Convergence and Solution of Integral with Cosine Function

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In summary, the conversation discusses the integration of \cos(x^2) which does not have an elementary solution. The suggested method is to expand the cosine term by its Taylor series and integrate the individual terms. However, the resulting series has a small convergence radius and is not very helpful for definite integrals involving \cos(x^2). The conversation also mentions using a power series for \cos(x) to approximate the value of \int \cos(x^2)dx, with the caveat that it may be computationally intensive for values of x far from 0. The value of C(8) is also mentioned, which represents the definite integral of \cos(x^2) from 0 to 8.
  • #1
Machinus
[tex]\int cos(x^2)dx[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Not an elementary function.Search the same site (A&S online,see the other thread) for FRESNEL INTEGRALS.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
forget it, this one has no elementary solution.. you can espand the cosine by Taylor series... and integrate the individual term...
 
  • #4
However,the series obtained has a very small convergence radius.It would virtually do you no good.If u have definite integrals involving C(x),then learn they are tabulated.

Daniel.
 
  • #5
The power series expansion is the basic surefire way to get a numerical approximation.

[tex]\cos (x) = \sum_n^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{2n}}{(2n)!}[/tex]

[tex]\cos (x^2) = \sum_n^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{4n}}{(2n)!}[/tex]

[tex]\int \cos (x^2)dx = \sum_n^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^nx^{4n+1}}{(4n+1)(2n)!}+C[/tex]

Since the power series for [itex]\cos(x)[/itex] converges for all x, so do the power series for [itex]\cos(x^2)[/itex] and [itex]\int \cos(x^2)dx[/itex].
It may take some computational power if you're interested in values of x that are far from 0.
 
  • #6
Please,Galileo,compute using your formula
[tex] C(8)=...? [/tex]
,defining
[tex] C(x)=:\int_{0}^{x} \cos(t^{2}) dt [/tex]

Daniel.
 
  • #7
Approximately 0.68396
 
  • #8
Interesting...How many terms did u add??You couldn't have added them all...


Daniel.
 
  • #9
I just used maple to sum the thing from n=0 to n=100.
That number rounded to 10 decimal places is: [itex]C(8) \approx 0.6839570275[/itex].

That the series converges for all x follows from the ratio test for example.
 

What is an integral?

An integral is a mathematical concept that represents the area under a curve. It is used to find the total value or quantity of a function over a certain interval.

How do you solve an integral?

To solve an integral, you can use various techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions. It is important to understand the properties of integrals and the rules of integration to solve them accurately.

What is the purpose of finding the solution to an integral?

The solution to an integral can be used to calculate various physical quantities such as distance, velocity, acceleration, and area. It is also used in many real-life applications, including engineering, physics, and economics.

Can all integrals be solved analytically?

No, not all integrals can be solved analytically. Some integrals may have complex solutions or may require advanced mathematical techniques such as contour integration or the use of special functions.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving an integral?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving an integral include missing a constant of integration, forgetting to apply the chain rule, and making errors in algebraic simplification. It is also important to check for any restrictions on the domain of the function before solving the integral.

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