Suggested textbook for techniques of integration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for a textbook that addresses advanced techniques of integration, particularly integral identities such as \(\int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{x dx}{e^{ax} + 1} = \frac{\pi^2}{12a^2}\) and \(\int_{0}^{2\pi} \frac{cos(\theta) d\theta}{A + B cos(\theta)} = \frac{2\pi}{B}(1 - \frac{A}{\sqrt{A^2 - B^2}})\). Participants suggest that these integrals require knowledge of contour integration and complex analysis. The discussion emphasizes the importance of advanced integration techniques and recommends seeking a textbook that focuses specifically on solving complex integrals rather than general calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, including definite and improper integrals.
  • Familiarity with complex analysis concepts, particularly contour integration and residue theorem.
  • Knowledge of substitution techniques in integration, such as \(u = \tan(\theta / 2)\).
  • Experience with advanced mathematical identities and series, such as \(\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(-1)^n}{n^2}\).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced integration techniques textbooks, focusing on complex analysis and contour integration.
  • Study the residue theorem and its applications in evaluating integrals.
  • Explore substitution methods in integration, particularly the Weierstrass substitution.
  • Investigate integral identities and their proofs, especially those involving series and limits.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in mastering advanced integration techniques and complex analysis for solving challenging integral problems.

TMFKAN64
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In my recent reading, I find myself stumbing across integral identities such as
[tex] \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{x dx}{e^{ax} + 1} = \frac{\pi^2}{12a^2}[/tex]
and
[tex] \int_{0}^{2\pi} \frac{cos(\theta) d\theta}{A + B cos(\theta)} = \frac{2\pi}{B}(1 - \frac{A}{\sqrt{A^2 - B^2}})[/tex]

Can anyone recommend a textbook that would assist me in tackling identities such as these?

(Parenthetically, am I wrong in thinking that these are slightly beyond the ordinary Calculus I techniques of integration? I suspect that the first can be tackled by contour integration, and progress on the second might be possible using a substitution such as [tex]u = tan(\theta / 2)[/tex], but neither one is exactly clear to me, which is why I think a good textbook would be helpful.)

Thanks in advance.
 
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Although it may sound strange, these kind of 'real integrals' can often be determined easily using complex analysis (residue calculation) which indeed involves contour integration.
 
Yeah, I know. It seems especially appropriate here, since a search for [tex]\pi^2/12[/tex] turns up that it equals [tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty \frac{(-1)^n}{n^2}[/tex] and there is such a lovely sequence of poles sitting on the imaginary axis. I suspect that the contour is the positive real axis, a quarter circle over to the imaginary axis, and then that axis with indentations to avoid the poles. I vaguely recall some indentation lemma that gives the contribution of each pole in terms of the residue and how far around you are going. I'm unclear on many of the details though...

Which brings me back to my original point... is there some sort of advanced integration techniques textbook that would clarify these things and others? (A complex analysis text would help with this problem, but I'm not convinced it would help with the other integral I mentioned... so I'd prefer a book that focused on solving more difficult integrals.)
 

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