Solving Integrals with Contour Integrals and Cauchy PV

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In summary, the conversation discusses the method of solving the integral \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} x + \frac{1}{x} dx using the Cauchy Principle Value theorem and a contour integral along a semi-circle. However, it is pointed out that this method is not valid due to the presence of a pole at x=0 on the contour. The conversation then mentions using a Taylor series expansion to approximate the integral, but doubts arise about the validity of this approach. The possibility of using a complex x and contour integration is also mentioned, but further clarification is needed.
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pleasehelpmeno
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In trying to solve [itex]\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} x + \frac{1}{x} dx[/itex] could it be split up and solved using the Cauchy Principle Value theorem and a contour integral along a semi-circle. Thus;
[itex]PV\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}x dx =0 [/itex] [itex]+\int \frac{1}{x} dx = \int^{\pi}_{0} i d\theta [/itex]

Is this valid reasoning?
 
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No, it isn't. For one thing, you have a pole at x= 0 which is on your contour. You would need another semicircle around x= 0 to avoid that.
 
  • #3
The initial intergal was [itex] f(x)=\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} \sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}}dx[/itex] so I taylor expanded it to get [itex]f(x) \approx \int^{\infty}_{-\infty} x + \frac{y^{2}}{2x} dx [/itex]

I thought one could then justify that the cauchy principle value of [itex]\int^{\infty}_{-\infty} x dx =0 [/itex] and then what I have done with the [itex]\frac{1}{x} [/itex] integral. I am doubting my approach because the Taylor series was about x=0 which seems odd, is there a better way? I read that one take x to be complex then contour interagtes it, I am just not sure how?
 
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FAQ: Solving Integrals with Contour Integrals and Cauchy PV

What is a contour integral?

A contour integral is a type of line integral that is used to integrate a complex-valued function over a path in the complex plane. It involves integrating along a specific path, rather than over a region, and is often used in complex analysis to solve problems involving complex functions.

How is a contour integral used to solve integrals?

A contour integral can be used to solve integrals by using the Cauchy integral theorem, which states that the integral of a function over a closed contour is equal to the sum of the values of the function at all points inside the contour. This allows us to transform a difficult integral into a simpler one by choosing a contour that makes the integral easier to evaluate.

What is the Cauchy principal value?

The Cauchy principal value (PV) is a method used to handle integrals that are not defined in the usual sense, such as those with poles or other singularities. It involves taking the limit of the integral as the singularity approaches a certain point, and can be used in conjunction with contour integrals to evaluate difficult integrals.

What are some common techniques for solving integrals with contour integrals and Cauchy PV?

Some common techniques for solving integrals with contour integrals and Cauchy PV include using Cauchy's residue theorem, which allows us to evaluate certain integrals by finding the residues of a function at its singularities, and using symmetry to simplify the integral by choosing an appropriate contour.

Can contour integrals and Cauchy PV be applied to real-valued integrals?

Yes, contour integrals and Cauchy PV can be applied to real-valued integrals as well. This is because real-valued integrals can often be transformed into complex integrals and evaluated using the techniques mentioned above. However, it is important to keep in mind that the results of these integrals will still be complex numbers, even though the original integral may have been a real number.

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