Cambridge Tracts in Mathematics
and Mathematical Physics
. General Editors
G. H. HARDY, M.A., F.R.S.
E. CUNNINGHAM, M.A.
No. 2
THE
INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONS
OF A SINGLE VARIABLE
BY
G. H. HARDY, M.A., F.R.S.
Fellow of New College
Savilian Professor of Geometry in the University of Oxford
Late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge
SECOND EDITION
StfEJfij
"vr
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONDON
Fetter Lane, e.c. 4
BOOK 5 17.3.H222 c 1
2JBSL2 '"JURATION OF FUNCTIONS
UF SINGLE VARIABLE
T153 000121m
Cambridge Tracts in Mathematics
and Mathematical Physics
General Editors
G. H. HARDY, M.A., F.R.S.
E. CUNNINGHAM, M.A.
No. 2
THE INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONS
OF A SINGLE VARIABLE
Cambridge University Press
Fetter Lane, London
New York
Bombay, Calcutta, Madras
Toronto
Macmillan
Tokyo
Maruzen-Kabushiki-Kaisha
All rights reserved
THE
INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONS
OF A SINGLE VARIABLE
BY
G. H. HARDY, M.A., F.R.S.
Fellow of New College
Savilian Professor of Geometry in the University of Oxford
Late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge
SECOND EDITION
/
CAMBRIDGE
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
1928
22.2-
First Edition 1905
Second Edition 1916
Reprinted 1928
t-'RINT&O IN GREAT BRITAIN
PREFACE
f I iHIS tract has been long out of print, and there is still some
-*- demand for it. I did not publish a second edition before,
because I intended to incorporate its contents in a larger treatise on
the subject which I had arranged to write in collaboration with
Dr Bromwich. Four or five years have passed, and it seems very-
doubtful whether either of us will ever find the time to carry out
our intention. I have therefore decided to republish the tract.
The new edition differs from the first in one important point
only. In the first edition I reproduced a proof of Abel's which
Mr J. E. Littlewood- afterwards discovered to be invalid. The
correction of this error has led me to rewrite a few sections (pp. 36-41
of the present edition) completely. The proof which I give now is
due to Mr H. T. J. Norton. I am also indebted to Mr Norton,
and to Mr S. Pollard, for many other criticisms of a less important
character.
G. H. H.
January 1916.
CONTENTS
I. Introduction
II. Elementary functions and their classification
III. The integration of elementary functions. Summary of results
IV. The integration of rational functions .
1-3. The method of partial fractions .
4. Hermite's method of integration .
5. Particular problems of integration
6. The limitations of the methods of integration
7. Conclusion .......
V. The integration of algebraical functions
1. Algebraical functions .....
2. Integration by rationalisation. Integrals associated with
conies .......
3-6. The integral J R {x, sf{ax2 + 2frr + c)} dx .
7. Unicursal plane curves ....
8. Particular cases ......
9. Unicursal curves in space ....
10. Integrals of algebraical functions in general
11-14. The general form of the integral of an algebraical function
Integrals which are themselves algebraical
15. Discussion of a particular case .
16. The transcendence of ex and log x
17. Laplace's principle .
18. The general form of the integral of an algebraical function
{continued). Integrals expressible by algebraical functions
and logarithms
PAGE
1
3
8
12
12
15
17
19
21
22
22
23
24
30
33
35
35
36
42
44
44
45
Vlll
CONTENTS
19. Elliptic and pseudo-elliptic integrals. Binomial integrals 47
20. Curves of deficiency 1. The plane cubic
21. Degenerate Abelian integrals
22. The classification of elliptic integrals .
VI. The integration of transcendental functions
1. Preliminary
The integral J R (eax, ehx, ... , ekx) dx
The integral j P (x, eax, ebx, ...)dx
The integral j ex R (x) dx. The logarithm-
Liouville's general theorem .
The integral J log x R(x)dx .
Conclusion . . .
tegral
Appendix I. Bibliography .
Appendix II. On Abel's proof of the theorem of v., § 11
48
50
51
52
52
52
55
56
59
60
62
63
66
THE INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONS OF
A SINGLE VARIABLE
I. Introduction
The problem considered in the following pages is what is sometimes
called the problem of ' indefinite integration ' or of ' finding a function
whose differential coefficient is a given function'. These descriptions
are vague and in some ways misleading ; and it is necessary to define
our problem more precisely before we proceed further.
Let us suppose for the moment that f(x) is a real continuous
function of the real variable x. "We wish to determine a function y
whose differential coefficient is f{x\ or to solve the equation
dx
fix) (1).
A little reflection shows that this problem may be analysed into a
number of parts.
We wish, first, to know whether such a function as y necessarily
exists, whether the equation (1) has always a solution ; whether the
solution, if it exists, is unique ; and what relations hold between
different solutions, if there are more than one. The answers to these
questions are contained in that part of the theory of functions of a
real variable which deals with 'definite integrals'. The definite
integral
* (2),
y= (7(0
Ja
which is defined as the limit of a certain sum, is a solution of the
equation (1). Further
y + c (3),
where G is an arbitrary constant, is also a solution, and all solutions of
(1) are of the form (3).
2 INTRODUCTION [i
These results we shall take for granted. The questions with which
we shall be concerned are of a quite different character. They are
questions as to the functional form of y when f(x) is a function of
some stated form. It is sometimes said that the problem of indefinite
integration is that of ' finding an actual expression for y when fix) is
given '. This statement is however still lacking in precision. The theory
of definite integrals provides us not only with a proof of the existence
of a solution, but also with an expression for it, an expression in the
form of a limit. The problem of indefinite integration can be stated
precisely only when we introduce sweeping restrictions as to the classes
of functions and the modes of expression which we are considering.
Let us suppose that/(#) belongs to some special class of functions
if. Then we may ask whether y is itself a member of iF, or can be
expressed, according to some simple standard mode of expression, in
terms of functions which are members of J\ To take a trivial
example, we might suppose that & is the class of polynomials with
rational coefficients : the answer would then be that y is in all cases
itself a member of J\
The range and difficulty of our problem will depend upon our
choice of (1) a class of functions and (2) a standard 'mode of ex-
pression'. We shall, for the purposes of this tract, take 69 to be the
class of elementary functions, a class which will be defined precisely in
the next section, and our mode of expression to be that of explicit
expression in finite terms, i.e. by formulae which do not involve passages
to a limit.
One or two more preliminary remarks are needed. The subject-
matter of the tract forms a chapter in the 'integral calculus'*, but
does not depend in any way on any direct theory of integration. Such
an equation as
y = jf(x)dx (4)
is to be regarded as merely another way of writing (1) : the integral
sign is used merely on grounds of technical convenience, and might
be eliminated throughout without any substantial change in the
argument.
* Euler, the first systematic writer on the 'integral calculus', defined it in
a manner which identifies it with the theory of differential equations : ' calculus
integralis est methodus, ex data differentials m relatione inveniendi relationem
ipsarum quantitatum' (Institutiones calculi integralis, p. 1). We are concerned
only with the special equation (1), but all the remarks we have made may be
generalised so as to apply to the wider theory.
II] ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION 3
The variable x is in general supposed to be complex. But the tract
should be intelligible to a reader who is not acquainted with the theory
of analytic functions and who regards x as real and the functions of x
which occur as real or complex functions of a real variable.
The functions with which we shall be dealing will always be such
as are regular except for certain special values of x. These values of
x we shall simply ignore. The meaning of such an equation as
'dx ,
= logx
/
x
is in no way affected by the fact that l/x and \ogx have infinities for
^ = 0.
II. Elementary functions and their classification
An elementary function is a member of the class of functions which
comprises
(i) rational functions,
(ii) algebraical functions, explicit or implicit,
(iii) the exponential function e*,
(iv) the logarithmic function log x,
(v) all functions which can be defined by means of any finite
combination of the symbols proper to the preceding four classes of
functions.
A few remarks and examples may help to elucidate this definition.
1. A rational function is a function defined by means of any finite
combination of the elementary operations of addition, multiplication,
and division, operating on the variable x.
