Solving Improper Integral Challenge Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge problem of evaluating the improper integral $\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$. Participants explore various methods and techniques for solving this integral, including integration by parts, Fubini's theorem, and contour integration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method involving the integral $I$ and manipulates it using trigonometric identities to arrive at a result of $\pi b$.
  • Another participant questions the justification for changing the order of integration, citing Fubini's theorem.
  • A different approach is suggested that involves using Tonelli's Theorem to justify the integration order by expressing $\frac{1}{x^2}$ as an integral.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for the problem and seeks advice on solving it.
  • A symmetry argument is introduced, leading to a contour integration approach that also arrives at a result involving $\pi b$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the methods used or the justification for certain steps. Multiple competing views and approaches remain, with some participants challenging the validity of others' techniques.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the application of Fubini's theorem and the conditions under which the order of integration can be changed. The discussion also highlights the complexity of justifying certain mathematical manipulations in the context of improper integrals.

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My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$
 
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Random Variable said:
My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$

It's the old standby, first let our integral be $I$ then $$\begin{aligned}2I &=\int_0^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\\ &= \int_0^{\infty}\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\frac{\sin(xy)}{x}\\ &=\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\int_0^{\infty}\frac{\sin(xy)}{x}\\ &=\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\frac{\pi}{2}\\ &=\pi b\end{aligned}$$
 
Fubini's theorem is not satisfied. What's the justification for changing the order of integration?

And I probably should have just said that $a,b \ge 0$ to make the problem slightly more interesting.

Anyways, my idea was to integrate by parts, use a trig product-to-sum identity, and then use the fact that $\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin \alpha x}{x} \ dx = \frac{\pi}{2}\text{sgn}(\alpha) $
 
Most of this cases are tricky to justify, and everything works because is hidden, so the only trick here is to observe that $\dfrac{1-\cos ((a+b)x)-\left[ 1-\cos ((a-b)x) \right]}{{{x}^{2}}},$ so now use $\displaystyle\frac1{x^2}=\int_0^\infty te^{-tx}\,dt$ and this absolutely justifies the integration order by using Tonelli's Theorem.
 
Last edited:
Random Variable said:
My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$

how can you solve this hard problems ,i'm lovin it
 
By symmetry :

\frac{1}{2} \int_0^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\, dx \,=\, \frac{1}{4} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\, dx

\mathcal {Re} ( \frac{1}{4} \int_0^{\infty}\frac{e^{i(a-b)z}-e^{i(a+b)z}}{x^2} \, dx )

can be solved using a contour in the upper half plane that doesn't include zero

\frac{1}{4}\int_{-\infty }^{\infty}\frac{e^{i(a-b) x}-e^{i(a+b)x}}{x^2}= \frac{\pi i}{4}\mathcal {Rez}(f(z) , 0)=\frac{\pi i}{4} (i(a-b) - i(a+b) )= -\frac{\pi}{4}(a-b-a-b)= \frac{\pi b}{2}
 

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