Undergrad Solving Trig Integrals with Residue Theorem

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a trigonometric integral using the residue theorem, specifically examining the singularity z1 = (-1+(1-a^2)^(1/2))/a. It is noted that for |a| < 1, z1 lies within the unit circle, but the reasoning behind this is questioned. The user struggles to see why this is obvious and seeks clarification on how to demonstrate it. A hint is provided to let a = sin(x) for real |x| < π/2, but the user expresses confusion about the implications of a being real or complex. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the conditions under which the singularity lies inside the unit circle.
dyn
Messages
774
Reaction score
63
Hi.
I have looked through an example of working out a trig integral using the residue theorem. The integral is converted into an integral over the unit circle centred at the origin. The singularities are found.
One of them is z1 = (-1+(1-a2)1/2)/a
It then states that for |a| < 1 , z1 lies inside the unit circle.
Should this be obvious just by looking at z1 ? Because I can't see it. I have tried a few values and it seems to be true but that doesn't prove it. If its not obvious how do I go about trying to show it ?
Thanks
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Hint: Let a=sin(x) for real |x|<pi/2 and simplify.
 
I must be missing something as the answer I get doesn't seem to help : -cosec x + cot x
Also I'm not sure why I can specify | x | < π/2
 
Hmm... I was assuming a is real but it is probably complex? It might still work but the range of x will need more thought.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K