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✓ 19 results · all verified · 7 also independently AI-judged
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The Residue Theorem and the Evaluation of Real Integrals

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

This page packages the residue theorem in the homological language already built for winding numbers and global Cauchy theory, then uses it to evaluate several families of definite integrals and bilateral series. The contour part is not just the local Laurent coefficient formula: the finiteness of the residue sum, the null-homology hypothesis, and the exact contour conventions all matter and are made explicit here.

The application half isolates the standard estimates and bookkeeping that are reused later: large semicircles, Jordan's lemma, upper and lower indentations, unit-circle substitutions for trigonometric integrals, keyhole branches for Mellin-type integrals, and rectangle contours for cotangent and cosecant summation. The companion page records the canonical worked evaluations and the standard failure modes these contour methods are designed to avoid.

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

RemarkRemark: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

This page keeps Cauchy principal values distinct from genuine improper convergence

Remark

Cauchy principal values at a finite singularity and on the real line and Conventions and proved scope for improper integrals already distinguish two notions: an improper integral on the real line exists only when the one-sided tails or endpoint pieces converge separately, while a principal value couples symmetric truncations and can exist even when the separate one-sided limits diverge.

This page keeps that distinction rigid. A contour with a real-axis indentation usually computes a principal value first. It gives an ordinary improper value only when the real integral has already been shown to converge by an independent tail or endpoint argument.

DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Standard semicircle, rectangle, keyhole, indentation, and sector contours

Definition

All contours on this page are positively oriented unless a local direction is stated explicitly.

  • The upper semicircle contour of radius R is the union of the real segment [−R,R] and the arc γR+(t)=Reit for 0≤t≤π.
  • The lower semicircle contour of radius R traverses the real segment from R to −R and then the lower arc γR−(t)=Re−it with t decreasing from π to 0.
  • The rectangle contour ∂[−R,R]×[−T,T] is the positively oriented boundary of the Euclidean rectangle with vertices ±R±iT.
  • The keyhole contour about the positive real axis with radii 0<ε<R is the positively oriented boundary of the slit annulus {z:ε<∣z∣<R, z∉[0,∞)}: it consists of the upper lip x+i0 from ε to R, the outer circle run counterclockwise, the lower lip x−i0 from R to ε, and the inner circle run clockwise.
  • An upper indentation arc around a real point a of radius ε is the clockwise semicircle a+εeit for π≥t≥0; a lower indentation arc is the counterclockwise semicircle a+εeit for π≤t≤2π.
  • The sector contour with opening angles α<β and radii 0<ε<R is the positively oriented boundary of {ε<∣z∣<R, α<arg⁡z<β}.

When a keyhole or sector contour is used with a complex power, this page states the branch explicitly. In the default keyhole convention the slit is the positive real axis and zα−1=exp⁡((α−1)Log⁡z) is taken with Arg⁡z∈(0,2π); the principal branch from Complex logarithms, the principal logarithm, and principal and multivalued complex powers and The principal logarithm is the normalised holomorphic branch on the slit plane is used only when the slit is the negative real axis.

DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Admissible cycles for the residue theorem

Definition

Let Ω⊆C be open, let f be meromorphic on Ω in the sense of Meromorphic functions on a plane domain, and let S⊆Ω be its pole set. By Poles of a meromorphic function form a closed discrete set and are at most countable, S is closed and discrete in Ω.

A complex cycle Γ is admissible for the residue theorem in Ω when

For such a pair (Γ,f) the candidate residue sum is

∑a∈Sn(Γ,a)Res⁡(f,a).

Only points with nonzero index can contribute, and the next lemma shows that there are only finitely many of them.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Only finitely many singularities contribute to the residue sum of an admissible cycle

Statement

Let f be meromorphic on an open set Ω, let S⊆Ω be its pole set, and let Γ be admissible for the residue theorem in Ω. Then

{a∈S:n(Γ,a)≠0}

is a finite set.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A meromorphic f on an open set Ω, its pole set S, and an admissible cycle Γ in Ω.

[L1]

The index of a cycle is locally constant off its trace and vanishes sufficiently far from the trace (The index of a cycle is locally constant off its trace and vanishes far from it).

