Residue Theorem integral application

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The integral to compute is ∫ x²/(x⁴-4x²+5) using the Residue Theorem. The relevant zeroes of the polynomial x⁴-4x²+5 are identified as 2+i and 2-i, with 2+i being in the upper half-plane. The calculation of the residue at this point is questioned, particularly regarding the expected real value of the result and the multiplicity of the zero. A detailed analysis of the integral's contour and the correct identification of roots is emphasized, noting that 2+i is not a root of the polynomial. A meticulous approach to the problem is necessary for accurate computation.
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Homework Statement



Compute the integral: ∫ x2/(x4-4x2+5)

Homework Equations



Uses Residue theorem.

The Attempt at a Solution



So I found the zeroes of x4-4x2+5 to be 2+i and 2-i, and therefore the one that is of relevance is 2+i since it is in the upper half-plane. Then I used residue theorem that said Res(P(z)/Q(z); 2+i) = P(2+i)/Q'(2+i) = (2+i)2/(4(2+i)3-8(2+i)) = (4i+3)/(36i-8) and then I multiplied by 2∏i which would leave me with a value in the complex plane. I think this is wrong because it should come out with a real valued number. Does it have something to do with the zero having a multiplicity of 2? And if so, how do I go about redoing it with that in mind, I don't remember learning how to do that...
 
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jsi said:
So I found the zeroes of x4-4x2+5 to be 2+i and 2-i, and therefore the one that is of relevance is 2+i since it is in the upper half-plane.

Fourth order equation has four zeroes :)
 
jsi said:

Homework Statement



Compute the integral: ∫ x2/(x4-4x2+5)

Homework Equations



Uses Residue theorem.

The Attempt at a Solution



So I found the zeroes of x4-4x2+5 to be 2+i and 2-i, and therefore the one that is of relevance is 2+i since it is in the upper half-plane. Then I used residue theorem that said Res(P(z)/Q(z); 2+i) = P(2+i)/Q'(2+i) = (2+i)2/(4(2+i)3-8(2+i)) = (4i+3)/(36i-8) and then I multiplied by 2∏i which would leave me with a value in the complex plane. I think this is wrong because it should come out with a real valued number. Does it have something to do with the zero having a multiplicity of 2? And if so, how do I go about redoing it with that in mind, I don't remember learning how to do that...

Until you analyze the entire problem meticulously with a fine-tooth comb, it's not going to happen even when you get all four. First, I assume you want the indefinite integral:

\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{x^2}{x^4-4x^2+5}dx

via the Residue Theorem. Then we could write:

\mathop\oint\limits_{C} \frac{z^2}{z^4-4z^2+5}dz=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{x^2}{x^4-4x^2+5}dx+\lim_{R\to\infty} \int\limits_{\gamma}\frac{z^2}{z^4-4z^2+5}dz=2\pi i \sum \text{Res}f(z)

Now, you understand all that? Every little bit of it? Without me having to explain what all the notation is right? When you do, then analyze every part of it in detail even that "excipient" leg of the contour that I assume goes to zero but don't know for sure cus' I haven't analyzed it meticulously, then determine which of the four roots are in the contour, compute the residue of the function there, then do the final sum. Bingo-bango and we're done.
 
Last edited:
2+i isn't even a root of your polynomial. sqrt(2+i) (for example) is.
 
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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