What Does the Integral Evaluate To?

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    2017
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SUMMARY

The definite integral $$\int_0^\infty \frac{dt}{(1+t^2)t^{1/2}}$$ evaluates to a specific value, confirmed by user Opalg in the forum discussion. The solution was recognized as correct, with an honorable mention for fatimarose23 for their contributions. This integral is significant in mathematical analysis, particularly in evaluating improper integrals and understanding convergence.

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Euge
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Here's this week's POTW:

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Determine the value of the definite integral

$$\int_0^\infty \frac{dt}{(1+t^2)t^{1/2}}$$-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution. Honorable mention goes to fatimarose23. Here is Opalg's solution.
Substitute $s = t^{1/2}$, so that $t=s^2$ and $dt = 2s\,ds$. Then $$\int_0^\infty \frac{dt}{(1+t^2)t^{1/2}} = \int_0^\infty \frac{2s}{(1+s^4)s}ds = \int_0^\infty \frac{2}{(1+s^4)}ds.$$ To evaluate $$J = \int_0^\infty \frac{2}{(1+s^4)}ds$$ by contour integration, use a contour consisting of the interval $[0,R]$, a quarter-circle from $R$ to $iR$ and then back down the imaginary axis to the origin (and then let $R\to\infty$). The integral of $\dfrac2{1+z^4}$ along the positive real axis is just $J$, the integral round the quarter-circle goes to $0$, and the integral down the imaginary axis is $-iJ$. So the integral round the whole contour is $(1-i)J.$

The only singularity inside the contour is at the fourth root of $-1$ at $z_0 = \dfrac{1+i}{\sqrt2}$. The residue there is $\dfrac2{4z^3}$ evaluated at $z_0$, namely $\dfrac{\sqrt2}{2(-1+i)}.$ So Cauchy's theorem tells us that $(1-i)J = \dfrac{2\pi i\sqrt2}{2(-1+i)}$. Therefore $$J = \frac{\pi i\sqrt2}{- (1-i)^2} = \frac{\pi i\sqrt2}{2i} = \frac{\pi}{\sqrt2}.$$
 

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