[L2]

The pole set of a meromorphic function is closed and discrete in the ambient open set (Poles of a meromorphic function form a closed discrete set and are at most countable).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1

Let U:={z∈C∖Γ∗:n(Γ,z)≠0}. By the local constancy part of [L1], U is open in C∖Γ∗. The same local constancy also shows that if z∉Γ∗∪U, then a whole neighbourhood of z lies outside U, so every limit point of U outside the trace already lies in U. Therefore U‾⊆U∪Γ∗.

2.1step 1.1L1

By the far-from-the-trace clause of [L1], the set U is bounded. Since the trace Γ∗ is compact, step 1.1 makes U‾ a bounded closed subset of C, hence compact.

3.1L2

Because Γ is admissible, its trace avoids the pole set. Thus [given, step 2.1, L2] ∎ S∩U‾=S∩U={a∈S:n(Γ,a)≠0}. The right-hand set is a closed discrete subset of the compact set U‾ by, and every closed discrete subset of a compact metric space is finite. So only finitely many poles have nonzero index.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle

Statement

Let Ω⊆C be open, let f be meromorphic on Ω with pole set S, and let Γ be admissible for the residue theorem in Ω. Then

∫Γf(z) dz=2πi∑a∈Sn(Γ,a)Res⁡(f,a),

where only finitely many terms are nonzero.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: An open set Ω, a meromorphic function f on Ω with pole set S, and an admissible cycle Γ in Ω.

[L1]

Only finitely many poles have nonzero index with respect to Γ (Only finitely many singularities contribute to the residue sum of an admissible cycle).

[L2]

For a sufficiently small positively oriented circle C(a,r) around an isolated singularity a, the integral of f on that circle is 2πi Res⁡(f,a) (The residue is the normalized small-circle integral).

[L3]

If two cycles are homologous in an open set on which a function is holomorphic, then their contour integrals agree (Holomorphic integrals agree on homologous cycles).

[L4]

A positively oriented circle around a has index 1 inside and 0 outside (A circle traversed k times has winding number k inside and 0 outside).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1givenL1choose

By [L1], the set A:={a∈S:n(Γ,a)≠0} is finite. For each a∈A choose ra>0 so small that the closed discs D(a,ra)‾ are pairwise disjoint, lie in Ω, meet no pole other than a, and are disjoint from Γ∗. Let Ca be the positively oriented circle ∣ζ−a∣=ra.

2.1L4

Put [step 1.1, L4] Δ:=∑a∈An(Γ,a)Ca. For every p∈C∖(Ω∖A) one has n(Γ,p)=n(Δ,p). Indeed, if p∉Ω then admissibility makes n(Γ,p)=0, and every Ca lies in Ω, so gives n(Δ,p)=0 as well. If p=a∈A, then [L4] gives n(Ca,a)=1 and n(Cb,a)=0 for b≠a, so n(Δ,a)=n(Γ,a). Therefore Γ and Δ are homologous in Ω∖A.

3.1step 2.1L3

The function f is holomorphic on Ω∖A, so [L3] applied to step 2.1 yields ∫Γf(z) dz=∫Δf(z) dz=∑a∈An(Γ,a)∫Caf(z) dz.

4.1step 3.1L2∎

Each Ca encloses only the pole a, so [L2] gives ∫Caf(z) dz=2πi Res⁡(f,a). Substituting this into step 3.1 proves the displayed formula. Since the set A is finite, the residue sum has only finitely many nonzero terms.

CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

A positively oriented circle integral is the sum of the enclosed residues

Statement

Let C(a,r) be a positively oriented circle, and let f be meromorphic on a neighbourhood of the closed disc D(a,r)‾ with no pole on the circle. Then

∫C(a,r)f(z) dz=2πi∑∣b−a∣<rRes⁡(f,b),

the sum being over the poles of f inside the circle.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A positively oriented circle C(a,r) and a meromorphic f on a neighbourhood of D(a,r)‾ with no pole on the circle.

[L1]

The residue theorem holds for an admissible cycle (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

[L2]

A positively oriented circle has index 1 at interior points and 0 at exterior points (A circle traversed k times has winding number k inside and 0 outside).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1

The circle C(a,r) is null-homologous in any open set containing the closed [given, L1] disc it bounds, so applies to it.