It is shown in elementary algebra that any rational function of x
may be expressed in the form
A*) = ri
b0xn +blxn~l +... + bn'
where m and n are positive integers, the a's and 6's are constants, and
the numerator and denominator have no common factor. We shall
adopt this expression as the standard form of a rational function. It
is hardly necessary to remark. that it is in no way involved in the
4 ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION [il
definition of a rational function that these constants should be rational
or algebraical* or real numbers. Thus
x* + x + i J2
x sj2 — e
is a rational function.
2. An explicit algebraical function is a function defined by means
of any finite combination of the four elementary operations and any
finite number of operations of root extraction. Thus
jS::i:jg:g- ***•* {*&&'
are explicit algebraical functions. And so is xm/n (i.e. ?jxm) for any
integral values of m and n. On the other hand
x^\ xl+i
are not algebraical functions at all, but transcendental functions, a&
irrational or complex powers are defined by the aid of exponentials
and logarithms.
Any explicit algebraical function of x satisfies an equation
whose coefficients are polynomials in x. Thus, for example, the
function
y= Jx+ J{x + Jx)
satisfies the equation
3/4 - (4«/2 + 4# + 1)^ = 0,
The converse is not true, since it has been proved that in general
equations of degree higher than the fourth have no roots which are
explicit algebraical functions of their coefficients. A simple example
is given by the equation
y5-y-x = 0.
We are thus led to consider a more general class of functions, implicit
algebraical functions, which includes the class of explicit algebraical
functions.
* An algebraical number is. a number which is the root of an algebraical equa-
tion whose coefficients are integral. It is known that there are numbers (such as
e and ir) which are not roots of any such equation. See, for example, Hobson's
Squaring the circle (Cambridge, 1913).
1-3] ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION 5
3. An algebraical function of x is a function which satisfies an
equation
P0y" + P1y»-1+...+Pn = 0 (1)
-whose coefficients are polynomials in x.
Let us denote by P (x, y) a polynomial such as occurs on the left-
hand side of (1). Then there are two possibilities as regards any
particular polynomial P (x, y). Either it is possible to express P (x, y)
as the product of two polynomials of the same type, neither of which
is a mere constant, or it is not. In the first case P (x, y) is said to
be reducible, in the second irreducible. Thus
y*-x* = (f + x)(f-x)
is reducible, while both y2 + x and y2 - x are irreducible.
The equation (1) is said to be reducible or irreducible according as
its left-hand side is reducible or irreducible. A reducible equation can
always be replaced by the logical alternative of a number of irreducible
equations. Reducible equations are therefore of subsidiary importance
only ; and we shall always suppose that the equation (1) is irreducible.
An algebraical function of x is regular except at a finite number
of points which are poles or branch points of the function. Let D be
any closed simply connected domain in the plane of x which does
not include any branch point. Then there are n and only n distinct
functions which are one-valued in D and satisfy the equation (1).
These n functions will be called the roots of (1) in D. Thus if we
write
x = r (cos 0 + i sin 0),
where — tt < 0 ^ ?r, then the roots of
y2-x = 0,
in the domain
0<:?\%r^r2, — 7r< — 7r+S^#^7r-S<7r,
are Jx and - Jx, where
Jx = Jr (cos J 0 + i sin \ 0).
The relations which hold between the different roots of (1) are of
the greatest importance in the theory of functions*. For our present
purposes we require only the two which follow.
(i) Any symmetric polynomial in the roots yu y2, ...,yn of (1) is
a rational function of x.
* For fuller information the reader may be referred to Appell and Goursat's
Theorie des fonctions algebriques.
6 ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION [il
(ii) Any symmetric polynomial in y2, y3, ...,#n is a polynomial in
yx with coefficients which are rational functions of x.
The first proposition follows directly from the equations
2M2-^ = (-l)8(^-,W (5=1, 2,.. .,71).
To prove the second we observe that
2 y2i'z---y*= 2 yiy2.-.y8-i-yi 2 y2y3 — y«-i>
2,3,... 1,2,... 2,3,...
so that the theorem is true for 2#2y3...y8 if it is true for 2y2y3 ... ys-i-
It is certainly true for
It is therefore true for 2y2#3 •••#8? and so for any symmetric polynomial in
yi,3bf — >?»-
4. Elementary functions which are not rational or algebraical are
called elementary transcendental functions or elementary transcendents.
They include all the remaining functions which are of ordinary occur-
rence in elementary analysis.
The trigonometrical (or circular) and hyperbolic functions, direct
and inverse, may ail be expressed in terms of exponential or logarithmic
functions by means of the ordinary formulae of elementary trigonometry.
Thus, for example,
eix — e~ix . •, ex — e~x
sin x = — —. — , sinn x = — - — ,
2^
arc tan * = i.log(±^), arg tanh * = \ log ( J-±|) .
There was therefore no need to specify them particularly in our
definition.
The elementary transcendents have been further classified in a
manner first indicated by Liouville*. According to him a function is
a transcendent of the first order if the signs of exponentiation or of
the taking of logarithms which occur in the formula which defines
it apply only to rational or algebraical functions. For example
xe~x2, (f2 + exJ(log x)
are of the first order ; and so is
arc tan -^L,
* 'Memoire sur la classification des transcendantes, et sur l'impossibilite
d'exprimer les racines de certaines Equations en fonction finie explicite des
coefficients', Journal de mathematiques, ser. 1, vol. 2, 1837, pp. 56-104; 'Suite du
memoire...', ibid. vol. 3, 1838, pp. 523-546.
3-4] ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION 7
where y is defined by the equation
y*-y-x = Q;
and so is the function y defined by the equation
tf — y — e* log x - 0.
An elementary transcendent of the second order is one denned by
a formula in which the exponentiations and takings of logarithms are
applied to rational or algebraical functions or to transcendents of the
first order. This class of functions includes many of great interest and
importance, of which the simplest are
ee , log logx.
It also includes irrational and complex powers of x, since, e.g.,
# V2 - g V2 log x ^.1+i = e(l+i)logx .
the function xx = e*1°ex;
and the logarithms of the circular functions.
It is of course presupposed in the definition of a transcendent of the
second kind that the function in question is incapable of expression as
one of the first kind or as a rational or algebraical function. The
function
elogR{x)
where R {x) is rational, is not a transcendent of the second kind, since
it can be expressed in the simpler form R (x).
It is obvious that we can in this way proceed to define transcendents
of the nth. order for all values of n. Thus
log log log x, log log log log x,
are of the third, fourth, orders.
Of course a similar classification of algebraical functions can be and
has been made. Thus we may say that
Jx, J(x + Jx), J{x + J{x + Jx)\,
are algebraical functions of the first, second, third, orders. But
the fact that there is a general theory of algebraical equations and
therefore of implicit algebraical functions has deprived this classifica-
tion of most of its importance. There is no such general theory
of elementary transcendental equations*, and therefore we shall not
* The natural generalisations of the theory of algebraical equations are to
be found in parts of the theory of differential equations. See Konigsberger,
' Bemerkungen zu Liouville's Classiticirung der Transcendenten ', Math. Annalen,
vol. 28, 1886, pp. 483-492.
8 THE INTEGRATION OF ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS [ill
rank as 'elementary* functions defined by transcendental equations
such as
y = xhgy,
but incapable (as Liouville has shown that in this case y is incapable)
of explicit expression in finite terms.
5. The preceding analysis of elementary transcendental functions
rests on the following theorems :
(a) (? is not an algebraical function of x ;
(b) log x is not an algebraical function of x ;
(c) log x is not expressible in finite terms by means of signs of
exponentiation and of algebraical operations explicit or implicit* ;
(d) transcendental functions of the first, second, third, orders
actually exist.
A proof of the first two theorems will be given later, but limitations
of space will prevent us from giving detailed proofs of the third and
fourth. Liouville has given interesting extensions of some of these
theorems : he has proved, for example, that no equation of the form
Aeal> + Be?? + ... + R&p = S,
where jy, A, B, ..., R, £ are algebraical functions of x, and a, (3, ..., p
different constants, can hold for all values of x.
III. The integration of elementary functions.
Summary of results
In the following pages we shall be concerned exclusively with the
problem of the integration of elementary functions. We shall endeavour
to give as complete an account as the space at our disposal permits of
the progress which has been made by mathematicians towards the
solution of the two following problems :
(i) if J (x) is an elementary function, how can we determine
whether its integral is also an elementary function ?
