Integrating $\frac{x^2}{(1+x^2)^3}$ Over the Real Line

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the integration of the function $\frac{x^2}{(1+x^2)^3}$ over the real line. Participants explore different methods for evaluating this integral, including complex analysis and trigonometric substitution.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution using complex analysis, identifying a pole of order 3 at $z=i$ and calculating the integral as $\frac{\pi}{8}$.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the method used for the solution and suggests considering a tangent substitution as an alternative approach.
  • A third participant questions whether the problem is a homework assignment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the method of integration, as participants propose different approaches and express varying levels of familiarity with the techniques discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness or appropriateness of the proposed methods, and assumptions underlying the methods are not fully explored.

Fermat1
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integrate $\frac{x^2}{(1+x^2)^3}$ over the real line
 
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Fermat said:
integrate $\frac{x^2}{(1+x^2)^3}$ over the real line

[sp]The function has in the upper half plane a pole of order 3 in z=i, so that is...

$\displaystyle \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} \frac{x^{2}}{(1 + x^{2})^{3}}\ d x = 2\ \pi i\ \lim_{z \rightarrow i} \frac{1}{2}\ \frac {d^{2}}{d z^{2}}\ \frac{z^{2}}{(z+i)^{3}} = \frac{\pi}{8}$[/sp]


Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
[sp]The function has in the upper half plane a pole of order 3 in z=i, so that is...

$\displaystyle \int_{- \infty}^{+ \infty} \frac{x^{2}}{(1 + x^{2})^{3}}\ d x = 2\ \pi i\ \lim_{z \rightarrow i} \frac{1}{2}\ \frac {d^{2}}{d z^{2}}\ \frac{z^{2}}{(z+i)^{3}} = \frac{\pi}{8}$[/sp]


Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

that is a way I had no really expected (although it is correct). What about a tan substitution
 
Fermat said:
integrate $\frac{x^2}{(1+x^2)^3}$ over the real line

Is this a homework problem?
Suspecting that this is a homework problem, I leave a hint, use $x=\tan\theta$. The resulting integral is straightforward.
 

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