2.1L1

By [L2], every pole b with ∣b−a∣<r contributes the factor [step 1.1, L2] ∎ n(C(a,r),b)=1, while every pole outside the circle contributes the factor 0. Substituting those indices into gives the formula.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

A rational large-semicircle integral vanishes under the zR(z) to 0 condition

Statement

Let R be a rational function, and for T>0 let γT+(t)=Teit for 0≤t≤π. Assume that γT+ meets no pole of R for all sufficiently large T, and that

sup⁡0≤t≤π∣ γT+(t) R(γT+(t)) ∣⟶0(T→∞).

Then

∫γT+R(z) dz⟶0(T→∞).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function R and the upper semicircles γT+(t)=Teit.

Proof

technique · direct
1.1given

Along γT+ one has ∣γT+(t)∣=T, so ∣R(γT+(t))∣≤1Tsup⁡0≤s≤π∣ γT+(s)R(γT+(s)) ∣.

2.1step 1.1

The arc length of γT+ is πT. Therefore the ML estimate gives ∣∫γT+R(z) dz∣≤πT⋅1Tsup⁡0≤s≤π∣ γT+(s)R(γT+(s)) ∣=πsup⁡0≤s≤π∣ γT+(s)R(γT+(s)) ∣.

3.1step 2.1∎

The right-hand side tends to 0 by hypothesis, so the arc integral tends to 0 as claimed.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Jordan's lemma for rational functions of one complex variable

Statement

Let λ>0, let R be a rational function, and let γT+(t)=Teit for 0≤t≤π. Assume that γT+ meets no pole of R for all sufficiently large T, and that

sup⁡0≤t≤π∣ γT+(t) R(γT+(t)) ∣⟶0(T→∞).

Then

∫γT+eiλzR(z) dz⟶0(T→∞).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A real number λ>0, a rational function R, and the upper semicircles γT+(t)=Teit.

[L1]

If a twice differentiable function on an interval has nonnegative second derivative, then it is convex (A twice-differentiable function on an open interval is convex if and only if its second derivative is nonnegative).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1givenalgebra

For z=Teit on the upper semicircle, ∣eiλz∣=∣eiλT(cos⁡t+isin⁡t)∣=e−λTsin⁡t.

1.2L1

On [0,π/2] the function g(t)=−sin⁡t has [L1, algebra] g′′(t)=sin⁡t≥0, so makes g convex there. A convex graph lies below the chord joining its endpoint values, hence −sin⁡t≤−2t/π and therefore sin⁡t≥2tπ(0≤t≤π2). By symmetry, also sin⁡t≥2(π−t)π(π2≤t≤π).

2.1step 1.1given

Put MT:=sup⁡0≤t≤π∣ γT+(t)R(γT+(t)) ∣. Then along the arc ∣eiλzR(z) dz∣≤e−λTsin⁡tMTT T dt=MTe−λTsin⁡t dt. So ∣∫γT+eiλzR(z) dz∣≤MT∫0πe−λTsin⁡t dt.

3.1step 2.1step 1.2algebra

Splitting the integral at π/2 and using step 1.2 gives ∫0πe−λTsin⁡t dt≤2∫0π/2e−2λTt/π dt=πλT(1−e−λT)≤πλT. Hence ∣∫γT+eiλzR(z) dz∣≤πMTλT.

4.1step 3.1∎

Since MT→0, the bound in step 3.1 tends to 0. Therefore the arc integral tends to 0.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

An indented arc around a simple singularity contributes the expected residue fraction

Statement

Let f have a simple pole at a, let 0<ε<R, and for arbitrary real angles α,β let γε(t)=a+εei((1−t)α+tβ)(0≤t≤1) be the circular arc oriented from angle α to angle β inside 0<∣z−a∣<R. Then

lim⁡ε↓0∫γεf(z) dz=i(β−α)Res⁡(f,a).

In particular, an upper indentation from left to right contributes −iπ Res⁡(f,a) and a lower indentation contributes +iπ Res⁡(f,a).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A simple pole of f at a and the oriented arc γε(t)=a+εei((1−t)α+tβ).

