Why Can't I Use Jordan's Lemma to Compute This Improper Integral?

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In summary, the conversation is about the use of the Jordan lemma to compute an improper integral of a function that is finite and continuous for |z|>a and z f(z) vanishes for z \to \infty. The function is not differentiable at z=0, but this is not a cause of problems as there exists a contour integral along the upper half-circle around the origin with a limit of 0 for vanishing diameter. The question is why the Jordan lemma cannot be used in this case and whether the convergence of ##zg(z)## has been checked for uniformity.
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cyril14
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Why I cannot use Jordan lemma to compute improper integral

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(z) \hbox{\ d}(z) [/tex]

of a function like

[tex] f(z)=\frac{\exp(-|z|)}{(a^2+z^2)} \mbox{\ for } a>0[/tex]

Such a function is finite and continuous for [tex] |z|>a [/tex] and [tex] z f(z) [/tex] vanishes for [tex]z \to \infty[/tex].

I know, that this function is not differentiable in z=0, but it seems to me that this is not a cause of problems, as there exists contour integral along the upper half-circle around the origin, and its limit for vanishing diameter is 0.

Can somebody explain me why I cannot use Jordan lemma in this case?

Thanks in advance,
Cyril Fischer
 
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  • #2
Have you checked whether the convergence of ##zg(z)## is uniformly?
 

FAQ: Why Can't I Use Jordan's Lemma to Compute This Improper Integral?

What is the Jordan Lemma question?

The Jordan Lemma is a mathematical theorem that is used to prove the convergence of integrals. The Jordan Lemma question refers to a specific problem or exercise that involves applying this theorem.

How is the Jordan Lemma used?

The Jordan Lemma is used to prove the convergence of integrals that involve complex functions. It states that if the integral of a complex function over a closed contour is bounded, then the integral over a larger contour will also be bounded.

What is the significance of the Jordan Lemma?

The Jordan Lemma is an important tool in complex analysis, as it allows us to determine the convergence of integrals that may otherwise be difficult to evaluate. It is also used in the proof of other important theorems, such as the Cauchy Residue Theorem.

Can the Jordan Lemma be applied to all integrals?

No, the Jordan Lemma is only applicable to integrals of complex functions over closed contours. It cannot be used for integrals that are not closed, or for real-valued functions.

Are there any limitations to the Jordan Lemma?

While the Jordan Lemma is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. It can only be applied to integrals that are over closed contours, and it cannot be used for functions that have singularities on the contour. It also requires the function to be bounded over the entire contour.

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