Solving Improper Integral Challenge Problem

In summary, this conversation discusses a challenge problem involving an integral with sine and cosine terms and explores different methods for solving it, such as using integration by parts and changing the order of integration. The justification for changing the order of integration is based on Tonelli's Theorem. The conversation also mentions using a contour in the upper half plane to solve the problem and provides a solution of $\frac{\pi b}{2}$.
  • #1
polygamma
229
0
My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Random Variable said:
My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$

It's the old standby, first let our integral be $I$ then $$\begin{aligned}2I &=\int_0^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\\ &= \int_0^{\infty}\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\frac{\sin(xy)}{x}\\ &=\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\int_0^{\infty}\frac{\sin(xy)}{x}\\ &=\int_{a-b}^{a+b}\frac{\pi}{2}\\ &=\pi b\end{aligned}$$
 
  • #3
Fubini's theorem is not satisfied. What's the justification for changing the order of integration?

And I probably should have just said that $a,b \ge 0$ to make the problem slightly more interesting.

Anyways, my idea was to integrate by parts, use a trig product-to-sum identity, and then use the fact that $\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin \alpha x}{x} \ dx = \frac{\pi}{2}\text{sgn}(\alpha) $
 
  • #4
Most of this cases are tricky to justify, and everything works because is hidden, so the only trick here is to observe that $\dfrac{1-\cos ((a+b)x)-\left[ 1-\cos ((a-b)x) \right]}{{{x}^{2}}},$ so now use $\displaystyle\frac1{x^2}=\int_0^\infty te^{-tx}\,dt$ and this absolutely justifies the integration order by using Tonelli's Theorem.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Random Variable said:
My first post on the new forums is going to be a challenge problem.$\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{\sin ax \ \sin bx}{x^{2}} \ dx \ , \ a > b \ge 0$

how can you solve this hard problems ,i'm lovin it
 
  • #6
By symmetry :

[tex]\frac{1}{2} \int_0^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\, dx \,=\, \frac{1}{4} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\frac{\cos((a-b)x)-\cos((a+b)x)}{x^2}\, dx[/tex]

[tex] \mathcal {Re} ( \frac{1}{4} \int_0^{\infty}\frac{e^{i(a-b)z}-e^{i(a+b)z}}{x^2} \, dx ) [/tex]

can be solved using a contour in the upper half plane that doesn't include zero

[tex]\frac{1}{4}\int_{-\infty }^{\infty}\frac{e^{i(a-b) x}-e^{i(a+b)x}}{x^2}= \frac{\pi i}{4}\mathcal {Rez}(f(z) , 0)=\frac{\pi i}{4} (i(a-b) - i(a+b) )= -\frac{\pi}{4}(a-b-a-b)= \frac{\pi b}{2} [/tex]
 

FAQ: Solving Improper Integral Challenge Problem

What is an improper integral?

An improper integral is an integral where the limits of integration are either infinite or the integrand function is undefined at one or more points within the interval of integration.

How do you solve an improper integral?

To solve an improper integral, you must first determine if it is convergent or divergent. If it is convergent, you can use a variety of techniques such as substitution, integration by parts, or partial fractions to evaluate the integral. If it is divergent, you can use the comparison test or the limit comparison test to determine the behavior of the integral as the limits of integration approach infinity.

What is the purpose of the "Solving Improper Integral Challenge Problem"?

The "Solving Improper Integral Challenge Problem" is designed to test your understanding of improper integrals and your ability to apply various integration techniques to solve them. It is a way to practice and improve your skills in solving these types of integrals.

What are some common mistakes when solving improper integrals?

One common mistake is forgetting to check for convergence or divergence before attempting to solve the integral. Another mistake is using the wrong integration technique or making a calculation error. It is also important to be careful with the limits of integration and to consider the behavior of the integrand function as the limits approach infinity.

How can I improve my skills in solving improper integrals?

Practice is key to improving your skills in solving improper integrals. It is also helpful to review the different integration techniques and when they are most appropriate to use. Additionally, paying attention to the limits of integration and carefully checking your calculations can help you avoid common mistakes.

Similar threads

Back
Top