[L1]

At a simple pole, the Laurent principal part is c−1/(z−a), where c−1=Res⁡(f,a); hence f(z)=c−1/(z−a)+h(z) with h holomorphic near a (Simple poles, The residue of an isolated singularity).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

Write f(z)=c−1(z−a)−1+h(z) as in [L1]. Along the arc, put θ(t)=(1−t)α+tβ. Then z−a=εeiθ(t) and dz=i(β−α)εeiθ(t)dt, so ∫γεc−1z−a dz=i(β−α)c−1=i(β−α)Res⁡(f,a).

2.1step 1.1

The holomorphic function h is bounded on a small closed disc around a, say by M. Hence ∣∫γεh(z) dz∣≤Mε∣β−α∣, which tends to 0 with ε.

3.1step 1.1step 2.1∎

Adding the two parts from steps 1.1 and 2.1 proves the limit formula. The two indentation special cases are the choices (α,β)=(π,0) and (α,β)=(π,2π).

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Rational improper integrals without real poles are upper-half-plane residue sums

Statement

Let R=p/q be a rational function with deg⁡q≥deg⁡p+2, and assume that q has no real zero. Then

∫−∞∞R(x) dx

converges, and

∫−∞∞R(x) dx=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(R,a),

where the sum runs over the poles of R in the upper half-plane.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function R=p/q with deg⁡q≥deg⁡p+2 and no real pole.

[L1]

The residue theorem holds for the large upper semicircle contour (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

[L2]

If sup⁡∣z∣=T, ℑz≥0∣zR(z)∣→0, then the upper semicircle integral tends to 0 (A rational large-semicircle integral vanishes under the zR(z) to 0 condition).

[L3]

The degree gap deg⁡q≥deg⁡p+2 makes R(x)=O(x−2) on the real line, so the improper integral converges by comparison with the rational p-test at exponent 2 (The improper p-test for rational exponents).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1givenL3

By [L3], the real improper integral converges. The same degree gap implies zR(z)→0 as ∣z∣→∞, because the numerator degree is at least two less than the denominator degree.

2.1step 1.1L1

Let ΓT be the contour formed by [−T,T] and the upper semicircle [L1] γT+. For all sufficiently large T, the contour avoids every pole of R and encloses exactly the poles of R with positive imaginary part. So gives ∫−TTR(x) dx+∫γT+R(z) dz=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(R,a).

3.1step 2.1L2L3∎

By step 1.1 and [L2], the arc integral tends to 0 as T→∞. The straight-piece integral tends to ∫−∞∞R(x) dx by step 1.1. Passing to the limit in step 2.1 yields the residue formula.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Indented real-axis contours compute principal values with half-residue corrections

Statement

Let R=p/q, where p,q∈C[z] are nonzero, be a rational function with deg⁡q≥deg⁡p+2, and assume that its real poles a1<⋯<as are simple. For T large enough to contain all these poles and for pairwise disjoint symmetric deletion radii εj>0, put

I(T,ε):=∫[−T,T]∖⋃j=1s(aj−εj,aj+εj)R(x) dx,

where the integral is the sum over the remaining compact intervals. In this statement,

PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞R(x) dx:=lim⁡T→∞ε1,…,εs↓0I(T,ε).

When s=0, the deleted union is empty and only T→∞ remains. Indent every real pole above the real axis and close the contour in the upper half-plane. Then this principal value exists and

PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞R(x) dx=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(R,a)+iπ∑jRes⁡(R,aj).

The correction term is the sum of the usual positive half-residues.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function R with a two-degree denominator gap and only simple real poles, all indented above the real axis.

[L1]

At a finite singularity, a principal value uses equal left and right deletions, while on the real line it uses the symmetric truncation [−T,T]; neither assertion implies separate improper convergence (Cauchy principal values at a finite singularity and on the real line, This page keeps Cauchy principal values distinct from genuine improper convergence).

[L2]

For an admissible cycle, the residue theorem gives its contour integral as 2πi times the index-weighted sum of the enclosed residues (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

[L3]

If the large upper semicircle meets no pole and sup⁡∣z∣=T, ℑz≥0∣zR(z)∣→0, then its integral tends to 0 (A rational large-semicircle integral vanishes under the zR(z) to 0 condition).

