Solving a Difficult Integral - Physics Problem by Chen

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SUMMARY

The integral problem presented by Chen involves solving the integral \(\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{q^2 + \frac{C}{q}} dq\) where \(C > 0\). The solution can be approached by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by \(q\), transforming the integral into \(\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{q}{q^3 + C} dq\). This expression can be factored as \((q + C^{1/3})(q^2 - C^{1/3}q + C^{2/3})\), allowing for the application of partial fraction decomposition, contingent on the factorability of the quadratic term based on the value of \(C\).

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  • Knowledge of polynomial factorization.
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Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced calculus and integral solutions will benefit from this discussion.

Chen
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How would one go about solving this?

\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {{1 \over {q^2 + C/\left| q \right|}}dq}

Or,

\int_0^\infty {{1 \over {q^2 + C/q}}dq}

With C > 0 obviously.

I came across this in a physics problem. A solution exists (verified by Mathematica).

Thanks,
Chen
 
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Multiply both numerator and denominator by q:


\int_0^\infty {{q \over {q^3 + C}}dq}
q3+ C can be factored as (q+ C1/3)(q^2- C1/3q+ C2/3) and then use partial fractions. The exact form will depend upon whether q^2- c1/3q+ C can be factored with real numbers and that will depend upon C.
 
Cheers. I should've thought of that myself. :-)

Chen
 

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