(ii) if ths integral is an elementary function, how can we find it ?
It would be unreasonable to expect complete answers to these
questions. But sufficient has been done to give us a tolerably com-
plete insight into the nature of the answers, and to ensure that it
* For example, log x cannot be equal to e", where y is an algebraical function
of .r.
1-2] THE INTEGRATION OF ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS 9
shall not be difficult to find the complete answers in any particular
case which is at all likely to occur in elementary analysis or in its
applications.
It will probably be well for us at this point to summarise the
principal results which have been obtained.
1. The integral of a rational function (iv.) is always an elementary
function. It is either rational or the sum of a rational function and
•of a finite number of constant multiples of logarithms of rational
functions (iv., 1).
If certain constants which are the roots of an algebraical equation
are treated as known then the form of the integral can always be
determined completely. But as the roots of such equations are not in
general capable of explicit expression in finite terms, it is not in
general possible to express- the integral in an absolutely explicit form
(iv. ; 2, 3).
We can always determine, by means of a finite number of
the elementary operations of addition, multiplication, and division,
whether the integral is rational or not. If it is rational, we can
determine it completely by means of such operations ; if not, we
can determine its rational part (iv. ; 4, 5).
The solution of the problem in the case of rational functions may
therefore be said to be complete ; for the difficulty with regard to the
explicit solution of algebraical equations is one not of inadequate
knowledge but of proved impossibility (iv., 6).
2. The integral ot an algebraical function (v.), explicit or implicit,
may or may not be elementary.
If y is an algebraical function of x then the integral Jydx, or, more
generally, the integral
R (x, y) dx,
v
where R denotes a rational function, is, if an elementary function,
either algebraical or the sum of an algebraical function and of a finite
number of constant multiples of logarithms of algebraical functions.
All algebraical functions which occur in the integral are rational
functions of x and y (v. ; 11-14, 18).
These theorems give a precise statement of a general principle
enunciated by Laplace*: ll "integrate d'une fonction differentielle
* Theorie analytique des probabilites, p. 7.
10 THE INTEGRATION OF ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS [iir
(algebrique) ne pent contenir d'autres quantites radicaux que celles
qui entrent dans cette fonction ' ; and, we may add, cannot contain
exponentials at all. Thus it is impossible that
dx
i.
should contain ex or J(l-x) : the appearance of these functions in
the integral could only be apparent, and they could be eliminated
before differentiation. Laplace's principle really rests on the fact, of
which it is easy enough to convince oneself by a little reflection
and the consideration of a few particular cases (though to give a
rigorous proof is of course quite another matter), that differentiation
'will not eliminate exponentials or algebraical irrationalities. Nor, we
may add, will it eliminate logarithms except when they occur in the
simple form
A log cf> (x),
where A is a constant, and this is why logarithms can only occur
in this form in the integrals of rational or algebraical functions.
We have thus a general knowledge of the form of the integral
of an algebraical function y, when it is itself an elementary
function. Whether this is so or not of course depends on the nature
of the equation/^, y) = 0 which defines y. If this equation, when
interpreted as that of a curve in the plane (x, y), represents a unicwrsal
curve, i.e. a curve which has the maximum number of double points
possible for a curve of its degree, or whose deficiency is zero, then
x and y can be expressed simultaneously as rational functions of a third
variable t, and the integral can be reduced by a substitution to that
of a rational function (v. ; 2, 7-9). In this case, therefore, the integral
is always an elementary function. But this condition, though sufficient,
is not necessary. It is in general true that, when f(x, y) = 0 is not
unicursal, the integral is not an elementary function but a new
transcendent ; and we are able to classify these transcendents according*
to the deficiency of the curve. If, for example, the deficienc)' is unity,
then the integral is in general a transcendent of the kind known as
elliptic integrals, whose* characteristic is that they can be transformed
into integrals containing no other irrationality than the square root of
a polynomial of the third or fourth degree (v., 20). But there are in-
finitely many cases in which the integral can be expressed by algebraical
functions and logarithms. Similarly there are infinitely many cases
in which integrals associated with curves whose deficiency is greater
2-3] THE INTEGRATION OF ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS 11
than unity are in reality reducible to elliptic integrals. Such ab-
normal cases have formed the subject of many exceedingly interesting
researches, but no general method has been devised by which we can
always tell, after a finite series of operations, whether any given
integral is really elementary, or elliptic, or belongs to a higher order
of transcendents.
When f(w, y) = 0 is unicursal we can carry out the integration
completely in exactly the same sense as in the case of rational functions.
In particular, if the integral is algebraical then it can be found by
means of elementary operations which are always practicable. And
it has been shown, more generally, that we can always determine by
means of such operations whether the integral of any given algebraical
function is algebraical or not, and evaluate the integral when it is
algebraical. And although the general problem of determining whether
any given integral is an elementary function, and calculating it if it
is one, has not been solved, the solution in the particular case in which
the deficiency of the curve f(x, y) = 0 is unity is as complete as it is
reasonable to expect any possible solution to be.
3. The theory of the integration of transcendental functions
(vi.) is naturally much less complete, and the number of classes
of such functions for which general methods of integration exist is
very small. These few classes are, however, of extreme importance
in applications (vi. ; 2, 3).
There is a general theorem concerning the form of an integral of
a transcendental function, when it is itself an elementary function,
which is quite analogous to those already stated for rational and
algebraical functions. The general statement of this theorem will be
found in vi., § 5 ; it shows, for instance, that the integral of a rational
function of x, e* and logx is either a rational function of those
functions or the sum of such a rational function and of a finite
number of constant multiples of logarithms of similar functions.
From this general theorem may be deduced a number of more precise
results concerning integrals of more special forms, such as
I ye*dx, I y log x dx,
where y is an algebraical function of x (vi. ; 4, 6).
B 2
12 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS [iV
IV. Rational functions
1. It is proved in treatises on algebra* that any polynomial
Q {as) - bQasn + bxxn~x + . . . + bn
can be expressed in the form
b0 {as - %)*» {as - a2)»* ...{as- ar)*r,
where nun2, ... are positive integers whose sum is n, and a1} a2, ... are
constants ; and that any rational function R {as), whose denominator
is Q {as), may be expressed in the form
where A0, Ax, ... , p8tlt ... are also constants. It follows that
/
R {as) da = A0 + Ax — + ... + Apas+C
p+ 1 p p
^bgC-o,)-^--^,^^}.
From this we conclude that the integral of any rational function is an
elementary function which is rational save for the possible presence
of logarithms of rational functions. In particular the integral will be
rational if each of the numbers ft, x is zero : this condition is evidently
necessary and sufficient. A necessary but not sufficient condition is
that Q {as) should contain no simple factors.
The integral of the general rational function may be expressed in
a very simple and elegant form by means of symbols of differentiation.
We may suppose for simplicity that the degree of P {as) is less than
that of Q{as); this can of course always be ensured by subtracting
a polynomial from R{as). Then
KW Q{x)
1 8"-r P {as)
~{nx-l)\ (w2-l)! ... (»r-i)! 8o1»i-1aa2"a-1...3ar^-1 Q0{as)'
where Qo(#) = b0{as — ax) {as - a2) . . . {as - ar).
Now Try- = ^o 0*0 + 2 ? VTTTT^ >
Qo{x) s=l{x-a8)Q0'{a8)'
* See, e.g., Weber's Traite cTalgebre superieure (French translation by J. Griess,
Paris, 1898), vol. 1, pp. 61-64, 143-149, 350-353 ; or Chrystal's Algebra, vol. 1,
pp. 151-162.
1] RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 13
where wQ (x) is a polynomial ; and so
/ R (x) dx
where n0 (x) = j sr0 (x) dx.
