Can You Crack This Tricky Integral Challenge?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Euge
  • Start date
  • Tags
    2015
In summary, POTW #182 is a "Problem of the Week" challenge released on November 24, 2015 that requires scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve. These challenges are typically released on a weekly basis, but may have breaks or changes in schedule. Anyone can attempt to solve POTW challenges, and collaboration may be allowed depending on the rules set by the organization or platform hosting the challenge. The specific guidelines for POTW #182 should be checked for any potential rewards for solving the challenge.
  • #1
Euge
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
2,054
211
Here is this week's POTW:

-----
Evaluate the integral

$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\cos x - \cos 2x}{x^2}\, dx.$$

Justify the major steps of your calculation.
-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No one answered this week's problem. Here is my solution.
The integral evaluates to $\pi$. First write

$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\cos x - \cos 2x}{x^2}\, dx = 2\int_0^\infty \frac{\cos x - \cos 2x}{x^2}\, dx = 2\int_{0}^\infty \int_1^2 \frac{\sin tx}{x}\, dt\, dx.$$

The integral $\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin tx}{x}\, dx$ converges uniformly on $[1,2]$ since it converges (to $\frac{\pi}{2}$) on $[1,2]$ and the integrand (which we assume to have value $t$ at $x = 0$) is continuous on every rectangle $[1,2] \times [0,M]$, $M > 0$. Therefore

$$2\int_0^\infty \int_1^2 \frac{\sin tx}{x}\, dt\, dx = 2\int_1^2 \int_0^\infty \frac{\sin tx}{x}\, dx\, dt = 2\int_1^2 \frac{\pi}{2}\, dt = \pi.$$
 

Related to Can You Crack This Tricky Integral Challenge?

1. What is POTW #182 for November 24, 2015?

POTW #182 refers to the "Problem of the Week" challenge released on November 24, 2015. It is a problem that requires scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve.

2. How often are POTW challenges released?

POTW challenges are typically released on a weekly basis, hence the name "Problem of the Week". However, there may be breaks or changes in schedule depending on the organization or platform hosting the challenge.

3. Is POTW #182 only for scientists?

No, anyone can attempt to solve POTW challenges. While scientific knowledge may be helpful, the problems are designed to be solvable by anyone with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

4. Can I collaborate with others to solve POTW #182?

It depends on the rules set by the organization or platform hosting the challenge. Some challenges may allow collaboration, while others may require individual submissions. It is best to check the specific guidelines for POTW #182 to determine if collaboration is allowed.

5. Are there any rewards for solving POTW #182?

Again, this depends on the organization or platform hosting the challenge. Some may offer prizes or recognition for solving POTW challenges, while others may not have any rewards. Check the specific guidelines for POTW #182 to see if there are any potential rewards.

Similar threads

  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Math POTW for Graduate Students
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top