0
$\begingroup$

I am trying to integrate a logsumexp function which is a smooth function of another piecewise function.

Run

Integrate[ Log[Exp[s*a] + Exp[s*(a + v +a*t)]], {t, 0, (-v +vm)/a}, Assumptions -> {s > 0, a > 0, v >= 0, vm > 0}],

then, I got

(PolyLog[2, -e^(v * s)] - PolyLog[2, -e^(vm * s])] + a (-v + vm)*s^2)/(a*s).

But if I run

Integrate[ Log[Exp[s*a] + Exp[s*(a + v +a*t + (v +a*t)^2)]], {t, 0, (-v +vm)/a}, Assumptions -> {s > 0, a > 0, v >= 0, vm > 0}],

I cannot get any result.

|improve this question
$\endgroup$
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Are you aware that there might be integrals out there that cannot be expressed in closed form? $\endgroup$ – Henrik Schumacher Dec 11 '18 at 7:33
  • $\begingroup$ @HenrikSchumacher Maybe you are right. If that is true, do you have any suggestion to solve this? numerical interation? $\endgroup$ – WZhao Dec 11 '18 at 7:37
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ If you replace the free variables (s, am v, vm, ...) by numeric values then you can apply numeric integration by using NIntegrate instead of Integrate. $\endgroup$ – Henrik Schumacher Dec 11 '18 at 7:49
  • $\begingroup$ Amplifying on Henrik's comment: See the tutorial on Integration, specificly the example Integrate[x^x, x] for which it is stated "This integral simply cannot be done in terms of standard mathematical functions. As a result, the Wolfram Language just leaves it undone. " $\endgroup$ – Bob Hanlon Dec 11 '18 at 17:24

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.