Prove Integral: $\Re \{\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\arctan ^2(x)\operatorname{arctanh} (x^2)}{x}dx\}=G^2$

by Natalie Brooks 101 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating integral problem that pops up in the realms of real analysis and calculus. Specifically, we're tackling the definite integral:

Rโก{โˆซ0โˆžarctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)xโ€‰dx}=G2\operatorname{\mathfrak{R}} \left\{\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\arctan ^2\left(x\right)\operatorname{arctanh} \left(x^2\right)}{x}\,dx\right\}=G^2

Where GG represents Catalan's constant. Sounds intimidating? Don't worry, we'll break it down step-by-step, making it super clear and even fun! This journey involves some clever techniques and a bit of mathematical wizardry, so buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding the Integral and Its Components

To really nail this integral, we first need to understand the key players involved. Letโ€™s break down each component:

  • Arctangent Function (arctan(x)): The arctangent function, also known as the inverse tangent, gives us the angle whose tangent is x. Itโ€™s a staple in calculus and pops up in various integration problems. Understanding its properties and behavior is crucial. Remember, it's bounded between โˆ’ฯ€2-\frac{\pi}{2} and ฯ€2\frac{\pi}{2}.
  • Inverse Hyperbolic Tangent Function (arctanh(xยฒ)): The inverse hyperbolic tangent function, denoted as arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2), is the inverse of the hyperbolic tangent function. It's defined as arctanhโก(x)=12lnโก(1+x1โˆ’x)\operatorname{arctanh}(x) = \frac{1}{2} \ln\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right) for โˆฃxโˆฃ<1|x| < 1. In our case, we have arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2), which means we are dealing with the inverse hyperbolic tangent of x2x^2.
  • The Integrand's Structure: Our integrand is a product of arctanโก2(x)\arctan^2(x) and arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2), all divided by x. This structure suggests that we might need to use techniques like integration by parts, series expansions, or clever substitutions to simplify the integral.
  • Limits of Integration: We're integrating from 0 to โˆž\infty. This infinite upper limit often hints at the need for special considerations, such as improper integrals and limits.

So, with these components in mind, letโ€™s map out a strategy for solving this integral. We'll likely need to combine multiple techniques to get to our desired result of G2G^2, where GG is Catalan's constant.

Strategies for Tackling the Integral

Okay, let's strategize! When faced with such a complex integral, there are a few key techniques we can consider. Here's a rundown of potential approaches:

  • Integration by Parts: This technique is a classic for integrals involving products of functions. The formula is โˆซudv=uvโˆ’โˆซvdu\int u dv = uv - \int v du. The trick here is to choose u and dv wisely. We might consider setting u=arctanโก2(x)u = \arctan^2(x) and dv=arctanhโก(x2)xdxdv = \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} dx or vice versa. However, the derivatives and integrals of these functions can get messy, so we need to be cautious.
  • Series Expansion: Both arctanโก(x)\arctan(x) and arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2) have well-known series expansions. We could express these functions as infinite series and then multiply and integrate term by term. This method can sometimes transform a difficult integral into a manageable series summation. The series expansions are:
    • arctanโก(x)=โˆ‘n=0โˆž(โˆ’1)nx2n+12n+1\arctan(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{2n+1} for โˆฃxโˆฃโ‰ค1|x| \leq 1
    • arctanhโก(x2)=โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+22n+1\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{2n+1} for โˆฃxโˆฃ<1|x| < 1
  • Substitution: A clever substitution can sometimes simplify the integral by transforming the integrand into a more manageable form. For example, we might try u=x2u = x^2 or u=arctanโก(x)u = \arctan(x). The key is to look for parts of the integrand that might simplify with a change of variables.
  • Complex Analysis Techniques: Since we are dealing with a real part of an integral, it might be beneficial to explore complex analysis techniques, such as contour integration. This method involves integrating a complex function along a path in the complex plane and using Cauchy's integral theorem or residue theorem to evaluate the integral.

Given the structure of our integral, using series expansions seems like a promising approach. It allows us to convert the integral into a sum, which we can then try to evaluate. Let's dive deeper into this method.

