# Path of integration

## Homework Statement

show that the integral of z^i dz from -1 to 1 is equal to (1+e^(-pi))/x * (1-i)
where the path of integration is any contour from -1 to 1 above the x axis

## The Attempt at a Solution

I wrote z^i as e^iLogz and I think all I really need to do is find the antiderivitive of e^i*logz where -pi/2<argz<3pi/2
this antiderivative is giving me trouble I tried to break it up into e^i*lnr-theta
and then get -e^(i*lnr)*[e^(3pi/2)-e^(-pi/2)] but I can't get it to work
can anyone help?

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Dick
Homework Helper
An antiderivative of x^n is still x^(n+1)/(n+1) even when n is i.

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
Why find an anti-derivative? Why not integrate, as the problem says, on a contour that stays above the real axis- such as the upper half of the unit circle? On that circle, $z= e^{i\theta}$ so $z^i= e^{-\theta}$. It should be easy to integrate that from $\theta= \pi$ to $0$ (not from 0 to $\pi$- that would be the lower semi-circle.

Of course, if $z= e^{i\theta}$ then $dz= ie^{i\theta}d\theta$.

Why find an anti-derivative? Why not integrate...
what's the difference between integrating something and finding the anti-derivative?

Dick
Homework Helper
what's the difference between integrating something and finding the anti-derivative?
I think Halls is right pedagogically. The problem with using the antiderivative is making sure the answer corresponds to the correct path choice. In this case, choosing the correct logs for the endpoints. But you can do it either way. If you're careful.

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
what's the difference between integrating something and finding the anti-derivative?
Good point! What I mean was that you don't have to find an anti-derivative of zi. After you specialize to the contour you get an integral of a real valued function which, hopefully, will have a simpler anti-derivative.

(There is also the slight matter of showing that the integral of the complex function is independent of the particular path you use. Strictly speaking, to use the anti-derivative directly you must show that the integral is the same for ANY path. Here, it isn't. Because of the "multivaluedness" of zi, the value depends on the choice of branch and the negative i-axis is a cut line for zi. The integral is independent of the path as long as you do not cross the negative i-axis which is the reason for using a path in the upper half plane.)

I am a bit puzzled by that 'x' in the denominator in your original post. Was that a typo?

Good point! What I mean was that you don't have to find an anti-derivative of zi. After you specialize to the contour you get an integral of a real valued function which, hopefully, will have a simpler anti-derivative.

(There is also the slight matter of showing that the integral of the complex function is independent of the particular path you use. Strictly speaking, to use the anti-derivative directly you must show that the integral is the same for ANY path. Here, it isn't. Because of the "multivaluedness" of zi, the value depends on the choice of branch and the negative i-axis is a cut line for zi. The integral is independent of the path as long as you do not cross the negative i-axis which is the reason for using a path in the upper half plane.)