MHB What is the Pointwise Limit of This Sequence of Integral Functions?

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    2015
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The discussion focuses on finding the pointwise limit of the sequence of integral functions defined by the integral of cosine terms. The integral is evaluated over the interval from 0 to 2π, with the function dependent on a variable x constrained between 0 and 1. Participants share their solutions, with Opalg and Ackbach recognized for successfully solving the problem. The solutions likely involve techniques from analysis and convergence of functions. The thread emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior of integral functions in relation to pointwise limits.
Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Find the pointwise limit of the sequence of integral functions

$$ f_n(x) = \int_0^{2\pi} \frac{\cos n\phi}{1 - 2x\cos \phi + x^2}\, d\phi, \quad 0 < x < 1$$-----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 and Ackbach for solving this week's POTW!

Here is Opalg's solution:

Substitute $z=e^{i\phi}$. Then $\cos n\phi = \operatorname{re\,}(z^n)$, $2\cos\phi = z + z^{-1}$, $dz = ie^{i\phi}d\phi$ so that $d\phi = \frac{dz}{iz}$, and the $z$-integral is taken round the unit circle. Therefore $$f_n(x) = \operatorname{re\,} \oint \frac{z^n}{(z-x)(z^{-1}-x)} \,\frac{dz}{iz} = \operatorname{re\,}\frac1i \oint \frac{z^n}{(z-x)(1-xz)}\,dz. $$ There is only one pole inside the contour, at $z=x$, where the residue is $\dfrac{x^n}{1-x^2}$. Therefore $f_n(x) = \dfrac{2\pi x^n}{1-x^2}$, which converges pointwise to zero as $n\to\infty$, for $0<x<1$.

You can read Ackbach's solution below.

Suppose $0<x<1$. Let
$$g(\phi):=\frac{1}{1-2x\cos(\phi)+x^2}.$$
Then $g(\phi)$ is continuous on $[0,2\pi]$, since its denominator is continuous on $[0,2\pi]$ and nowhere zero, hence is Riemann integrable. By the Riemann-Lebesgue Lemma,
$$\lim_{n\to\infty}f_n(x)=0.$$
 

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