Applying Series Expansions

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and apply the series expansions! As we discussed earlier, we have the series representations for arctanโก(x)\arctan(x) and arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2):

  • arctanโก(x)=โˆ‘n=0โˆž(โˆ’1)nx2n+12n+1\arctan(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{2n+1} for โˆฃxโˆฃโ‰ค1|x| \leq 1
  • arctanhโก(x2)=โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+22n+1\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{2n+1} for โˆฃxโˆฃ<1|x| < 1

Since we have arctanโก2(x)\arctan^2(x), we need to square the series expansion of arctanโก(x)\arctan(x). This can be a bit tricky, but let's proceed carefully.

arctanโก2(x)=(โˆ‘n=0โˆž(โˆ’1)nx2n+12n+1)2\arctan^2(x) = \left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n x^{2n+1}}{2n+1}\right)^2

This squaring operation involves multiplying the series by itself and collecting terms. It results in a double summation, which can be written as:

arctanโก2(x)=โˆ‘n=0โˆžโˆ‘m=0โˆž(โˆ’1)n+mx2(n+m+1)(2n+1)(2m+1)\arctan^2(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{m=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+m} x^{2(n+m+1)}}{(2n+1)(2m+1)}

Now, we multiply this by the series expansion of arctanhโก(x2)\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2) and divide by x:

arctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)x=1x(โˆ‘n=0โˆžโˆ‘m=0โˆž(โˆ’1)n+mx2(n+m+1)(2n+1)(2m+1))(โˆ‘k=0โˆžx4k+22k+1)\frac{\arctan^2(x) \operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} = \frac{1}{x} \left(\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{m=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+m} x^{2(n+m+1)}}{(2n+1)(2m+1)}\right) \left(\sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4k+2}}{2k+1}\right)

This results in a triple summation:

arctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)x=โˆ‘n=0โˆžโˆ‘m=0โˆžโˆ‘k=0โˆž(โˆ’1)n+mx2n+2m+4k+3(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)\frac{\arctan^2(x) \operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{m=0}^{\infty} \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+m} x^{2n+2m+4k+3}}{(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)}

Now, we integrate term by term with respect to x from 0 to โˆž\infty. This is where things get interesting, and we'll see how this series representation can lead us to Catalan's constant.

Integrating the Series and Catalan's Constant

Okay, let's integrate this beast! We have the triple summation:

โˆซ0โˆžarctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)xdx=โˆซ0โˆžโˆ‘n=0โˆžโˆ‘m=0โˆžโˆ‘k=0โˆž(โˆ’1)n+mx2n+2m+4k+3(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)dx\int_0^{\infty} \frac{\arctan^2(x) \operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} dx = \int_0^{\infty} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{m=0}^{\infty} \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+m} x^{2n+2m+4k+3}}{(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)} dx

Integrating term by term, we get:

โˆ‘n=0โˆžโˆ‘m=0โˆžโˆ‘k=0โˆž(โˆ’1)n+m(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)โˆซ0โˆžx2n+2m+4k+3dx\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \sum_{m=0}^{\infty} \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n+m}}{(2n+1)(2m+1)(2k+1)} \int_0^{\infty} x^{2n+2m+4k+3} dx

Here's where we encounter a slight issue: the integral โˆซ0โˆžx2n+2m+4k+3dx\int_0^{\infty} x^{2n+2m+4k+3} dx diverges! This means we need to be extra careful with how we handle the integration. A common trick is to introduce a convergence factor. Let's consider the integral:

โˆซ0โˆžx2n+2m+4k+3eโˆ’ฯตxdx\int_0^{\infty} x^{2n+2m+4k+3} e^{-\epsilon x} dx

where ฯต\epsilon is a small positive number. This will make the integral converge, and we can take the limit as ฯต\epsilon approaches 0 later. Using the substitution u=ฯตxu = \epsilon x, we get:

โˆซ0โˆžx2n+2m+4k+3eโˆ’ฯตxdx=1ฯต2n+2m+4k+4โˆซ0โˆžu2n+2m+4k+3eโˆ’udu\int_0^{\infty} x^{2n+2m+4k+3} e^{-\epsilon x} dx = \frac{1}{\epsilon^{2n+2m+4k+4}} \int_0^{\infty} u^{2n+2m+4k+3} e^{-u} du

The integral on the right is a Gamma function:

โˆซ0โˆžu2n+2m+4k+3eโˆ’udu=\[(2n+2m+4k+3)=(2n+2m+4k+3)!\int_0^{\infty} u^{2n+2m+4k+3} e^{-u} du = \[(2n+2m+4k+3) = (2n+2m+4k+3)!

However, we are still facing divergence issues as ฯต\epsilon approaches 0. This indicates that we need a different approach or a more sophisticated technique to evaluate the original integral.

Letโ€™s reconsider our strategy. Series expansions, while powerful, can sometimes lead to complicated expressions. Maybe thereโ€™s another way to skin this cat! How about we revisit integration by parts or explore some other substitutions?

Revisiting Integration by Parts

Okay, let's give integration by parts another shot. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can make all the difference! The formula for integration by parts is:

โˆซudv=uvโˆ’โˆซvdu\int u dv = uv - \int v du

The key here is choosing the right u and dv. In our case, we have:

โˆซ0โˆžarctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)xdx\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\arctan ^2(x)\operatorname{arctanh} (x^2)}{x} dx

Let's try setting:

  • u=arctanโก2(x)u = \arctan^2(x)
  • dv=arctanhโก(x2)xdxdv = \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} dx

Then we need to find du and v.

