MATH F102 (Linear Algebra and Com-

plex Variables)
Gaurav Dwivedi
Department of Mathematics
BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus.
 Module 12
Applications of Residues
 Chapter 7
Applications of Residues

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 3 / 63

Real Improper Integrals
(i) Semi-infinite interval: For continuous f on [0, ∞),
Z ∞ Z R
f (x) dx = lim f (x) dx.
0 R→∞ 0

The integral converges if the limit exists.

(ii) Infinite interval: For continuous f on R,
Z ∞ Z 0 Z R2
f (x) dx = lim f (x) dx + lim f (x) dx.
−∞ R1 →∞ −R1 R2 →∞ 0

The integral converges if both limits exist.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 4 / 63
Cauchy Principal Value
Definition:
Z ∞ Z R
P.V. f (x) dx = lim f (x) dx,
−∞ R→∞ −R

provided the limit exists.

Z ∞
Key Fact: If f (x) dx converges, then its principal
−∞
value exists and equals it.
Remark (Converse fails):
Z ∞ Z R
P.V. x dx = lim x dx = 0.
−∞ R→∞ −R

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 5 / 63

But
Z ∞ Z 0 Z R2
x dx = lim x dx + lim x dx
−∞ R1 →∞ −R1 R2 →∞ 0

R12
   2
R2
= lim − + lim .
R1 →∞ 2 R2 →∞ 2

Since both limits diverge, the improper integral does not

converge.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 6 / 63

Even Functions: Suppose f is even, i.e.,

f (−x) = f (x), ∀x,

R∞
and assume P.V. −∞ f (x) dx exists.
By symmetry,
Z 0
1 R
Z R
1 R
Z Z
f (x) dx = f (x) dx, f (x) dx = f (x)
−R 2 −R 0 2 −R
Hence,
Z 0 Z R Z R
f (x) dx + f (x) dx = f (x) dx.
−R 0 −R

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 7 / 63

Taking limits as R → ∞,
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx.
−∞ −∞

Also, Z ∞ Z ∞
1
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx.
0 2 −∞

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 8 / 63

Evaluation of Improper Integrals
p(x)
To evaluate the improper integral of rational functions f (x) = q(x)
,
where
p(x) and q(x) are polynomials with real coefficients and no
factors in common.
q(z) has no real zeros but has at least one zero above the real
axis.
Identify all distinct zeros of the polynomial q(z) that lie above
the real axis. These will be finite in number say z1 , z2 , . . . , zn .
(i) The segment of the real axis from z = −R to z = R and
(ii) The top half of the circle |z| = R described
counterclockwise containing all the points z1 , z2 , . . . , zn
and denoted by CR .
Now, use the Cauchy Residue Theorem to integrate f (z)
around the positively oriented simple closed contour
C = [−R, R] ∪ CR .
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 9 / 63
By Cauchy’s residue theorem, we get
Z Xn
f (z) dz = Res f (z),
C z=zk
k=1
Z R Z n
X
f (x) dx + f (z) dz = Res f (z).
−R CR z=zk
k=1
Hence
Z R n
X Z
f (x) dx = Res f (z) − f (z) dz.
−R z=zk CR
k=1

On taking R → ∞, we get the required result.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 10 / 63
Question

Evaluate the improper integral

Z ∞
x2
6+1
dx.
0 x

2
Sol. Consider f (z) = z 6z+1 . The singularities of f (z)
  
π 2kπ
ck = exp i + , (k = 0, 1, . . . , 5).
6 6

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 11 / 63

 y
Let C = [−R, R] ∪ CR with
R > 1. Then, it is clear that
none of the ck ’s lie on real
axis and the first three roots CR
iπ i5π i
c0 = e 6 , c1 = i, c2 = e 6
c2 c0
lie inside contour C. −R O R x

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 12 / 63

Thus by Cauchy’s residue theorem,
Z Z R Z
f (z) dz = f (x) dx + f (z) dz
C −R CR
2
X
= 2πi Res f (z).
z=ck
k=0

z2 c2k
Res f (z) = Res 6 = , k = 0, 1, 2.
z=ck z=ck z + 1 6ck

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 13 / 63

Thus
Z R Z  
1 1 1
f (x) dx + f (z) dz = 2πi − +
−R CR 6i 6i 6i
π
=
Z R 3 Z
π
f (x) dx = − f (z) dz.
−R 3 CR

