How do I relate the residue theorem to calculate a real integral?

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In summary, the conversation discusses calculating a real integral using the residue theorem for an exam the next morning. The problem involves using the residue theorem to evaluate the integral and the attempt at a solution includes using the residue theorem to calculate the answer for part b. The conversation also includes a discussion about finding the contributions from different parts of the contour in part c and how it leads to a different answer.
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*URGENT* (Exam tomorrow morning!) Calculating a real integral using residue theorem

Homework Statement


See attached picture
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/unledozs.jpg/

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



Parts a) and b) are straightforward.

For b) I end up with (using the residue theorem) [tex] 2.pi.i (\frac{1}{2.2^{1/2}}(1+i) + \frac{1}{2.2^{1/2}}(1-i)) [/tex]

[tex] = 2.i.pi.2^{1/2)}[/tex]

I have used I to represent the real integral the question is asking us to evaluate.

for c), I can show that the contributions from the two circles on the contour are both 0, but the contributions from horizontal line just above the real axis is I and from the line just below the real axis is -I*exp(i.pi)=I, so we end up with I = i.pi/root(2). This is, of course, wrong: it is a real integral, it makes no sense for the answer we get to be imaginary. I'm certain my answer for b) is correct, so please could someone talk me through the procedure for relating the contour integral to I please?
 
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I don't think your residue calculation for the contour is correct. When I do it I get a different answer that doesn't have an i in it. Can you show your steps?
 

FAQ: How do I relate the residue theorem to calculate a real integral?

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