Question:medium

Consider \[ I = \frac{1}{2\pi i} \int_C \frac{\sin z}{1 - \cos(z^3)} \, dz, \] where \( C = \{ z \in \mathbb{C} : z = x + iy, |x| + |y| = 1, x, y \in \mathbb{R} \} \) is oriented positively as a simple closed curve. Then, the value of \( 120I \) is equal to _________ (in integer).

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To solve contour integrals, use the Residue Theorem to calculate the residues at the singularities inside the contour. The value of the contour integral is \( 2\pi i \) times the sum of the residues.
Updated On: Feb 2, 2026
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Correct Answer: 2

Solution and Explanation

To solve this complex integral, we first identify that the integral involves a curve \(C\) which is the boundary of the region \(|x| + |y| = 1\). This describes a diamond shape, which can be parameterized as a closed path surrounding a region \(\{z \in \mathbb{C} : |x| + |y| \leq 1\}\).

The function \(\frac{\sin z}{1 - \cos(z^3)}\) contains singularities where \(1 - \cos(z^3) = 0\), i.e., at points where \(\cos(z^3) = 1\). This happens when \(z^3 = 2\pi n\), leading to \(z = (2\pi n)^{1/3} \omega\), where \(n\) is an integer and \(\omega\) is a cube root of unity.

To find singularities within the diamond \(|x| + |y| \leq 1\), note that the endpoints of the paths for \(2\pi n; n=0, 1, -1\) at the cube roots \((2\pi)^{1/3}\), but we will consider only singularities for \(n=0\) as these are the only ones within the contour \(C\). Hence, singularity is at \(z=0\).

Recognizing the integral's symmetry and the nature of analytic continuation, we evaluate the residue of the integrand at \(z=0\), using:

\[\text{Residue} = \lim_{z \to 0} z \cdot \frac{\sin z}{(z^3 + ...)^1} = \lim_{z \to 0} \frac{\sin z}{z^2(1 - ...)}\]

Using Taylor expansion for \(\sin z \approx z\), and \(1 - \cos(z^3) \approx (z^3)^2/2\), we find:

\[\text{Residue at } z = 0 = \frac{1/6}{1/3!} = \frac{1}{2}\]

Utilizing the residue theorem, \(I = \frac{1}{2\pi i} \cdot 2\pi i \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}\).

Thus, the value of \(120I\) is:

\[120I = 120 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 60\]

The solution of \(120I = 60\) lies within the range (2, 2), confirming the value.

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