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 14 / 63

Observe that on CR ,

|z 6 + 1| ≥ ||z|6 − 1| = R6 − 1,

so
R2
|f (z)| ≤
= M.
R6 − 1
Since length of CR is πR, ML inequality implies

πR3
Z
f (z) dz ≤ 6
CR R −1
→ 0 as R → ∞

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 15 / 63

Hence, Z R
π
lim f (x) dx = ,
R→∞ −R 3
i.e., Z ∞
π
P.V. f (x) dx = ·
−∞ 3

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 16 / 63

Since f is even
Z ∞ Z ∞
π
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = ·
−∞ −∞ 3

and
Z ∞  Z ∞ 
1 π
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = ·
0 2 −∞ 6

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 17 / 63

Question
Evaluate the improper integral
Z ∞
dx
·
0 x2 + 1
y

Sol. Consider f (z) = z 21+1 ·

Clearly the singularities of
CR
f (z) are z = i, −i. So, con-
sider C = [−R, R] ∪ CR with i
R > 1.
−R O R x
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 18 / 63
First, we compute the residue of f (z) at z = i. Note
that z = i is a simple pole. We have

1 1
Res f (z) = = .
z=i 2z z=i 2i

By Cauchy’s residue theorem, we get

Z
f (z) dz = 2πi Res f (z),
z=i
Z R Z C  
1
f (x) dx + f (z) dz = 2πi = π.
−R CR 2i

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 19 / 63

 R
Now we’ll show that CR f (z) dz = 0.
On CR , we have

|z 2 + 1| ≥ |z|2 − 1 = R2 − 1.

Thus
1 1
|f (z)| = ≤ = M·
z2 + 1 R2 − 1
Length of CR , L = πR.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 20 / 63

Thus, using ML inequality
Z
πR
f (z) dz ≤
CR R2 − 1
→ 0 as R → ∞

Hence, Z R
lim f (x) dx = π,
R→∞ −R
i.e., Z ∞
P.V. f (x) dx = π.
−∞

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 21 / 63

Since f is even
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = π.
−∞ −∞

and
Z ∞  Z ∞ 
1 π
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = ·
0 2 −∞ 2

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 22 / 63

Question
Evaluate the improper integral
Z ∞
x2 dx
.
0 (x2 + 1)(x2 + 4)
y

Sol. Consider
f (z) =
z2
(z 2 +1)(z 2 +4) .
Clearly the
singularities of f (z) are 2i CR
z = ±i, ±2i. So, consider
C = [−R, R] ∪ CR with i
R > 2. x
−R O R
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 23 / 63
Note that these singularities are simple poles. First, we
find the residues of f at z = i and z = 2i.

z2 1
Res f (z) = =− ,
z=i 2z(z 2 + 1) + 2z(z 2 + 4) z=i 6i
z2 1
Res f (z) = = .
z=2i 2z(z 2 + 1) + 2z(z 2 + 4) z=2i 3i

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 24 / 63

Thus, by the Cauchy’s residue theorem, we get
Z
f (z) dz = 2πi(Res f (z) + Res f (z)),
C z=i z=2i
Z R Z  
1 1
f (x) dx + f (z) dz = 2πi − +
−R CR 6i 3i
π
= ·
3

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 25 / 63

 R
Now we’ll show that CR f (z) dz = 0.
On CR , we have

|z 2 + 1| ≥ |z|2 − 1 = R2 − 1,
|z 2 + 4| ≥ |z|2 − 4 = R2 − 4.

Thus
z2 R2
|f (z)| = ≤ = M.
(z 2 + 1)(z 2 + 4) (R2 − 1)(R2 − 4)

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 26 / 63

Since the length of CR , L = 2πR, by ML inequality

πR3
Z
f (z) dz ≤ 2
CR (R − 1)(R2 − 4)
→ 0 as R → ∞

Hence, Z R
π
lim f (x) dx = ,
R→∞ −R 3
i.e., Z ∞
π
P.V. f (x) dx = ·
−∞ 3

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 27 / 63

Since f is even
Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = π.
−∞ −∞

and
Z ∞  Z ∞ 
1 π
f (x) dx = P.V. f (x) dx = ·
0 2 −∞ 6

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 28 / 63

Questions
1 Show that Z ∞
dx π
= √ ·
0 x4 + 1 2 2
2 Show that
∞
x2 dx
Z
π
= ·
0 (x2 + 9)(x2 + 4)2 200
3 Show that
Z ∞
xdx π
P.V. 2 + 1)(x2 + 2x + 2)
= − ·
−∞ (x 5