But n W = * n -i a n -l a n -i
v ' oa^i * da/* 1...9ar*r x
is also a polynomial, and the integral contains no polynomial term,
since the degree of P (x) is less than that of Q (x). Thus II (x) must
vanish identically, so that
JB{x)
dx
1 dn-
s=i ^o (<*«; j
For example
That n0 (#) is annihilated by the partial differentiations performed on it
may be verified directly as follows. We obtain n0Cr) by picking out from
the expansion
C dx a2 ( 1 , /.r-«M
J {(* - a) C* - W " tfactf la -b g U - b)) '
^(1ti+p+-)(1+*
x2
:'2
the terms which involve positive powers of #. Any such term is of the form
A^-r-8l-8,-...aisla^ ?
where 8j +«2+ . . . ^ v - r^ n\ — r,
m being the degree of P. It follows that
81+82+...<n-r={m1— l)+(«i2-l)+... ;
so that at least one of *1} &,, ... must be less than the corresponding one of
»l,- 1, 7)1-2 — 1 5
It has been assumed above that if
Fto «)= /•/(*> «J^
fa J da
then
14 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS [IV
cF df d2F
The first equation means that /««— and the second that /-«a ^ . As it
^ J ox da dxda
df d2F
follows from the first that ^- = 0 _ , what has really been assumed is that
Oa Oa Ox
d*F = d*F
dadx dxda'
It is known that this equation is always true for x=x0, a = a0 if a circle
can be drawn in the plane of (#, a) whose centre is (.r0, oq) and within which
the- differential coefficients are continuous.
2. It appears from § 1 that the integral of a rational function is
in general composed of two parts, one of which is a rational function
and the other a function of the form
2^1 log (a? -a) (1).
We may call these two functions the rational part and the transcen-
dental part of the integral. It is evidently of great importance to
show that the ' transcendental part ' of the integral is really transcen-
dental and cannot be expressed, wholly or in part, as a rational or
algebraical function.
We are not yet in a position to prove this completely* ; but we can
take the first step in this direction by showing that no sum of the
form (1) can be rational, unless every A is zero.
Suppose, if possible, that
2 4 1og(*-a)=^|g (2),
where P and Q are polynomials without common factor. Then
A _PQ-pq
V-«- <? (3)-
Suppose now that (x-p)r is a factor of Q. Then P'Q-PQ' is
divisible by (x — p)7"'1 and by no higher power of x—p. Thus the
right-hand side of (3), when expressed in its lowest terms, has a factor
(x-p)r+1 in its denominator. On the other hand the left-hand side,
when expressed as a rational fraction in its lowest terms, has no
repeated factor in its denominator. Hence r = 0, and so Q is a con-
stant. We may therefore replace (2) by
3, A log (<r-a) = JP (*),
and (3) by *£-^ = !>{*).
Multiplying by x - a, and making x tend to a, we see that A - 0.
* The proof will be completed in v., 16.
1-4] RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 15
3. The method of § 1 gives a complete solution of the problem if
the roots of Q(x) = Q can be determined ; and in practice this is
usually the case. But this case, though it is the one which occurs
most frequently in practice, is from a theoretical point of view an
exceedingly special case. The roots of Q (x) = 0 are not in general
explicit algebraical functions of the coefficients, and cannot as a rule
be determined in any explicit form. The method of partial fractions
is therefore subject to serious limitations. For example, we cannot
determine, by the method of decomposition into partial fractions, such
an integral as
^ + 21^ + 2^-3^-3
!
djc.
(x7-x + if
or even determine whether the integral is rational or not, although it
is in reality a very simple function. A high degree of importance
therefore attaches to the further problem of determining the integral
of a given rational function so far as possible in an absolutely explicit
form and by means of operations which are always practicable.
It is easy to see that a complete solution of this problem cannot be
looked for.
Suppose for example that P(#) reduces to unity, and that Q(x) = 0 is
a,n equation of the fifth degree, whose roots ax, a2,...a5 are all distinct and
not capable of explicit algebraical expression.
Then (lK?)i.-&Bg=4
J l V (a»)
=\ogn{(x-a,)llQt^\
l
and it is only if at least two of the numbers Q1 (ng) are commensurable that
any two or more of the factors (.r — a*)1^'^ can be associated so as to give
a single term of the type A \og8 (x), where S (x) is rational. In general this
will not be the case, and so it will not be possible to express the integral in
any finite form which does not explicitly involve the roots. A more precise
result in this connection will be proved later ($ 6).
4. The first and most important part of the problem has been
solved by Hermite, who has shown that the rational part of the
integral can always be determined without a knowledge of the roots of
Q (,r), and indeed without the performance of any operations other
than those of elementary algebra*.
* The following account of Her mite's method is taken in substance from
Goursat's Cotlrs d' analyse mathematique (first edition), t. 1, pp. 238-241.
16 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS [IV
Hermite's method depends upon a fundamental theorem in
elementary algebra* which is also of great importance in the ordinary
theory of partial fractions, viz. :
1 If Xx and JT2 are two polynomials in x which have no common
factor, and X3 any third polynomial, then we can determine two poly-
nomials Au A2, such that
AiJCi + A.2JC2 — X3.
Suppose that Q(x) = QlQ2*Q9*...Qtt,
Qlf ... denoting polynomials which have only simple roots and of
which no two have any common factor. We can always determine
Qi, ... by elementary methods, as is shown in the elements of the
theory of equations f.
We can determine B and A1 so that
BQ1 + A1Qi*Q3*...Qtt = P}
and therefore so that
w Q. 4 WQs'-Qr
By a repetition of this process we can express R (x) in- the form
A, A.2 Aj
and the problem of the integration of R (x) is reduced to that of the
integration of a function
where Q is a polynomial whose roots are all distinct. Since this is so,
Q and its derived function Q' have no common factor : we can therefore
determine C and D so that
CQ + I)Q' = A.
Hence
(Adx!CA±Mdx
Jq- J q
J Qv~l v-l J dx \(/-V
D / E 1
- _ __ + dx,
O-i)^"1 JQ"'1
where E = £ + — — .
v — 1
* See Chrystal's Algebra, vol. 1, pp. 119 et seq.
t See, for example, Hardy, A course of pure mathematics (2nd edition), p. 20K.
4-5] RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 17
Proceeding in this way, and reducing by unity at each step the power
of 1/Q which figures under the sign of integration, we ultimately
arrive at an equation
f— dx = Rv r» + j-Q dx,
where Rv is a rational function and S a polynomial.
The integral on the right-hand side has no rational part, since all
the roots of Q are simple (§ 2). Thus the rational part of jR (x) dx is
Ro(x) + Rs(x) + ...+Rt(x),
and it has been determined without the need of any calculations other
than those involved in the addition, multiplication and division of
polynomials*.
5. (i) Let us consider, for example, the integral
[4xP + 21a6 + 2a? - 3a?2 - 3
mentioned above (§ 3). We require polynomials Au A2 such that
A1X1+A2X2=X3 (1),
where
Xi =x7-x+li X2 = 7j;« - I , X3 = 4.t,J + 21a6 + 2.V3 - %3? - 3.
In general, if the degrees of Xx and X2 are ml and »i2, and that of X3
does not exceed m1 + m2- 1, we can suppose that the degrees of Ax and A2 do
not exceed m2-l and ml — 1 respectively. For we know that polynomials
Bx and B2 exist such that
If Bx is of degree not exceeding m.>— 1, we take Al = B1, and if it is of higher
degree we write
BX = LVX, + AU
where Ax is of degree not exceeding m2—\. Similarly we write
B2=L2X,+A2.
We have then
(Zi+2,) XlX2+AlX1+A2X2=^X3.
In this identity Lx or X2 or both may vanish identically, and in any case we
see, by equating to zero the coefficients of the powers of x higher than the
(m,i + m2- l)th, that L\ + L2 vanishes identically. Thus X$ i.s expressed in
the form required.
The actual determination of the coefficients in Ax and A2 is most easily
performed by equating coefficients. We have then mx-\- m^ linear equations
* The operation of forming the derived function of a given polynomial can of
course be effected by a combination of these operations.
18 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS [iV
in the same number of unknowns. These equations must be consistent,
since we know that a solution exists*
If X3 is of degree higher than m1 + m2- 1, we must divide it by XXX2 and
express the remainder in the form required.
In this case we may suppose Ax of degree 5 and A2 of degree 6, and we
find that
A^-Zx2, J2=^3 + 3.
Thus the rational part of the integral is
x7 -x + V
and, since -3x2 + (x3 + 3)'=0, there is no transcendental part.
