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Contour Integration Techniques and Homework

The document outlines Lecture 4 on complex variables, focusing on contour integration for evaluating definite integrals. It includes several homework assignments that require the application of contour integration techniques to specific integrals, as well as a bonus problem related to an infinite network of resistances. Students are encouraged to review specific sections of the textbook and a video for additional context and methods.

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2 views2 pages

Contour Integration Techniques and Homework

The document outlines Lecture 4 on complex variables, focusing on contour integration for evaluating definite integrals. It includes several homework assignments that require the application of contour integration techniques to specific integrals, as well as a bonus problem related to an infinite network of resistances. Students are encouraged to review specific sections of the textbook and a video for additional context and methods.

Uploaded by

J
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A. Lecture 4.

Complex variables III (Evaluation of integrals by contour integra-


tion).

Text: M. Boas, Chapter 14, section 14.3 and 14.5 again, then 14.6, 14.7, as well as the
section “Class work” in the previous handout, and an additional page on the trigonometric
integrals

1. home work 1

Contour integration is often helpful for easy and quick calculations of definite integrals
even if the corresponding indefinite integral can be expressed in elementary function. For
instance, it can be shown that
√ √
(x 2 + 1)2 + 1
Z
dx x 2 1
= arctan + ln √ +C (1)
1 + x4 1 − x2 2 (x 2 + 1)2 − 1

However, if we only need


Z ∞
dx
(2)
−∞ 1 + x4
this integral can be readily calculated using the residue theorem. Do it.

2. home work 2

Calculate
Z ∞
sin xdx
(3)
−∞ x
Make use of the fact that sin x = Im exp(ix), and the “half-pole” rule discussed in the
previous class

3. home work 3

Watch this video: [Link]


Do you think it is an efficient method calculating this integral? Using the method you
have mastered in the previous problem, calculate the same integral in 4 lines.

1
4. home work 4

Read the attached handout about trigonometric integrals. Using this method, calculate
the integral Z 2π
dx
(4)
0 2 − cos x

5. home work 5

R∞
You must remember Sommerfeld integral, −∞
x2 /[(exp(x) + 1)(exp(−x) + 1)]dx, that
we estimated quantitatively in our first class. Let us now calculate it exactly using contour
methods. First, try method B in the previous lecture. Remember (i) to chose such a
contour that the denominator retains its functional form, (ii) use the right power of z in the
numerator and (iii) find poles inside the selected contour.
Now use the substitution x = ln y, and apply method D to the resulting integral. Do not
forget about the branch cut and proper selection of the power of the logarithm.

6. home work 6

In the handout on Friday, in one of the solutions I made a small mistake, a typo in the
final answer. Find it.

7. T.O.B. bonus

You have the shown below infinite network of resistances. Each resistance edge is R.
Find the total resistance.

FIG. 1. The red lines are the two leads.

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