First, let's find du:

du=ddxarctanโก2(x)dx=2arctanโก(x)โ‹…11+x2dxdu = \frac{d}{dx} \arctan^2(x) dx = 2 \arctan(x) \cdot \frac{1}{1+x^2} dx

Now, let's find v. This involves integrating arctanhโก(x2)x\frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x}:

v=โˆซarctanhโก(x2)xdxv = \int \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} dx

To solve this integral, let's use the substitution t=x2t = x^2, so dt=2xdxdt = 2x dx and dx=dt2xdx = \frac{dt}{2x}:

v=โˆซarctanhโก(t)xdt2x=12โˆซarctanhโก(t)tdtv = \int \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(t)}{x} \frac{dt}{2x} = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(t)}{t} dt

Now, we can use the series expansion for arctanhโก(t)\operatorname{arctanh}(t):

arctanhโก(t)=โˆ‘n=0โˆžt2n+12n+1\operatorname{arctanh}(t) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{t^{2n+1}}{2n+1}

So, our integral becomes:

v=12โˆซ1tโˆ‘n=0โˆžt2n+12n+1dt=12โˆซโˆ‘n=0โˆžt2n2n+1dtv = \frac{1}{2} \int \frac{1}{t} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{t^{2n+1}}{2n+1} dt = \frac{1}{2} \int \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{t^{2n}}{2n+1} dt

Integrating term by term, we get:

v=12โˆ‘n=0โˆž12n+1โˆซt2ndt=12โˆ‘n=0โˆžt2n+1(2n+1)2+Cv = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2n+1} \int t^{2n} dt = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{t^{2n+1}}{(2n+1)^2} + C

Substituting back t=x2t = x^2, we have:

v=12โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2+Cv = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2} + C

This series looks promising! It involves the squares of the terms (2n+1)(2n+1) in the denominator, which is a hallmark of expressions related to Catalan's constant.

Now, let's plug u, dv, du, and v back into the integration by parts formula and see where it leads us.

Applying Integration by Parts Formula

Alright, let's plug everything into the integration by parts formula: โˆซudv=uvโˆ’โˆซvdu\int u dv = uv - \int v du. We have:

  • u=arctanโก2(x)u = \arctan^2(x)
  • dv=arctanhโก(x2)xdxdv = \frac{\operatorname{arctanh}(x^2)}{x} dx
  • du=2arctanโก(x)1+x2dxdu = \frac{2 \arctan(x)}{1+x^2} dx
  • v=12โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2v = \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2}

So, our integral becomes:

โˆซ0โˆžarctanโก2(x)arctanhโก(x2)xdx=[arctanโก2(x)โ‹…12โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2]0โˆžโˆ’โˆซ0โˆž12โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2โ‹…2arctanโก(x)1+x2dx\int _0^{\infty }\frac{\arctan ^2(x)\operatorname{arctanh} (x^2)}{x} dx = \left[ \arctan^2(x) \cdot \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2} \right]_0^{\infty} - \int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2} \cdot \frac{2 \arctan(x)}{1+x^2} dx

Let's analyze the first term. As xx approaches infinity, arctanโก2(x)\arctan^2(x) approaches (ฯ€2)2=ฯ€24(\frac{\pi}{2})^2 = \frac{\pi^2}{4}. However, the series โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2} also tends to infinity, so we have an indeterminate form. Evaluating the limit of this term will require careful consideration.

Let's simplify the second integral:

โˆซ0โˆž12โˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2(2n+1)2โ‹…2arctanโก(x)1+x2dx=โˆซ0โˆžโˆ‘n=0โˆžx4n+2arctanโก(x)(2n+1)2(1+x2)dx\int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{2} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2}}{(2n+1)^2} \cdot \frac{2 \arctan(x)}{1+x^2} dx = \int_0^{\infty} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{4n+2} \arctan(x)}{(2n+1)^2 (1+x^2)} dx

This integral looks quite challenging as well. We have a series inside an integral, and the integrand involves a rational function multiplied by arctanโก(x)\arctan(x).

At this point, it's clear that while integration by parts has given us some interesting expressions, it hasn't directly led us to the solution. The indeterminate form in the first term and the complexity of the second integral suggest that we might need to explore other avenues.

Perhaps a different substitution or a more specialized technique is required. Or maybe, just maybe, we need a little bit of magic! Let's take a step back and see if we can find a clever trick or a known result that can help us crack this integral.

The Clever Trick: A Differential Identity

Alright, guys, sometimes the best way to solve a tough problem is to pull a rabbit out of a hat โ€“ or, in this case, a clever differential identity! This is where the