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 29 / 63

 R∞
R ∞ of the form −∞ f (x) cos ax dx
Integrals
or −∞ f (x) sin ax dx

To Evaluate the improper integrals of the form

Z ∞ Z ∞
f (x) cos ax dx or f (x) sin ax dx,
0 0

we consider f (z)eiaz , a simple closed contour

C = [−R, R] ∪ CR and proceed as in previous examples.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 30 / 63

Jordan’s Lemma
Suppose:
f (z) is analytic for y ≥ 0 outside |z| = R0 ;
CR is the semicircle z = Reiθ , 0 ≤ θ ≤ π, R > R0 ;
on CR , |f (z)| ≤ MR with limR→∞ MR = 0.
Then for any a > 0,
Z
lim f (z)eiaz dz = 0.
R→∞ CR

CR

O R0 R x

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 31 / 63

Question
Evaluate the improper integral
Z ∞
cos x
2 2 2 2
dx (a > b > 0).
−∞ (x + a )(x + b )

y
1
Sol. Let f (z) = (z 2 +a2 )(z 2 +b2 )
and C = [−R, R] ∪ CR with
R > a. The singularities
of f (z) are z = ±ai, ±bi CR
ai
(note that all these are sim- bi
ple poles) but only z = ai
and z = bi lie within C. −R O R x
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 32 / 63
So, we need the residues of f (z)eiz at z = ai and
z = bi. We have
iz eiz
Res f (z)e = lim (z − ai) 2
z=ai z→ai (z + a2 )(z 2 + b2 )
e−a
=− ,
2ai(a2 − b2 )

eiz
Res f (z)eiz = lim (z − bi)
z=bi z→bi (z 2 + a2 )(z 2 + b2 )
e−b
= .
2bi(a2 − b2 )
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 33 / 63
Thus, by the Cauchy’s residue theorem, we get
Z
f (z)eiz dz = 2πi[Res f (z)eiz + Res f (z)eiz ]
C z=ai z=bi

Z R Z  −b −a

ix π e e
f (x)e dx+f (z)eiz dz = 2 − .
−R CR a − b2 b a
Z R  −b
e−a
 Z
ix π e
f (x)e dx = 2 2
− − f (z)eiz dz.
−R a −b b a CR

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 34 / 63

On taking real parts:
Z R  −b
e−a

π e
f (x) cos x dx = 2 −
−R a − b2 b a
Z
− Re f (z)eiz dz (1)
CR
Z
Now we’ll show that lim Re f (z)eiz dz = 0. There
R→∞ CR
are two ways to show this:
Using Jordan’s lemma
Using ML inequality
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 35 / 63
Let us first show it by using Jordan’s lemma.
On CR , we have
1 1
|f (z)| = ≤
(z 2 + a2 )(z 2 + b2 ) (R2 − a2 )(R2 − b2 )
= MR .

Since MR → 0 as R → ∞, by Jordan’s lemma with

a = 1: Z
lim f (z)eiz dz = 0,
R→∞ CR

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 36 / 63

which gives
Z
lim Re f (z)eiz dz = 0,
R→∞ CR
as Z Z
Re f (z)eiz dz ≤ f (z)eiz dz .
CR CR

Therefore, on taking R → ∞, (1) gives

Z R  −b
e−a

π e
lim f (x) cos x dx = 2 − ·
R→∞ −R a − b2 b a

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 37 / 63

Thus
∞
e−b e−a
Z  
π
P.V. f (x) cos x dx = 2 − .
−∞ a − b2 b a

Since f is even
Z ∞
e−b e−a
 
π
f (x) cos x dx = − ·
−∞ a2 − b 2 b a

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 38 / 63

Let us now use ML inequality
Z to show
lim Re f (z)eiz dz = 0.
R→∞ CR

On CR , we have
eiz e−y
|eiz f (z)| = ≤
(z 2 + a2 )(z 2 + b2 ) (R2 − a2 )(R2 − b2 )
1
≤ 2 (as y ≥ 0)
(R − a2 )(R2 − b2 )
= M.

Length of CR is L = πR.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 39 / 63

By ML inequality
Z
πR
f (z)eiz dz ≤ → 0 as R → ∞.
CR (R2 − a2 )(R2 − b2 )

which again gives

Z
lim Re f (z)eiz dz = 0,
R→∞ CR

Therefore, on taking R → ∞, (1) implies

Z ∞  −b
e−a

π e
f (x) cos x dx = 2 − .
−∞ a − b2 b a
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 40 / 63
Question

Find the Cauchy principal value

Z ∞
x sin x
P.V. 2
dx.
−∞ x + 2x + 2

Let
z z
f (z) = = , z1 = −1 + i.
z 2 + 2z + 2 (z − z1 )(z − z¯1 )

The point z1 (in the upper half-plane) is a simple pole of

f (z)eiz .