[L4]

An upper indentation contributes −iπRes⁡(R,a) in the limit (An indented arc around a simple singularity contributes the expected residue fraction).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1givenL2

For large T and small pairwise disjoint indentation radii εj, form the contour specified in the statement. It is an admissible positively oriented cycle, avoids every real pole, and encloses precisely the nonreal poles in the upper half-plane, so [L2] applies.

2.1givenstep 1.1L1L3L4algebra

The contour pieces have their asserted limits as T→∞ and every εj↓0.

Indeed, the straight pieces sum to I(T,ε) from the statement. The degree gap gives R(z)=O(∣z∣−2), so the large semicircle eventually meets no pole and satisfies the hypothesis of [L3]. Thus its integral tends to 0. Finally, [L4] makes the jth upper indentation tend to −iπRes⁡(R,aj). [given, step 1.1, L1, L3, L4, algebra]

3.1step 1.1step 2.1L2∎

The residue theorem and step 2.1 give PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞R(x) dx−iπ∑jRes⁡(R,aj)=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(R,a). Hence the joint limit exists, and moving the indentation term to the right proves the formula.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Rational Fourier integrals are evaluated by residues and Jordan's lemma

Statement

Let λ≠0 and let R be a rational function such that zR(z)→0 as ∣z∣→∞, with at most simple poles on the real axis. Then the oscillatory integral

∫−∞∞eiλxR(x) dx

is evaluated by closing in the upper half-plane when λ>0 and in the lower half-plane when λ<0. More precisely:

  • if λ>0 and R has no real poles, then ∫−∞∞eiλxR(x) dx=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(eiλzR(z),a);
  • if λ<0 and R has no real poles, then ∫−∞∞eiλxR(x) dx=−2πi∑ℑa<0Res⁡(eiλzR(z),a);
  • if the real poles aj are simple, then PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞eiλxR(x) dx=2πi∑ℑa>0Res⁡(eiλzR(z),a)+iπ∑jRes⁡(eiλzR(z),aj) when λ>0, while for λ<0 it equals −2πi∑ℑa<0Res⁡(eiλzR(z),a)−iπ∑jRes⁡(eiλzR(z),aj).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A nonzero real λ and a rational function R with zR(z)→0 at infinity and at most simple poles on the real axis.

[L1]

For λ>0, Jordan's lemma kills the upper large semicircle for eiλzR(z), and after replacing z by zˉ it kills the lower large semicircle for λ<0 as well (Jordan's lemma for rational functions of one complex variable).

[L2]

The residue theorem evaluates the closed contour integral by the enclosed residues (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

[L3]

Indentation arcs around simple real poles contribute the signed half-residue terms (An indented arc around a simple singularity contributes the expected residue fraction).

[L4]

The real-axis indentation formulas compute principal values, not automatic improper convergence (This page keeps Cauchy principal values distinct from genuine improper convergence).

Proof

technique · cases
1.1L1

Assume first that λ>0 and that R has no real pole. Apply [L2] to [assume-case positive, L1, L2] the contour formed by [−T,T] and the upper semicircle. The arc term tends to 0 by, so the real-line integral is the sum of the residues of eiλzR(z) in the upper half-plane.

1.2assume-case negativeL1L2

If λ<0 and R has no real pole, close instead by the lower semicircle. The same computation gives a minus sign because the positively oriented contour now traverses the real segment from T back to −T, so the real integral equals −2πi times the sum of the residues in the lower half-plane.

1.3assume-case realpolesL1L2L3L4

If R has simple real poles and λ>0, indent them above the axis. Each indentation excludes its pole and contributes −iπ times its residue by [L3]; the residue theorem therefore gives the first displayed principal-value formula. If λ<0, use lower indentations and the lower semicircle. Each indentation contributes +iπ times its residue, while the clockwise outer contour contributes −2πi times the lower-half-plane residue sum, giving the second formula.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3cases-exhaustive∎

Steps 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 prove all cases listed in the statement.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Trigonometric integrals become contour integrals by the unit-circle substitution

Statement

Let F(X,Y) be a rational expression in two variables, and assume that after the substitution

X=z+z−12,Y=z−z−12i

the resulting rational function

G(z):=1izF ⁣(z+z−12,z−z−12i)

has no pole on ∣z∣=1. Then

∫02πF(cos⁡θ,sin⁡θ) dθ=∫∣z∣=1G(z) dz,

where the right-hand side is taken on the positively oriented unit circle.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational expression F(X,Y) whose transformed integrand has no pole on the unit circle.

