This integral solveable [itex]\int^{3.5}_{0.5}(sin(x*π)+1)^adx[/itex]?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integral \(\int^{3.5}_{0.5}(\sin(x\pi)+1)^a dx\) and the search for a normalizing factor related to this integral. Participants explore various approaches to evaluate the integral for different values of \(a\), including both integer and non-integer values, and discuss the implications of using special functions like the gamma and beta functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a normalizing factor for the integral and expresses difficulty in solving it for general \(a\).
  • Another participant provides a formula derived from Mathematica for the integral, valid for \(\Re(a) > -1/2\), involving gamma and incomplete beta functions.
  • A different approach is suggested, focusing on recursive relations for integer values of \(a\), with an emphasis on integrating by parts.
  • Concerns are raised about the applicability of the proposed solutions for non-integer values of \(a\), with one participant explicitly mentioning values like \(0.1\) and \(1.5\).
  • Participants discuss the challenges of calculating special functions computationally, with references to programming solutions that do not include gamma or beta functions.
  • One participant suggests using the GNU Scientific Library (GSL) for gamma and beta functions as a potential solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of calculating the integral for non-integer values of \(a\) and the reliance on special functions. There is no consensus on a single method to evaluate the integral across all proposed values of \(a\).

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate limitations in their computational tools, specifically the absence of gamma and beta functions, which may affect their ability to evaluate the integral fully. The discussion also highlights the complexity of integrating functions that involve oscillatory components.

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Hello I am trying to find a normalizing factor for
[itex]\int^{3.5}_{0.5}(sin(x*π)+1)^1dx[/itex]

I want that the integral of [itex]\int^{3.5}_{0.5}(sin(x*π)+1)^a dx *factor = \int^{3.5}_{0.5}(sin(x*π)+1)^1dx[/itex]

So for this I need to solve the integral
[itex]\int^{3.5}_{0.5}(sin(x*π)+1)^adx[/itex]

But I did not mange to solve it.
I did found that when I do = a = [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
I find in wolfram this:
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2+3+5+8.75+15.75+28.875

in the end of the page we can see a possible sequenct identification:
[itex]α_{n} = \frac{2^{n}* (\frac{3}{2} )_{n-1} }{(2)_{n-1}}[/itex]

when σ_n is the Pochhammer symbol.

Thank You.
 
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Here is what Mathematica gives:
$$
\int_{\frac{1}{2}}^{\frac{7}{2}} (\sin (\pi x)+1)^a \, dx =
\frac{2^a \left(3 \sqrt{\pi } \Gamma \left(a+\frac{1}{2}\right)-2 \Gamma (a+1) B_0\left(a+\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right)\right)}{\pi \Gamma (a+1)}
$$
provided ##\Re(a) > -1/2##. ##\Gamma## is the gamma function and ##B_0## is the incomplete beta function.
 
If appears that you are only worried about a being a positive integer. If that's the case, denote ##k_a \equiv \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^a\,dx##. Expand this as ##k_a = \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\,dx + \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\sin(\pi x)\,dx = k_{a-1} + I_a## where ##I_a \equiv \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\sin(\pi x)\,dx##. Integrate this by parts. You should get a linear combination of ##k_{a-1}## and ##k_a##. Solve ##k_a = k_{a-1}+I_a## for ##k_a##. This will give a recursive relation for ##k_a## in terms of ##k_{a-1}##. You know ##k_1##, so this will let you solve for ##k_a## in terms of ##a##.
 
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DrClaude said:
Here is what Mathematica gives:
$$
\int_{\frac{1}{2}}^{\frac{7}{2}} (\sin (\pi x)+1)^a \, dx =
\frac{2^a \left(3 \sqrt{\pi } \Gamma \left(a+\frac{1}{2}\right)-2 \Gamma (a+1) B_0\left(a+\frac{1}{2},\frac{1}{2}\right)\right)}{\pi \Gamma (a+1)}
$$
provided ##\Re(a) > -1/2##. ##\Gamma## is the gamma function and ##B_0## is the incomplete beta function.

Thank You.
Do you, but this will not help me, Because in your solution, I need to calculate the gamma function, and this is also an integral. I can do it computationally .. But I can just calculate the first integral.

D H said:
If appears that you are only worried about a being a positive integer. If that's the case, denote ##k_a \equiv \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^a\,dx##. Expand this as ##k_a = \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\,dx + \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\sin(\pi x)\,dx = k_{a-1} + I_a## where ##I_a \equiv \int_{1/2}^{7/2} (1+\sin(\pi x))^{a-1}\sin(\pi x)\,dx##. Integrate this by parts. You should get a linear combination of ##k_{a-1}## and ##k_a##. Solve ##k_a = k_{a-1}+I_a## for ##k_a##. This will give a recursive relation for ##k_a## in terms of ##k_{a-1}##. You know ##k_1##, so this will let you solve for ##k_a## in terms of ##a##.


Thank You D H.. But I also a=0.1 0.5 1.5 ... I am also worried about a being not integral ( but I do not care if it is not positive ).
Your solution will help me for integer a. :-)
 
JJacquelin said:
So, do you mean that you cannot calculate the exp function, nor the log function ? They are also integals, just as the gamma function and many other special functions :
http://fr.scribd.com/doc/14623310/S...tions-Safari-au-pays-des-fonctions-speciales-

Thank You, I write a program that should normalize the integral for every α. and I write it in a wrapper for c.. all I have are those functions:
http://www.neuron.yale.edu/neuron/static/docs/nmodl/nmodlfunc.html

I do not have the gamma function and incomplete beta function.
 

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