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 41 / 63

Contour: C = [−R, R] ∪ CR , where CR is the upper
semicircle |z| = R.

CR
−1 + i

−R R

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 42 / 63

Residue at z1 = −1 + i

iz z1 eiz1 (−1 + i)ei(−1+i)

Res f (z)e = =
z=z1 z1 − z¯1 2i
(−1 + i)e−1 (cos 1 − i sin 1)
=
2i
−1
e
= (1 + i)(cos 1 − i sin 1)
2
e−1

= cos 1 + sin 1 + i(cos 1 − sin 1)
2
2πi Res f (z)eiz = πe−1 sin 1 − cos 1 + i(cos 1 + sin 1)


z=z1
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 43 / 63
Apply Cauchy Residue Theorem

R
xeix
Z Z
2 + 2x + 2
dx + f (z)eiz dz = 2πi Res f (z)eiz .
−R x CR z=z1

Taking imaginary parts,

Z R Z
x sin x
2
dx+Im f (z)eiz dz = πe−1 (cos 1+sin 1).
−R x + 2x + 2 CR

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 44 / 63

Vanishing of arc integral: By using triangle inequality,
|z| R
|f (z)| ≤ = √ → 0 as R → ∞.
(|z| − |z1 |)2 (R − 2)2
By Jordan’s lemma,
Z Z
lim f (z)eiz dz = 0 ⇒ lim Im f (z)eiz dz = 0.
R→∞ CR R→∞ CR

Z ∞
x sin x
P.V. 2
dx = πe−1 (cos 1 + sin 1).
−∞ x + 2x + 2

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 45 / 63

Question
Evaluate the improper integral
Z ∞ 3
x sin(ax)
4
dx, (a > 0).
−∞ x + 4

3
Sol. Consider f (z) = z 4z+4 and C = [−R, R] ∪ CR with
√
R > 2. The singularities are given by z 4 + 4 = 0:
√
zk = 2 e( 4 + 2 )i , k = 0, 1, 2, 3.
π kπ

z0 = 1 + i, z1 = −1 + i,
z2 = −1 − i, z3 = 1 − i.
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 46 / 63
All are simple poles; only 1+i
CR
−1 + i
z0 = 1 + i and z1 = −1 + i
lie inside C. We compute
residues of f (z)eiaz at these −R R
points.
We have

iaz z 3 eiaz eia(1+i) e−a eia

Res f (z)e = = = .
z=1+i 4z 3 z=1+i 4 4

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 47 / 63

 iaz z 3 eiaz eia(−1+i) e−a e−ia
Res f (z)e = = = .
z=−1+i 4z 3 z=−1+i 4 4

Thus, by the residue theorem,

Z  −a ia −a −ia

e e e e
f (z)eiaz dz = 2πi + = πie−a cos a.
C 4 4

Z R Z
f (x)eiax dx + f (z)eiaz dz = πie−a cos a.
−R CR

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 48 / 63

Taking imaginary parts,
Z R 3 Z
x sin(ax) −a
4
dx = πe cos a − Im f (z)eiaz dz.
−R x +4 CR
(1)

On CR ,

z3 R3
|f (z)| = 4 ≤ 4 → 0.
z +4 R −4

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 49 / 63

By Jordan’s lemma,
Z Z
iaz
lim f (z)e dz = 0 ⇒ lim Im f (z)eiaz dz = 0.
R→∞ CR R→∞ CR

Thus, letting R → ∞ in (1),

Z ∞ 3
x sin(ax)
4
dx = πe−a cos a.
−∞ x + 4

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 50 / 63

Question

Use residues to show that

Z ∞
cos ax π
P.V. 2 2 2
dx = 3
(ab+1)e−ab , (a > 0, b > 0).
−∞ (x + b ) 2b

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 51 / 63

Evaluation of definite integrals of the form
R 2π
0 F (cos θ, sin θ) dθ
How to evaluate the integral
Z 2π
F (cos θ, sin θ) dθ.
0

Sol. Consider C : |z| = 1 i.e., z = eiθ (0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π)

which gives
dz
dz = ieiθ dθ ⇒ dθ = .
iz

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 52 / 63

Also,
eiθ + e−iθ
 
1 1
cos θ = = z+ ,
2 2 z
and
eiθ − e−iθ
 
1 1
sin θ = = z− .
2i 2i z
Thus the given integral becomes
Z      Z
1 1 1 1
F z+ , z− dz = f (z) dz.
C 2 z 2i z C

