax)(cos(bx) + isin(bx)) => 1/a*e^ax*cosbx and 1/b*e^ax*sin(bx) ?!?

I know I'm doing something simple and stupid incorrectly or maybe it's good and in the wrong form but this is driving me crazy!
thanks in advance for any help. oh, and sorry about the typing, i couldn't get the latex thing to work right.
 
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I assume you intend your last expressions to be \frac1a e^{ax} \cos bx and \frac1b e^{ax} \sin bx; if so, you need to parenthesize: (1/a)*e^(ax)*cos(bx) and so on.

Given that: the real part of \frac1{a + ib} is not 1/a, and the imaginary part is not 1/b. Review the arithmetic of complex numbers to find how to compute the real and imaginary parts of the reciprocal of a complex number.
 
To rationalize the denominator of

\displaystyle {{1}\over{a+ib}}\,,

Multiply

\displaystyle {{1}\over{a+ib}}\cdot{{a-ib}\over{a-ib}}\,,

without canceling factors in the numerator & denominator.
 
thanks ystael,
i figured that it was because i can't do algebra. finished it out and it works :)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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