[L1]

Euler's formula gives eiθ=cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ (Euler's formula: exp⁡(iθ)=cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ for every real θ).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

Put z=eiθ. By [L1], cos⁡θ=z+z−12,sin⁡θ=z−z−12i. Differentiating z=eiθ gives dz=ize0 dθ=iz dθ, so dθ=dz/(iz).

2.1step 1.1∎

As θ runs from 0 to 2π, the variable z traverses the unit circle once in the positive direction. Substituting the identities of step 1.1 into the real integral gives exactly the contour integral of G(z). The hypothesis that G has no pole on ∣z∣=1 is what makes the contour integral well defined.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

A keyhole contour sees the two boundary values of z^(alpha-1)

Statement

Fix α∈C, and on the slit plane C∖[0,∞) define

zα−1:=exp⁡((α−1)Log⁡z)

with Arg⁡z∈(0,2π). Then for every x>0 the two boundary values on the positive axis satisfy

lim⁡y↓0(x+iy)α−1=xα−1,lim⁡y↓0(x−iy)α−1=e2πiαxα−1.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A complex exponent α and the branch zα−1=exp⁡((α−1)Log⁡z) with Arg⁡z∈(0,2π).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1givenalgebra

On the upper lip of the slit one has Arg⁡(x+i0)=0, so Log⁡(x+i0)=log⁡x and therefore lim⁡y↓0(x+iy)α−1=exp⁡((α−1)log⁡x)=xα−1.

2.1step 1.1algebra∎

On the lower lip one has Arg⁡(x−i0)=2π, so Log⁡(x−i0)=log⁡x+2πi. Hence lim⁡y↓0(x−iy)α−1=exp⁡((α−1)(log⁡x+2πi))=e2πi(α−1)xα−1=e2πiαxα−1.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Keyhole contours evaluate Mellin-type rational integrals

Statement

Let α∈C, let R be a rational function with no pole on [0,∞), and define

f(z)=zα−1R(z)

on the slit plane with Arg⁡z∈(0,2π). Assume that the improper integral ∫0∞xα−1R(x) dx converges and that the outer and inner circles of the keyhole contour contribute 0 in the limits ρ→∞ and ε↓0. Then

(1−e2πiα)∫0∞xα−1R(x) dx=2πi∑Res⁡(f,a),

where the sum runs over the poles of f away from the positive real axis.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function R, a complex exponent α, and the keyhole branch of zα−1 with Arg⁡z∈(0,2π).

[L1]

The two boundary values on the positive axis differ by the factor e2πiα (A keyhole contour sees the two boundary values of z^(alpha-1)).

[L2]

The residue theorem evaluates the full keyhole contour integral by the sum of the enclosed residues (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L2

Let Γε,ρ be the keyhole contour of inner radius ε and outer radius ρ. Applying [L2] to f(z)=zα−1R(z) on the slit annulus gives ∫Γε,ρf(z) dz=2πi∑Res⁡(f,a), where the sum is over the enclosed poles away from the positive axis.

1.2L1given

The contour integral splits into outer circle, upper lip, inner circle, and lower lip. By hypothesis the two circular contributions vanish. The assumed convergence of the improper integral and the upper boundary value in [L1] make the upper lip tend to ∫0∞xα−1R(x) dx. The lower lip has the reverse orientation and boundary value e2πiαxα−1R(x), so it tends to −e2πiα∫0∞xα−1R(x) dx.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2∎

Taking ε↓0 and ρ→∞ in step 1.1 and substituting the boundary terms from step 1.2 yields (1−e2πiα)∫0∞xα−1R(x) dx=2πi∑Res⁡(f,a). The finite set of poles of the rational factor is eventually enclosed, so this is the sum over all poles of f away from the positive axis and hence the claimed keyhole identity.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Cotangent residues sum a rational function over the integers

Statement

Let f be a rational function such that f(n) is defined for every n∈Z and f(z)=O(z−2) as ∣z∣→∞. Then

∑n∈Zf(n)=−∑a∉ZRes⁡(πcot⁡(πz)f(z),a),

where the sum on the right is over the nonintegral poles of f.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function f with no integer pole and with f(z)=O(z−2) at infinity.