Now
R use Cauchy’s residue theorem to evaluate
C f (z) dz.
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 53 / 63
Question
Evaluate the definite integral
Z 2π
dθ
.
0 5 + 4 sin θ
Sol. Consider C : |z| = 1 i.e., z = eiθ , then the integral
becomes
Z
1 dz
I= .
5 + 4 2i1 z − z1



iz
ZC
dz
= 2
ZC 2z + 5iz − 2
dz
= .
C 2(z + 2i)(z + i/2)
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 54 / 63
 1
Here, f (z) = 2(z+2i)(z+i/2) has the singularities at
z = −2i and z = −i/2 (note that both are simple poles)
but only z = −i/2 lies within C. So, we need the
residues of f (z) at z = −i/2.

1 1
Res f (z) = = .
z=−i/2 2(z + 2i) z=−i/2 3i

Hence, on using Cauchy’s residue theorem

1 2π
I = 2πi × = .
3i 3

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 55 / 63

Question
Evaluate the definite integral
Z π
cos 2θ dθ
2
(−1 < a < 1).
0 1 − 2a cos θ + a

Sol. Consider C : |z| = 1 i.e., z = eiθ , then the integral

becomes
Z π
cos 2θ dθ
I= 2
0 1 − 2a cos θ + a
Z 2π
1 cos 2θ dθ
=
2 0 1 − 2a cos θ + a2
1 2π (2 cos2 θ − 1) dθ
Z
=
2 0 1 − 2a cos θ + a2
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 56 / 63

2
2 z + z1 − 1
Z
1 dz
I= 1


2
.
2 C 1 − 2a z + z + a iz
(z 4 + 1) dz
Z
1
=− (1)
4ai C z 2 (z − a) z − a1

z 4 +1
Here f (z) = z 2 (z−a)(z− a1 )
has the singularities at
z = 0, z = a and z = a1 .
Note that z = 0 and z = a lie
within C and 0 is a pole of order 2 and a is a simple pole.
So, we need the residues of f (z) at z = 0 and z = a.

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 57 / 63

 d z4 + 1
Res f (z) =
dz (z − a) z − a1


z=0
z=0
2
a +1
=
a
z4 + 1
Res f (z) = 2
z z − a1


z=a
z=a
4
a +1
= ·
a(a2 − 1)

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 58 / 63

On using Cauchy’s residue theorem in (1), we obtain
 2
a4 + 1 a2 π

1 a +1
I=− 2πi × + = ·
4ai a a(a2 − 1) 1 − a2

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 59 / 63

Question
Evaluate the definite integral
Z π
sin2n θ dθ (n = 1, 2, 3, . . .).
0

Let C be the unit circle z = eiθ , −π ≤ θ ≤ π. Then

Z π Z π
1
sin2n θ dθ = sin2n θ dθ
0 2 −π
(−1)n (z − z −1 )2n
Z
= 2n+1 dz
2 i C z
2n 
(−1)n
Z X 
2n
= 2n+1 (−1)k z 2n−2k−1 dz.
2 i C k
k=0
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 60 / 63
If k < n, then 2k − 2n < 0, i.e., 2k − 2n ≤ −1, which
gives 2n − 2k − 1 ≥ 0. In this case, z 2n−2k−1 is analytic
within and on C and by Cauchy-Goursat theorem
Z
z 2n−2k−1 dz = 0.
C

Next, we consider the case k > n. In this case,

2n − 2k − 1 < −1, i.e., , 2n − 2k − 1 ≤ −2, so
Z
z 2n−2k−1 dz = 0.
C

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 61 / 63

Thus only the term k = n survives:
Z π n Z
 
(−1) 2n
sin2n θ dθ = 2n+1 (−1)n z −1 dz
0 2 i n
C 
1 2n
= 2n+1 · 2πi
2 i n
2n


n
= π
22n
2n!
= π.
22n (n!)2

Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 62 / 63

Exercises
Rπ dθ
√
1 Show that −π 1+sin2 θ = 2π
R 2π cos2 3θ dθ 3π
2 Show that 0 5−4 cos 2θ = 8
3 Show that
Z 2π
sin2 θ 2π p
dθ = 2 (a− a2 − b2 ), (a > b > 0).
0 a + b cos θ b
4 Show that
Z 2π
(1 + 2 cos θ)n cos nθ 2π √
I= dθ = √ (3 − 5)n
0 3 + 2 cos θ 5
where n = 0, 1, 2, . . .
Gaurav Dwivedi (BITS Pilani) Complex Variables April 24, 2026 63 / 63