# Math challenges not interesting?

1. Sep 25, 2013

### jackmell

Hi,

Notice since micromass left, the math challenge sub-forum was removed. Would it be productive to start it again? I just ran into another problem today I felt was a challenge: derive a symbolic (and convergent) expression for $\mathcal{L}\left\{\tan(t)\right\}$. Also the (3D) amplituhedron volume was a good one that I believe would have been a nice challenge for calculus students.

If we have a sub-forum of "challenges" and it begins accumulating lots of unanswered threads, its "appeal" increases since math people are "challenged" by problems others seem unable to solve. Also, we could move (well-posed) unanswered math threads from other math forums into the challenge forum and these posts would become more attractive (as described above) and thus fare a better chance of being answered.

Here's another one I worked on of late. Quite challenging I thought:

What can you say about:
$$\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\log^{2}(1+ix^{2})-\log^{2}(1-ix^{2})}{1+x^{2}}dx$$

or even much, much worst: analyze the integral via the Residue Theorem.

Last edited: Sep 25, 2013
2. Sep 25, 2013

### Staff: Admin

We'd love a properly maintained math challenge forum. We just need someone to step up and manage it.

3. Sep 25, 2013

### jackmell

May I make a suggestion then? "Well, since you're a new mentor, how about you run that challenge forum for a lil' while?"

4. Sep 25, 2013

### Staff: Admin

Something is in the works. Stay tuned!

5. Sep 26, 2013

### Staff: Admin

Good news! Office_Shredder is taking over and we'll be restarting the Math Challenges!

6. Sep 26, 2013

### jackmell

Ok. Nice. Hopefully others will take interest in it.

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