(ii) The following problem is instructive : to find the conditions that
!
aX* + 2&X + y ,
dx
dr
dx\Ax2 + 2Bx+C;
(Ax2 + 2Bx+C)2
may be rational, and to determine the integral when it is rational.
We shall suppose that Ax2 + 2Bx + C is not a perfect square, as if it were
the integral would certainly be rational. We can determine p, q and r
so that
p (Ax2 + 2Bx + C) + 2 (qx + r) (Ax + B) = ax2 + 2px+y,
and the integral becomes
qx + r . f _ dx
" Ax2 + 2Bx+C+{p + q) J Ax2 + 2Bx + C
The condition that the integral should be rational is therefore p -f q = 0.
Equating coefficients we find
A(p + 2q) = a, B(p + q) + Ar = $, Cp + 2Br = y.
Hence we deduce
a a /3
and Ay+ Ca = 2B$. The condition required is therefore that the two quadratics
ax2 + 2(3x + y and Ax% + 2Bx-\-C should be harmonically related, and in this
case
axi + 2(3x + y . a.v + P
(Ax2 + 2Bx + C)2 A (Ax2 + 2Bx + C)
(iii) Another method of solution of this problem is as follows. If we write
Ax2 + 2Bx+C=A (x-\)(x-(jl),
and use the bilinear substitution
then the integral is reduced to one of the form
J r
* It is easy to show that the solution is also unique.
/i
5-6] RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 19
and is rational if and only if b = 0. But this is the condition that the
quadratic ayl + 2by + c, corresponding to ax2 + 2$x + y, should be harmonically
related to the degenerate quadratic y, corresponding to Ax2 + 2Bx+C. The
result now follows from the fact that harmonic relations are not changed by
bilinear transformation.
It is not difficult to show, by an adaptation of this method, that
/
(ax2 + 2frx + y) (alx2 + 2p1x + yl) ... (anx2 + 2^nx+yn)
(Ax2 + 2Bx + C)n + 2 aX
is rational if all the quadratics are harmonically related to any one of those
in the numerator. This condition is sufficient but not necessary.
(iv) As a further example of the use of the method (ii) the reader may
show that the necessary and sufficient condition that
( f^-dx
where f and F are polynomials with no common factor, and F has no repeated
factor, should be rational, is that f'F'-fF" should be divisible by F.
6. It appears from the preceding paragraphs that we can always
find the rational part of the integral, and can find the complete integral
if we can find the roots of Q (x) = 0. The question is naturally
suggested as to the maximum of information which can be obtained
about the logarithmic part of the integral in the general case in which
the factors of the denominator cannot be determined explicitly. For
there are polynomials which, although they cannot be completely resolved
into such factors, can nevertheless be partially resolved. For example
aM - 2a? - 2a? - a? - 2^ + 2x + I = (a? + a? - 1) (a? -a?-2x-l)}
aM - 2a? - 2x7 -2d?- 4a? - a? -f 2x -f- 1
= {a? + a? J2 + x (J2 - 1)- 1J [a? - a? j2-x (J2 + 1) - 1}.
The factors of the first polynomial have rational coefficients : in the
language of the theory of equations, the polynomial is reducible in the
rational domain. The second polynomial is reducible in the domain
formed by the adjunction of the single irrational J2 to the rational
domain*.
We may suppose that every possible decomposition of Q(x) of this
nature has been made, so that
See Cajori, An introduction to the modem theory of /({nations (Macmillan,
1!K)4) ; Mathews, Algebraic equations {Cambridge tracts in mathematics, no. 6),
pp. 6-7.
20 RATIONAL FUNCTIONS [iV
Then we can resolve R (x) into a sum of partial fractions of the type
•P.
/
«.*■
and so we need only consider integrals of the type
P
!
Qd*>
where no further resolution of Q is possible or, in technical language,
Q is irreducible by the adjunction, of any algebraical irrationality.
Suppose that this integral can be evaluated in a form involving only
constants which can be expressed explicitly in terms of the constants
which occur in P/Q. It must be of the form
A1hgX1+...+AkhgX1e (1),
where the A's are constants and the Xs polynomials. We can
suppose that no X has any repeated factor £m, where k is a polynomial.
For such a factor could be determined rationally in terms of the co-
efficients of X, and the expression (1) could then be modified by
taking out the factor im from X and inserting a new term mA log £.
And for similar reasons we can suppose that no two X's have any
factor in common.
-ivt Pa -^-1 a Al2 A -A&
Now 0 2~F~ 2X~ " + X '
or P XiX2 . . . Xk = Q 2 A VX1 . . . Xv-iXJXv+\ . . . Xk .
All the terms under the sign of summation are divisible by Xx save the
first, which is prime to Xx. Hence Q must be divisible by X^ : and
similarly, of course, by X2, XS} ..., Xk. But, since P is prime to $,
X^X-2 ... Xk is divisible by Q. Thus Q must be a constant multiple of
XYXo ... Xk. But Q is ex hypothesi not resoluble into factors which
contain only explicit algebraical irrationalities. Hence all the A''s
save one must reduce to constants, and so P must be a constant
multiple of Q', and
P
i
dx = A\ogQ,
where A is a constant. Unless this is the case the integral cannot be
expressed in a form involving only constants expressed explicitly in
terms of the constants which occur in P and Q.
Thus, for instance, the integral
dx
!
oft + ax + b
6-7] RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 21
cannot, except in special cases*, be expressed in a form involving only
-constants expressed explicitly in terms of a and b ; and the integral
5#4 + c
/
x^ + ax + b
dx
■can in general be so expressed if and only if c = a. We thus confirm an
inference made before (§ 3) in a less accurate way.
Before quitting this part of our subject we may consider one farther
problem : under what circumstances is
i
R (x) dx = A log R1 (x)
where A is a constant and Rx rational ? Since the integral has no rational
part, it is clear -that Q (x) must have only simple factors, and that the degree
of P (x) must be less than that of Q (x). We may therefore use the formula
/'
R (x) dx = log U {(x - a8)P(as)/Q'(a8)}.
The necessary and sufficient condition is that all the numbers P(as)/Q' (ag)
■should be commensurable. If e.g.
then (a - y)/(a - /3) and (/3 - y)/(/3 - a) must be commensurable, i.e. (a - y)/(/3 - y)
must be a rational number. If the denominator is given we can find all the
values of y which are admissible : for y = (aq — fip)/(q - p), where p and q are
integers.
7. Our discussion of the integration of rational functions is now
complete. It has been throughout of a theoretical character. We
have not attempted to consider what are the simplest and quickest
methods for the actual calculation of the types of integral which occur
most commonly in practice. This problem lies outside our present
range : the reader may consult
0. Stolz, Grundzuge der Differential-und-integralrecknung, vol. 1,
ch. 7 :
J. Tannery, Lemons d'algdbre et d' analyse; vol. 2, ch. 18 :
Ch.-J. de la Vallde-Poussin, Cours d' analyse, ed. 3, vol. 1, ch. 5 :
T. J. I'A. Bromwich, Elementary integrals (Bowes and Bowes,
1911):
G. H. Hardy, A course of pure mathematics, ed. 2, ch. 6.
* The equation a:5 + a.r + &=:0 is soluble by radicals in certain cases. See
Mathews, I.e., pp. 52 et seq.
22 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
V. Algebraical Functions
1. We shall now consider the integrals of algebraical functions,
explicit or implicit. The theory of the integration of such functions is
far more extensive and difficult than that of rational functions, and
we can give here only a brief account of a few of the most important
results and of the most obvious of their applications.
If ylt yi9 ..., yn are algebraical functions of x, then any algebraical
function z of x, yl3 ... , yn is an algebraical function of x. This is
obvious if we confine ourselves to explicit algebraical functions. In
the general case we have a number of equations of the type
pv,o 0*0 yvmv + pv> 1 0) yvmv-x + • • • + Pv,mv (a) = o (* = i, a, .. . , »),
and PQ(x,yu ... ,yn) zm + ... +Pm(^y1, ...,y„) = 0,
where the P's represent polynomials in their arguments. The elimina-
tion of yu y2, ••• , yn between these equations gives an equation in z
whose coefficients are polynomials in x only.
