Simple residue theorem question.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral from 0 to pi of the function 1/(2 + cos(theta)). The original poster is familiar with evaluating the integral from 0 to 2pi but is unsure how to adjust their approach for the modified bounds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers the properties of cosine as an even function and contemplates whether they can adjust the integral bounds accordingly. Some participants question the clarity of the integrand and the implications of cosine being in the denominator.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between the integrals over different bounds and discussing the nature of the function being integrated. There is a suggestion that the integral from 0 to pi could relate to the integral from 0 to 2pi due to the evenness of the function.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the placement of parentheses in the integrand, which affects the interpretation of the integral. The original poster's understanding of the integral's properties is being examined in light of this clarification.

QuantumLuck
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Homework Statement



So I know how to evaluate the integral from 0 to 2pi of 1/2+cos theta. However, the question I am being asked to do has me calculate this integral from 0 to pi. I am not sure what adjustment is necessary to get the integral i am given (from 0 to pi) to the form I know how to calculate (0 to 2pi).


Homework Equations


Given integral


The Attempt at a Solution


at first I thought that since cosine is an even function I could merely double the integral's bounds and divide it by two since the integral would just pick up an extra half of a periodic function. but the constant and the fact that cosine is in the denominator made me question that idea. so as of right now i am a bit stuck.
 
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If the variable x only appears as cos(x) , then the function is even.
Maybe it would be helpful if you could state what the integrand is.
 
it is exactly as i said. the integral from 0 to pi of 1/2+cos(theta) dtheta. now what i know how to evaluate is the integral from 0 to 2 pi of the previous integrand. i am just not sure how to modify the equation (if that is the correct path to take anyways).
 
I was confused because you said the cosine was in the denominator.
The most straightforward way to compute the integral is to find the indefinite integral F (aka antiderivative) first, and then calculate F(pi)-F(0).
 
argh. i am a fool. i forgot the parentheses; cosine is in the denominator. the integrand is dtheta/(2 + cos(theta))
 
The function you are trying to integrate is even and 2pi-periodic, so the integral from 0 to pi is half of the integral from 0 to 2pi, as you guessed.
 

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