Vol. 33 (2023)
Articles

A novel approach to evaluating improper integrals

Russell A. Gordon
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Whitman College
Séan M. Stewart
Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Published 2023-01-23

Keywords

  • Laplace transform,
  • improper integrals,
  • Dirichlet integral

Abstract

Abstract. We explain and apply a recently developed method for evaluating improper integrals of the form \( \int_{0}^{\infty} f(t) \, dt \) using Laplace transforms. A number of examples are provided to illustrate the method, along with some results that streamline the computations. We show how the method can be used to readily determine values for entire classes of certain integrals which, using other more familiar methods, are difficult to find. We also indicate how the method can determine the values of integrals for which other methods fail.