The importance of this from our present point of view lies in the
fact that we may consider the standard algebraical integral under any
of the forms
lydw,
where/O,y)=0;
R (x, y) dx,
■
where f(x, y) = 0 and R is rational ; or
JR(x,yu ...,yn)dz,
where /, (x, y) = 0, . . ., /„ (x, yn) = 0. It is, for example, much more
convenient to treat such an irrational as
x-J(x+})~ J{x-l)
1 + J(x+1) + J(x-l)
as a rational function of x, yu y2, where yx - J(x +1), y2 = J(x - 1),
y^ - x + 1, yi-x— 1, than as a rational function of x and y, where
y = ,J(x + l) + J(x-l),
y* - Axy2 + 4 = 0.
To treat it as a simple irrational y, so that our fundamental equation is
(x - y)4 - 4:X (x - yf ( 1 + yf + 4 ( 1 + y)4 = 0
is evidently the least convenient course of all.
1-2] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 23
Before we proceed to consider the general form of the integral of an
algebraical function we shall consider one most important case in which
the integral can be at once reduced to that of a rational function, and
is therefore always an elementary function itself.
2. The class of integrals alluded to immediately above is that
covered by the following theorem.
If there is a variable t connected with x and y (or yu y2, ... , yn)
by rational relations
x = B1(t)i y*A(0
(or yx = BJH (t), y2 = Bfl (t), . . . ), then the integral
I R (x, y) dx
(or jR (x, yx, ... , yn) dx) is an elementary function.
The truth of this proposition follows immediately from the
equations
R(x,y) = R{Rl(t),R,(t)} = S(t),
^t=R1'(t)=T(t),
JR (x, y) dx = fs (t) T (t) dt = jU(t) dt,
where all the capital letters denote rational functions.
The most important case of this theorem is that in which x and y
are connected by the general quadratic relation
(a, b, c,f g, h\x,y, 1)2 = 0.
The integral can then be made rational in an infinite number of ways.
For suppose that (£, vj) is any point on the conic, and that
(y-v) = t(x-t)
is any line through the point. If we eliminate y between these
equations, we obtain an equation of the second degree in x, say
T()x2 + 2T1x+ T.2=0,
where T09 Tlt T2 are polynomials in t. But one root of this equation
must be £, which is independent of t ; and when we divide by x - $ we
obtain an equation of the first degree for the abscissa of the variable
point of intersection, in which the coefficients are again polynomials
in t. Hence this abscissa is a rational function of t ; the ordinate of
the point is also a rational function of t, and as t varies this point
24 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
coincides with every point of the conic in turn. In fact the equation
of the conic may be written in the form
au2 + 2huv + bi? + 2(a£ + kr)+g)u + 2 (k£ + brj +/) v = 0,
where u = x-$, v=y-r/, and the other point of intersection of the line
v = tu and the conic is given by
t 2\aZ + hr} + g + t(te + b-n +/)}
X'^ a + 2ht + bt2
_2t{a$ + hr) + g + t (h£ + by +/)}
'J~V ~~ a+2kt + bf '
An alternative method is to write
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 = b(y — fuc) (y - /jl'x),
so that y - /juv = 0 and y- fia = 0 are parallel to the asymptotes of
the conic, and to put
y-fiz = t.
m, , 2qx + 2fy + c
Then y-^x = -^ ^ — ;
and from these two equations we can calculate x and y as rational
functions of t. The principle of this method is of course the same as
that of the former method : (£, rj) is now at infinity, and the pencil of
lines through (£, rj) is replaced by a pencil parallel to an asymptote.
The most important case is that in which b ■= ™ 1,/= h = 0, so that
y2 = ax2 + 2gx + c.
The integral is then made rational by the substitution
2(a£ + g-ty) 2t(a£ + g-tr,)
X~*~ a-t2 ' J~V a-t2
where £, rj are any numbers such that
rj2 = a£2 + 2gk + c.
We may for instance suppose that f = 0, rj = Jc ; or that -q = 0, while £
is a root of the equation a£ + 2g£ + c = 0. Or again the integral is
made rational by putting y - x J a = t, when
f-c (t2 + c)Ja- 2gt
X~ 2(tJa-gY y 2{tja-g) '
3. We shall now consider in more detail the problem of the calculation of
R (x, y) dx,
where y = s!X=s/(ax2 + 2bx+c)*.
* We now write b for g for the sake of symmetry in notation.
/
2-4] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 25
The most interesting case is that in which a, b, c and the constants which
occur in R are real, and we shall confine our attention to this case.
Let *<*'>-?£&
where P and Q are polynomials. Then, by means of the equation
y2 = ax2 + 2bx + c,
R (x, y) may be reduced to the form
A + BsIX_(A+BsIX)(C-DsfX)
C+DK/X~ C2-D2X
where A, B, C, D are polynomials in x; and so to the form M+N>JX, where
M and N are rational, or (what is the same thing) the form
+ JX'
where P and Q are rational. The rational part may be integrated by the
methods of section iv., and the integral
sixdx
may be reduced to the sum of a number of iutegrals of the forms
/;
.(1),
.(2).
[ xr . f _dx_ f & + V j
JjX ' ){x-prJj£' J(ax* + 2px + yys!X X
where p, £, tj, a, /3, y are real constants and r a positive integer. The result
is generally required in an explicitly real form : and, as further progress
depends on transformations involving p (or a, 0,. y), it is generally not
advisable to break up a quadratic factor ax2 + 2(3x + y into its constituent
linear factors when these factors are complex.
All of the integrals (1) may be reduced, by means of elementary formulae
of reduction*, to dependence upon three fundamental integrals, viz.
[dx_ [ _dx [ $x + ri ,
JJX> ](x-p)JX' J(aX2 + 2(3x + y)s{X "
4. The first of these integrals may be reduced, by a substitution of the
type x = l + k, to one or other of the three standard forms
f dt f dt f dt_
j J(m*-t) ' J x/(t2+m2) ' J J(t2- nf) '
where m > 0. These integrals may be rationalised by the substitutions
2mu ._ 2mu _m(\+u2)
but it is simpler to use the transcendental substitutions
t = msm(f>i t = vmmhcf), t = m cosh <p.
* See, for example, Bromwicb, I.e., pp. 16 et seq.
26 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
These last substitutions are generally the most convenient for the reduction
of an integral which contains one or other of the irrationalities
>J(m2-t2\ V('2+™2), V('2-™2),
though the alternative substitutions
£=mtanh$, t = mta,n<p, t = ms,ec<j)
are often useful.
It has been pointed out by Dr Bromwich that the forms usually given in
text-books for these three standard integrals, viz.
. t . , t , t
arc sin — , arg smh — , arg cosh — ,
are not quite accurate. It is obvious, for example, that the first two of these
functions are odd functions of m, while the corresponding integrals are even
functions. The correct formulae are
. t . ■ t . t+J{t2 + m2)
arc sin , — ; , arg sinh , — . = log r — =
\m\y 5 \m\ & \m\
an d + arg cosh -!— L = log
\m\ m
where the ambiguous sign is the same as that of t. It is in some ways more
convenient to use the equivalent forms
arc tan j$hw) ' arg tanh W&tf) ' arg tanh7(ra") ■
t + J{t2-m2)
5. The integral I -. ^—n
X
may be .evaluated in a variety of ways.
If p is a root of the equation X=0, then X may be written in the form
a(x—p)(x — q), and the value of the integral is given by one or other of the
formulae
f dx 2 //x-q\
J (x -p) >/{(x -p)(x- q)} ~ q^p V \x - p) '
h
dx 2
(x-pfl'2 Z(x-p)W
We may therefore suppose that p is not a root of X=Q.
(i) We may follow the general method described above, taking
£=P, v = J(ap2 + 2bp + c)*.
Eliminating y from the equations
y2 = ax2 + 2bx+c, # — *? = £(#-£),
and dividing by x - £, we obtain
t2 (# - £) + fyt- a (x + £) - 26 =0,
2dt dx dx
and so
t2 — a t{x — i-) + r) y
* Cf. Jordan, Cours d'analyse, ed. 2, vol. 2, p. 21.
