Is a Closed-Form Solution Possible for the Integral of e^cos(x)?

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    Dx Integral
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral of e^cos(x), with participants exploring the possibility of finding a closed-form solution without resorting to series expansion or numerical methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches, including substitution and integration by parts, while expressing doubts about the feasibility of obtaining a closed-form solution. Some question the definitions of elementary functions and the nature of the integral.

Discussion Status

The conversation reflects a mix of attempts to manipulate the integral and skepticism about the existence of a closed-form solution. Some participants suggest that the integral may relate to special functions, while others express frustration with the complexity of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of constraints regarding the use of numerical methods and series expansions, as well as references to tools like Wolfram Alpha and Maple 11, which have not provided satisfactory results for the participants' needs.

Si14
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Homework Statement



I want to solve this integral without using series expansion. The answer should be in a closed form. I wonder if this is possible?
33ze29z.gif



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I used numerical methods and was able to solve it numerically for a given interval. However, I need to solve it without using numerical methods and without using series expansion.

Thanks.
 
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Try using substitution: Let y = cos x
 
sharks, it seems that it gets more complicated!
I stuck immediately after substitution.
 
Si14 said:

Homework Statement



I want to solve this integral without using series expansion. The answer should be in a closed form. I wonder if this is possible?
33ze29z.gif



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I used numerical methods and was able to solve it numerically for a given interval. However, I need to solve it without using numerical methods and without using series expansion.


Thanks.

I suspect it is not doable in terms of elementary functions. Neither Wolfram Alpha nor Maple 11 can find non-series expressions for the indefinite integral. You might try converting it so some known special (but non-elementary) function, perhaps by using integration by parts and/or substitution methods.

RGV
 
Si14 said:
sharks, it seems that it gets more complicated!
I stuck immediately after substitution.
\int e^y.\frac{-1}{\sqrt{1-y^2}}dyThen, use integration by parts.
 
I wonder if it is possible to solve the indefinite integral? I assume the answer to the definite one should be close to the answer I get with numerical methods.
 
As I said, the primitive function is not elementary
Wolfram Alpha
 
I checked wolframalpha. However, it gives a series expansion which I can not use.
I wonder if the integration by parts suggested by sharks is doable?
 
  • #10
You obviouly don't know what primitive or elementary means. Did you see the first sentence mentioned in wolfram alpha? It tells an even more stringent condition, in terms of "standard mathematical functions", which includes some non-elementary functions (including Bessel functions).
 
  • #11
Si14 said:
I checked wolframalpha. However, it gives a series expansion which I can not use.
I wonder if the integration by parts suggested by sharks is doable?

Try ##u=e^y## and ##dv=\frac{-1}{\sqrt{1-y^2}}##
Then, ##du=e^y## and ##v=\cos^{-1}y##
 
  • #12
Si14 said:
I checked wolframalpha. However, it gives a series expansion which I can not use.
I wonder if the integration by parts suggested by sharks is doable?

It won't get you anywhere; the integral is non-elementary, and no amount of manipulation will change that fact. However, you might try to re-express the indefinite integral in terms of some already-defined special functions (as already suggested).

RGV
 

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