[L1]

The zeros of sin⁡(πz) are exactly the integers, and they are simple because (sin⁡(πz))′=πcos⁡(πz) does not vanish there (The zeros of complex sine are the integer multiples of pi, and the zeros of complex cosine are the odd half-integer multiples of pi, Complex sine, cosine, hyperbolic sine, and hyperbolic cosine are entire with their standard derivatives).

[L2]

If q has a simple zero at a, then Res⁡(p/q,a)=p(a)/q′(a) (Residues of p over q at a simple zero of q).

[L3]

The residue theorem applies on expanding rectangles (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L2

Let F(z)=πcot⁡(πz)f(z). By [L1], sin⁡(πz) has a simple zero at [L1, L2, algebra] each integer n, so applied to πcos⁡(πz)f(z)/sin⁡(πz) gives Res⁡(F,n)=πcos⁡(πn)f(n)πcos⁡(πn)=f(n).

1.2given

Integrate F around the rectangle with vertices N+12±iN and −N−12±iN. On the vertical sides one has cot⁡(π(x+iy))=∓itanh⁡(πy) because x=±(N+12), so ∣cot⁡∣ is uniformly bounded there. On the horizontal sides cot⁡(π(x±iN)) tends uniformly to ∓i as N→∞. Since f(z)=O(z−2), the integrand is O(z−2) on every side, and the boundary integral tends to 0.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2L3∎

By [L3], the sum of all residues of F inside the rectangle is therefore 0. Those residues are the integer residues from step 1.1 together with the nonintegral poles of f. Letting N→∞ yields ∑n∈Zf(n)+∑a∉ZRes⁡(πcot⁡(πz)f(z),a)=0, which is the stated identity.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

Cosecant residues sum an alternating rational series over the integers

Statement

Let f be a rational function such that f(n) is defined for every n∈Z and f(z)=O(z−2) as ∣z∣→∞. Then

∑n∈Z(−1)nf(n)=−∑a∉ZRes⁡(πcsc⁡(πz)f(z),a),

where the sum on the right is over the nonintegral poles of f.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A rational function f with no integer pole and with f(z)=O(z−2) at infinity.

[L2]

Residues at simple zeros are computed by the quotient rule (Residues of p over q at a simple zero of q).

[L3]

The residue theorem applies on expanding rectangles (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L2

Let F(z)=πcsc⁡(πz)f(z). By [L1], sin⁡(πz) has a simple zero at [L1, L2, algebra] each integer n, and gives Res⁡(F,n)=πf(n)πcos⁡(πn)=(−1)nf(n).

1.2given

On the same rectangles used for the cotangent theorem, the factor csc⁡(πz) is uniformly bounded on the vertical sides because ∣sin⁡(π(N+12+iy))∣=∣cosh⁡(πy)∣≥1, and on the horizontal sides it decays exponentially like e−π∣N∣. Since f(z)=O(z−2), the boundary integral of F tends to 0.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2L3∎

Applying [L3] and letting the rectangle expand gives ∑n∈Z(−1)nf(n)+∑a∉ZRes⁡(πcsc⁡(πz)f(z),a)=0. Rearranging yields the stated alternating summation formula.

CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

The Basel sum is pi squared over six by a residue computation

Statement

∑n=1∞1n2=π26.

This computation uses πcot⁡(πz)/z2 directly. It does not follow by substituting f(z)=1/z2 into the cotangent summation theorem, because that theorem excludes integer poles of f.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The meromorphic function F(z)=πcot⁡(πz)/z2.

[L2]

The residue theorem applies on expanding rectangles, and the same boundary estimate as in the cotangent summation proof makes the rectangle integral of F tend to 0 (The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

At every nonzero integer n, the function πcot⁡(πz) has residue 1, so F has residue 1/n2 there.

1.2L1algebra

Near 0 one has sin⁡(πz)=πz−π3z36+O(z5),cos⁡(πz)=1−π2z22+O(z4), so πcot⁡(πz)=1z−π23z+O(z3). Therefore F(z)=1z3−π23z+O(z), and the residue of F at 0 is −π2/3.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2L2∎

Integrate F around the rectangles used in the cotangent theorem. By [L2], the boundary integral tends to 0, so the sum of the enclosed residues tends to 0. Hence 2∑n=1∞1n2−π23=0, which rearranges to the Basel value.