4-5] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 27
Hence f^^^j—^—y
But (£-a)(#-£)-2a£+2&-2ij*;
and so
If ap2-\-'2bp-\-c<0 the transformation is imaginary.
Suppose, e.g., (a) y = ^/(*+l), p=0, or (6) y = ,/(#-!), p-0. We find
w feSrrr1^-^
V(*+i)
where *2.r + 2* - 1 == 0,
, -1+V(*+1)
01" £ = — ;
and
where i2o? + 2t£ -1 = 0.
Neither of these results is expressed in the simplest form, the second in
particular being very inconvenient.
(ii) The most straightforward method of procedure is to use the
substitution
1
*-p~r
We then obtain
f dx _ f dt
where rtl5 bu c1 are certain simple functions of a, 6, c, and jp. The further
reduction of this integral has been discussed already.
(iii) A third method of integration is that adopted by Sir G. Greenhill*
who uses the transformation
_s/(ax2 + '2bx + c)
x — p
It will be found that
f dx _ [ __ dt
J {x-p)JX " J j{(a^ + 2bp + c) t* + b*-ac} '
which is of one of the three standard forms mentioned in $ 4.
* A. G. Greenhill, A chapter in the integral calculus (Francis Hodgson, 1888),
p. 12 : Differential and integral calculus, p. 399.
C 2
28 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
6. It remains to consider the integral
( ^ + V dx_ [i*±v dx
where ax2 + 2fix + y or Xx is a quadratic with complex linear factors. Here
again there is a choice of methods at our disposal.
We may suppose that Xt is not a constant multiple of X. If it is, then
the value of the integral is given by the formula
](ax2 + 2bx + c)3'2 sf{(ac-b2)(a:r2 + 2bx + c)} '
(i) The standard method is to use the substitution
rS? (1)-
where fi and v are so chosen that
anv + b(n + v) + c = 0, a/iv + /3(/n + v)-+y = 0 (2).
The values of fi and v which satisfy these conditions are the roots of the
quadratic
(a/3 - ba) /z2 ■- (ca -ay) fi + (by - cp) = 0.
The roots will be real and distinct if
(ca - ay)2 > 4 (a/3 - ba) (by - c/3),
or if (ay + ca - 2&/3)2 > 4 (ac-62) (ay -,82) (3).
Now ay-/32>0, so that (3) is certainly satisfied if ac- b2<0. But if ac-b2
and ay-/32 are both positive then ay and ca have the same sign, and
(ay + ca-260)2^(|ay + ca|-2|^|)2>4y(acay)-|60|}2
= 4 [(ac - b2) (ay - /32) + { | b \ J (ay) - | /3 1 ^(ac)}2]
^>4(ac-&2)(ay-/32).
Thus the values of fi and v are in any case real and distinct.
It will be found, on carrying out the substitution (1), that
(& + 1 dv-H [ — tdt- + K [- -* —
where A, B, A, B, If, and K are constants Of these two integrals, the first
is rationalised by the substitution
t _
s/(AtT~B)-W>
and the second by the substitution
1
J(At2 + B) *T
It should be observed that this method fails in the special case in which
* Bromwich, I.e., p. 16.
t The method sketched here is that followed by Stolz (see the references given
on p. 21). Dr Bromwich's method is different in detail but the same in principle.
6] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 29
aft-ba = 0. In this case, however, the substitution ax + b = t reduces the
integral to one of the form
[ Ht + K
j(At2 + B)>J(At2+£)ah
and the reduction may then be completed as before.
(ii) An alternative method is to use Sir G. Greenhill's substitution
V \aa? + 2l3x+y) \J \X\) '
If J= (a/3 - ba) x2 — (ca — ay) x + (by — c/3),
then ldx = XX- (1)'
The maximum and minimum values of t are given by J=0.
Again ,2_X=(«-AW2(;,-X3)* + (C-XY).
X\
and the numerator will be a perfect square if
K = (ay - /32) X2 - (ay + ca - 26/3) X + (ac - b2) = 0.
It will be found by a little calculation that the discriminant of this
quadratic and that of J differ from one another and from
(<£-0,)(0-M(*'-<fc)«>'-0i'),
where 0, #' are the roots of Z=0 and <f>u <£/ those of X1 = 0i only by
a constant factor which is always negative. Since fa and <£/ are conjugate
complex numbers, this product is positive, and so J=0 and K=Q have real
roots*. We denote the roots of the latter by
Xi, X2 (Xi>X3).
Then x, - *- {* ^X"- "V+ ^ " g)P = &£* (ft
,2 v Wfo-XgaH^c-Agy)}' (m'x + n'f
f _A2 = -j = 2f~ • K*h
say. Further, since t2 — X can vanish for two equal values of x only if X is
equal to Xx or X2, i.e. when t is a maximum or a minimum, J can differ from
(mx + ?i) (ra'.z + %')
only by a constant factor; and by comparing coefficients and using the
identity
(ap-ba)2
ay-P2
we find that J—<J(ay — fi2) (mx + n) (m'x + n') (3).
Finally, -we can write t-x+rj in the form
A (mx + n) + B(m'x+n').
* That the roots of J=0 are real has been proved already (p. 28) in a different
manner.
(\la-a)(a-\2a) =
dt
30 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
Using equations (1), (2), (2'), and (3), we find that
(&±n &„ {A(m*+»)+B (»'«+»') JXidt
J X\ s'X J J
A f dt B (
" s/(«y - P2) J V(Xi - f) + J(°y -(f)] ~s!(? - \) '
and the integral is reduced to a sum of two standard forms.
This method is very elegant, and has the advantage that the whole work
of transformation is performed in one step. On the other hand it is
somewhat artificial, and it is open to the logical objection that it introduces
the root ^Xu which, in virtue of Laplace's principle (in., 2), cannot really
be involved in the final result*.
7. We may now proceed to consider the general case to which the
theorem of iv., § 2 applies. It will be convenient to recall two well-
known definitions in the theory of algehraical plane curves. A curve
of degree n can have at most J (« - 1) (n - 2) double points t. If the
actual number of double points is v, then the number
p=%(n-\)(n-2)-v
is called the deficiency % of the curve.
If the coordinates x, y of the points on a curve can be expressed
rationally in terms of a parameter t by means of equations
x = Rl(t), y = R*(t),
then we shall say that the curve is unicursal. In this case we have
seen that we can always evaluate
I R (x, y) dx
in terms of elementary functions.
The fundamental theorem in this part of our subject is
' A curve whose deficiency is zero is unicursal, and vice versa '.
Suppose first that the curve possesses the maximum number of
double points §. Since
J(«-l)(»-2) + «~3 = |(»-2)(« + l)-l,
* The superfluous root may be eliminated from the result by a trivial trans-
formation, just as J(l + x2) may be eliminated from
ttrcsinj(rb)
by writing this function in the form arc tan x.
f Salmon, Higher plane curves, p. 29.
+ Salmon, ibid., p. 29. French genre, German Geachlecht.
§ We suppose in what follows that the singularities of the curve are all ordinary
nodes. The necessary modifications when this is not the case are not difficult to
6-7] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 31
and J(?i-2) (w + 1) points are just sufficient to determine a curve of
degree n-2*, we can draw, through the J (n- 1) (w - 2) double points
and n - 3 other points chosen arbitrarily on the curve, a simply infinite
set of curves of degree n — 2, which we may suppose to have the
equation
g(x,y)+tk(z,y) = 0,
where t is a variable parameter and g — 0, h = 0 are the equations of
two particular members of the set. Any one of these curves meets
the given curve in n(n-2) points, of which (n-l)(n-2) are ac-
counted for by the k(n-l) (w — 2) double points, and n- 3 by the
other n - 3 arbitrarily chosen points. These
(n - 1) (n - 2) + n - 3 = n (»- 2)— 1
points are independent of £ ; and so there is but owe point of inter-
section which depends on t. The coordinates of this point are given by
g (>, y) + tk(x,y) = 0, /(>, y) = 0.
The elimination of y gives an equation of degree n (n - 2) in x, whose
coefficients are polynomials in t ; and but one root of this equation
varies with t. The eliminant is therefore divisible by a factor of
degree n (n - 2) - 1 which does not contain t. There remains a simple
equation in x whose coefficients are polynomials in t. Thus the
^•-coordinate of the variable point is determined as a rational function
of t, and the ^-coordinate may be similarly determined.
