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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
MATH2230A (First term, 20152016)
Complex Variables and Applications
Notes 18 More Real Integrals
18.1
As we know, there is a new concept about functions in complex, that is, the concept of branches.
A real function which has clear definition may become a function with branches in complex.
Typical examples are ln x or xr where r R. This creates some troubles, but surprising also
benefits.
18.1.1
ln x dx
. The natural complex function to consider is
(x2 + 4)2
f (z) =
A branch of log z
.
(z 2 + 4)2
Which branch of log z should we choose? Although there are many choices, we still need to choose
it carefully. Of course, we would like to choose a convenient one to simplify the calculation.
However, the choice must be compatible with the contour. Here are the key points.
First, ln(x) and any branch of log z are not defined at the origin, we have to avoid the
origin.
Second, to get the result, we need the straight line 1 along the R from > 0 to R > 0;
then take limit 0 and R .
1
is an even function, so
+ 4)2
we will use the straight line from R to . (Compare this step with the one in the next
exercise).
(x2
With the above considerations, we will choose the contour = (1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) as shown below.
2
2i
3
-R
1
R
(
Moreover, we will take Log/2 (z) = ln |z| + i Arg/2 (z), where Arg/2 (z)
)
3
,
.
2 2
Log/2 (z)
d Log/2 (z)
dz = 2i lim
2
2
zi dz
(z + 2i)2
(z + 2i) (z 2i)
[
]
1/z
2(ln |2i| + i/2)
(ln 2 1) 2 i
= 2i lim
=
+
.
zi (z + 2i)2
(z + i)3
16
32
Second, similar as the methods learned before, and observe that Arg/2 (Reit ) = t ,
ln(Reit ) + i Arg/2 (Reit )
ln R + |t|
it
R dt
Rie dt =
2
2
2
2
(R 4)
0 (R 4)
0
(ln R + ) R
0 , as R .
(R2 4)2
f
2
Third, on the arc 4 , we have z(t) = eit for t [0, ] and Arg/2 (eit ) = t . Thus,
ln(eit ) + i Arg/2 (eit )
it
ie
dt
(4 2 )2
4
0
(ln + )
0 , as 0.
(4 2 )2
ln x dx
. It remains to work on 3 .
Fourth, it is easy to see that
f (z) dz
2 + 4)2
(x
1
0
f
On 3 , we have z(t) = t for t [R, ]; Log/2 (t) = ln |t| + i Arg/2 (t) = ln |t| + i. So,
f (z) dz =
3
|t| + i
dt =
(t2 + 4)2
|t| + i
dt
(t2 + 4)2
ln x dx
+ i
(x2 + 4)2
(x2
dx
.
+ 4)2
18.1.2
g(z) =
Log0 z
ln |z| + i Arg0 (z)
=
,
(z 2 + 4)2
(z 2 + 4)2
ln x dx
but we insist to use
(x2 + 4)2
2
1
-R
ln x dx
g(z) dz
.
2 + 4)2
(x
0
1
On 3 , we have z(t) = R t + i for t [, R]. Then Log0 z(t) = ln |z(t)| + i Arg0 (z(t)),
where z(t) t and Arg0 (z(t)) 2 as 0. Thus,
R
ln x dx
2i dx
ln |z(t)| + i Arg0 (z(t))
(dt)
+
.
g(z) dz =
2
2
2
2
(z(t) + 4)
(x + 4)
(x2 + 4)2
0
0
3
Thus, this contour will not give us what we want because the desired integral cancels out in
dx
g(z) dz +
g(z) dz 2i
.
2
(x + 4)2
1
3
0
(Log0 z)2
Exercise 18.5. Somebody suggests that
dz, where is the branch cut above, may
2
2
(z + 4)
give us the answer. Try this method.
18.1.3
dx
by working on the contours a , b , and c with
x(x2 + 4)
0
the branch cuts shown respectively from left to right below.
Let us evaluate the integral
4
-R
1
3
-R
1
R
2
1
R
Thomas Au
1
z 1/2 (z 2
+ 4)
1
1
i
i
1/2
Log
z
z
= e2
= exp
ln |z| + Arg z = |z| exp
Arg z ,
2
2
2
for suitable .
3
, and respectively for a , b , and c .
2
Example 18.6. For a and the branch cut at = 0, Arg0 (2i) = /2 and Arg0 (2i) = 3/2.
Therefore,
1
i
(2i)1/2 = e 2 ln 2 e 2 (/2) = 2 ei/4 = 1 + i ,
1
i
(2i)1/2 = e 2 ln 2 e 2 (3/2) = 2 e3i/4 = 1 + i ,
1
i
i
Res(f, 2i) =
= ei/4 =
(1 i) ,
i/4
8
2e
(2i + 2i)
4 2
1
i
i
Res(f, 2i) =
= e3i/4 = (1 i) .
8
2 e3i/4 (2i 2i)
4 2
We will take = 0,
By Residue Theorem,
f (z) dz = 2i
a
i
[(1 i) (1 i)] = .
8
2
dt
f (z) dz
.
t(t2 + 4)
1
0
dt
dt
f (z) dz
=
.
2
t(t + 4)
t(t2 + 4)
3
0
0
To summarize, we have
2
0
dx
= .
2
2
x(x + 4)
Example 18.7. For the second contour b , we deliberately use = 3/2 instead of /2 to
illustrate how things will nicely cancel out. Here 3/2 < Arg3/2 (z) < 7/2, then
Arg3/2 (2i) =
5i/4
2e
= (1 + i)
and
i
Res(f, 2i) = (1 i) .
8
There is an additional negative when compared with the calculation in the cut of a . Nevertheless, we will see that things will work out fine. The estimates on 2 and 4 are beyond doubt
and they go to zero. We only need to consider the situation along the real axis, i.e., 1 and 3 .
Thomas Au
On 1 , z(t) = t and Arg3/2 (t) = 2. So, z(t)1/2 = t and
f (z) dz
1
dt
=
t(t2 + 4)
dx
.
x(x2 + 4)
f (z) dz
dt
=i
i t(t2 + 4)
dx
.
x(x2 + 4)
From above, we already have calculated the residue at 2i (note that 2i is outside b ). Thus,
i
dx
2i (1 i) =
f (z) dz +
f (z) dz (1 + i)
,
8
x(x2 + 4)
1
3
0
which gives the same answer /4.
Exercise 18.8. Find out whether the contour c is helpful to get the answer.
Thomas Au