False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

FALSE: the residue theorem applies to every cycle in the ambient domain

Statement

False claim: if f is meromorphic on an open set Ω and Γ is any cycle in Ω∖S, then

∫Γf(z) dz=2πi∑a∈Sn(Γ,a)Res⁡(f,a).

The missing hypothesis is that Γ be null-homologous in Ω.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The punctured plane Ω=C∖{0}, the function f(z)=1/z, and the positively oriented unit circle Γ.

[L1]

The residue theorem requires an admissible cycle, hence in particular null-homology in the ambient open set (Admissible cycles for the residue theorem, The residue theorem for a null-homologous cycle).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1given

In the punctured plane Ω=C∖{0}, the unit circle is not null-homologous: its winding number about the omitted point 0 is 1, not 0.

2.1step 1.1L1algebra∎

The function 1/z is holomorphic on Ω, so its pole set in the ambient domain is empty and the right-hand sum in the false claim is 0. However, the contour integral around the unit circle is 2πi. Thus the displayed equality fails, exactly because the cycle is not null-homologous in Ω.

False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

FALSE: existence of a Cauchy principal value forces improper convergence

Statement

False claim: if PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞f(x) dx exists, then ∫−∞∞f(x) dx exists as an ordinary improper integral.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The odd rational function f(x)=x/(1+x2).

[L1]

Principal value is defined by symmetric truncation and does not by itself assert separate one-sided convergence (Cauchy principal values at a finite singularity and on the real line, This page keeps Cauchy principal values distinct from genuine improper convergence).

[L2]

Ordinary improper convergence implies principal-value convergence, but the implication is not stated as an equivalence (Separate improper convergence implies convergence of the principal value).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1L1

Because f is odd, [given, L1] ∫−RRx1+x2 dx=0 for every R>0, so gives PV⁡ ⁣∫−∞∞x1+x2 dx=0.

2.1step 1.1L2algebra

On (0,∞) one has x/(1+x2)∼1/x, so ∫1∞x1+x2 dx=12log⁡(1+x2)∣1∞ diverges to +∞, and by oddness the left tail diverges to −∞. Therefore the ordinary improper integral does not exist.

3.1step 1.1step 2.1∎

So the existence of a principal value does not force ordinary improper convergence.

False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-27Open item page →

FALSE: denominator degree one more than numerator degree already forces convergence

Statement

False claim: if R=p/q is rational and deg⁡q=deg⁡p+1, then ∫−∞∞R(x) dx must converge.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The rational function R(x)=1/(1+x) on (0,∞), or symmetrically 1/x on the punctured real line.

[L1]

The two-degree gap in the rational residue theorem is the one used for unconditional improper convergence (Rational improper integrals without real poles are upper-half-plane residue sums).

[L2]

The rational p-test diverges at exponent 1 (The improper p-test for rational exponents).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1L2

A degree drop by one means that at infinity the rational function behaves like c/x with c≠0. The model case is exactly the p=1 tail in [L2], whose integral diverges logarithmically.

2.1L1

Therefore the hypothesis deg⁡q=deg⁡p+1 does not force improper [step 1.1, L1] ∎ convergence. The theorem uses the stronger two-degree gap for a reason.

False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-27Open item page →

FALSE: pointwise decay alone makes every large semicircle integral vanish

Statement

False claim: if f(z)→0 pointwise on the upper semicircle ∣z∣=R as R→∞, then ∫γR+f(z) dz→0.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The function f(z)=1/z and the upper semicircles γR+(t)=Reit.

[L1]

The correct large-arc lemma assumes control of z f(z), not only of f(z) itself (A rational large-semicircle integral vanishes under the zR(z) to 0 condition).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1givenalgebra

Along the upper semicircle, f(Reit)=e−it/R→0 pointwise. But ∫γR+dzz=∫0πiReitReit dt=iπ.

2.1L1

So the arc integral does not tend to 0 even though the pointwise values do. [step 1.1, L1] ∎ This is exactly why requires the stronger hypothesis on zf(z).

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

None yet.

Sources