Some Contour Integration Questions

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In summary, to evaluate the contour integral ∫c dz/(1−cosz), we must find the poles of the function and their corresponding residues. The function has a pole when the denominator is 0, which occurs when cosz = 1. This happens on the real axis at multiples of 2π, but there may be other complex solutions. The residue at a pole where cosz = 1 will be double, as the function has double poles. Further steps will be needed to determine the exact solutions and their corresponding residues.
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Evaluate the contour integral. [FONT=MathJax_Main][FONT=MathJax_Size1]∫[FONT=MathJax_Math]c[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math] d[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]z[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]/[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]([/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]1[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]−[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]c[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]o[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]s[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]z[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main])[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
(a) When c is the circle |z|=1 positively oriented;
(b) when c is the circle |z-pi| = 1.5 pi, positively oriented;
(c) when c is the circle |z-2i| = 1, positively oriented.
 
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thatonekid said:
Evaluate the contour integral. [FONT=MathJax_Main][FONT=MathJax_Size1]∫[FONT=MathJax_Math]c[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math] d[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]z[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]/[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]([/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]1[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main]−[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]c[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]o[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]s[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Math]z[/FONT][FONT=MathJax_Main])[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
(a) When c is the circle |z|=1 positively oriented;
(b) when c is the circle |z-pi| = 1.5 pi, positively oriented;
(c) when c is the circle |z-2i| = 1, positively oriented.
The starting point is that the integral of a meromorphic function round a positively oriented contour is equal to $2\pi i$ times the sum of the residues at all the poles inside the contour. In this case, the function is $\dfrac1{1-\cos z}$. So you need to find (i) where are the poles of this function, and (ii) what is the residue at each pole inside the contour? Of course, the poles inside the contour will differ for each of the three given contours.

For the answer to (i), the function will have a pole when the denominator is 0. So you need to think about when $\cos z = 1$. On the real axis, that happens when $z$ is a multiple of $2\pi$. Are those the only complex solutions of $\cos z = 1$, or are there other solutions off the real axis?

For (ii), what is the residue of $\dfrac1{1-\cos z}$ at a point where $\cos z = 1$? You will have to careful here, because the poles of this function are double poles. (That is because the power series for $\cos z$ starts $1-\frac12z^2+\ldots$, and so $1-\cos z$ has no term in $z$ but starts with a $z^2$ term.)

See how far you get with those hints, and come back here if you need further help.
 

Related to Some Contour Integration Questions

1. What is contour integration?

Contour integration is a mathematical technique used to evaluate integrals of complex-valued functions. It involves integrating along a specific path, or contour, in the complex plane rather than on the real number line.

2. Why is contour integration useful?

Contour integration allows for the evaluation of complex integrals that cannot be solved using traditional methods. It also has applications in physics, engineering, and other fields where complex numbers are used to model real-world phenomena.

3. How do you choose the contour for integration?

The contour for integration is typically chosen based on the specific function being integrated and the desired outcome. It is often chosen to simplify the integral or to avoid singularities or other obstacles in the complex plane.

4. What are some common types of contours used in contour integration?

Some common types of contours used in contour integration include closed contours, half-plane contours, and keyhole contours. These can be combined and modified to create more complex contours as needed for specific integrals.

5. Are there any limitations to contour integration?

While contour integration is a powerful technique, it does have some limitations. It can only be used to evaluate integrals of complex-valued functions and may not always provide the most accurate solution. It also requires a good understanding of complex analysis and careful selection of the contour to be effective.

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