We may therefore write
x = Rx(t), y = B2(t).
If we reduce these fractions to the same denominator, we express the
coordinates in the form
M*r ■' *»(<) {)'
where <£1} <£2, <£3 are polynomials which have no common factor. The
polynomials will in general be of degree n ; none of them can be of
make. An ordinary multiple point of order h may be regarded as equivalent to
\h (k - 1) ordinary double points. A curve of degree n which has an ordinary
multiple point of order »-l, equivalent to l(n- l)(n-2) ordinary double points,
is therefore unicursal. The theory of higher plane curves abounds in puzzling
particular cases which have to be fitted into the general theory by more or less
obvious conventions, and to give a satisfactory account of a complicated compound
singularity is sometimes by no means easy. In the investigation which follows we
contiiie ourselves to the simplest case.
* Salmon, I.e., p. 16.
-0 (2).
32 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
higher degree, and one at least must be actually of that degree, since
an arbitrary straight line
Kx + fxy + v = 0
must cut the curve in exactly n points*.
We can now prove the second part of the theorem. If
*:y:l::*i (*):*(*) :&(*).
where 4>u 02, 03 are polynomials of degree n, then the line
ux + vy + w - 0
will meet the curve in n points whose parameters are given by
i*4>i (0 + v4>2 (t) + w4>s (t) = 0.
This equation will have a double root t0 if
u4>i (t0) + v4>2 (tQ) + w4>3 (t0) = 0,
U>4>\ (to) + V4>2 (to) + w4>* (h) = 0.
Hence the equation of the tangent at the point tQ is
x y 1
01 (*o) 02 (^o) 03 (to)
0l' (*o) 4>2 (to) 4>3 (to)
If (x, y) is a fixed point, then the equation (2) may be regarded as
an equation to determine the parameters of the points of contact
of the tangents from '(a?, y). Now
02 (t0) 03' (t0) ~ 0a' (to) 03 (to)
is of degree 2n-2 in t0, the coefficient of t02n~l obviously vanishing.
Hence in general the number of tangents which can be drawn to a
unicursal curve from a fixed point (the class of the curve) is 2n - 2.
But the class of a curve whose only singular points are 8 nodes is
known! to be n (n - 1) - 28. Hence the number of nodes is
J {n (n - 1) - (2n - 2}} = J (n - 1) (n - 2).
It is perhaps worth pointing out how the proof which precedes requires
modification if some only of the singular points are nodes and the rest
ordinary cusps. The first part of the proof remains unaltered. The equation
* See Niewenglowski's Cours tie geometric anulytique, vol. 2, p. 103. By way. of
illustration of the remark concerning particular cases in the footnote (§) to page 30,
the reader may consider the example given by Niewenglowski in which
«2 t2 + l
equations which appear to represent the straight line 2x = y + l (part of the line
only, if we consider only real values of t).
f Salmon, I.e., p. 54.
7-8] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 33
(2) must now be regarded as giving the values of t which correspond to
(a) points at which the tangent passes through {x, y) and (b) cusps, since any
line through a cusp 'cuts the curve in two coincident points'* We have
therefore
2n-2 = m + K,
where m is the class of the curve. But
m = w(w-l)-28-3K,t
and so 8 + k = £ (n-1) (n-2). +
8. (i) The preceding argument fails if n< 3, but we have already-
seen that all conies are unicursal. The case next in importance is
that of a cubic with a double point. If the double point is not at
infinity we can, by a change of origin, reduce the equation of the
carve to the form
(ax + by) (ex + dy) -pa? + 3qx2y + Srxy2 + sy3 ;
and, by considering the intersections of the curve with the line
y = tx, we find
(a + bt) (c + dt) = t (a + bt) (c + dt)
X~p + 3qt + 3rf + sf y~p + 'Sqt + 3rt2 + sf
If the double point is at infinity, the equation of the curve is of the
form
(ax + (3y)2 (yx + by) + ex + £y + 6 = 0,
the curve having a pair of parallel asymptotes ; and, by considering
the intersection of the curve with the line ax +fy = t, we find
8f + & + Pd _ yf + ct + aB
X~ (Py-a8)t2+€/3-aC V~ ((3y-aB) f+ €J3- a£'
(ii) The case next in complexity is that of a quartic with three double
points.
(a) The lemuiscate (x2+y2)2=a2 (x2-y2)
has. three double points, the origin and the circular points at infinity. The
circle
x2+y2 = t(x-y)
* This means of course that the equation obtained by substituting for x and y,
in the equation of the line, their parametric expressions in terms of t, has a
repeated root. This property is possessed by the tangent at an ordinary point and
by any line through a cusp, but not by any line through a node except the two
tangents.
t Salmon, I.e., p. 65.
+ I owe this remark to Mr A. B. Mayne. Dr Bromwich has however pointed
out to me that substantially the same argument is given by Mr W. A. Houston, * Note
on unicursal plane curves', Messenger of mathematics, vol. 28, 1899, pp. 187-189.
34 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
passes through these poiuts and one other fixed point at the origin, as it
touches the curve there. Solving, we find
_a2t(t* + a*) _a2t(t2-a?)
(6) The curve 2ay* - %a2y2 = x4 - 2a2x2
has the double points (0, 0), (a, a), (-a, a). Using the auxiliary conic
x2 — ay = tx (y-a),
we find xJ^ (2 - 3^), y«|j (2 - M2) (2 - t2).
(hi) (a) The curve yn=xn + axn~1
has a multiple point of order n-1 at the origin, and is therefore unicursal.
In this case it is sufficient to consider the intersection of the curve with the
line y — tx. This may be harmonised with the general theory by regarding
the curve
as passing through each of the \{n- 1) (n- 2) double points collected at the
origin and through n - 3 other fixed points collected at the point
x— —a, y = 0.
The curves yn=xn + axn-1 (1),
y»=l+az (2),
are protectively equivalent, as appears on rendering their equations homo-
geneous by the introduction of variables z in (1) and x in (2). We conclude
that (2) is unicursal, having the maximum number of double points at
infinity. In fact we may put
y = t, az = tn-l.
The integral I R {*, #0 + az)\ dz
is accordingly an elementary function.
(b) The curve ym = A(x- cCf (x - b)v
is unicursal if and only if either (i) p = 0 or (ii) i/ = 0or (iii) p + v = m.
Hence the integral
* Rfa (x-ay/m(x-bfn}dx
'
is an elementary function, for all forms of 72, in these three cases only ; of
course it is integrable for special forms of R in other cases*.
* See Ptaszycki, ' Extrait d'une lettre adressee a M. Hermite ', Bulletin des
sciences mathematiques, ser. 2, vol. 12, 1888, pp. 262-270: Appell and Goursat,
Thcorie des fonctions algebrigues, p. 245.
8-10] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 35
9. There is a similar theory connected with unicursal curves
in space of any number of dimensions. Consider for example the
integral
R{x, J(ax + b\ J(cx + d)}dx.
i
A linear substitution x-lx-vm reduces this integral to the form
Rx\y, J(y + 2)}/s/(y-2)}dy;
I
and this integral can be rationalised by putting
The curve whose Cartesian coordinates £, % £ are given by
t.-n :{: 1 ::^+l : t(f + i) : t(f-l) :t\
is a unicursal twisted quartic, the intersection of the parabolic cylinders
$ = V2~2, f = P + 2.
It is easy to deduce that the integral
J [ v \m% + n/ v \mx + nj)
is always an elementary function.
10. When the deficiency of the curve f(x, y) = Q is not zero, the
integral
R (x, y) dx
i
is in general not an elementary function ; and the consideration of
such integrals has consequently introduced a whole series of classes of
new transcendents into analysis. The simplest case is that in which
the deficiency is unity : in this case, as we shall see later on, the
integrals are expressible in terms of elementary functions and certain
new transcendents known as elliptic integrals. When the deficiency
rises above unity the integration necessitates the introduction of new
transcendents of growing complexity.
But there are infinitely many particular cases in which integrals,
associated with curves whose deficiency is unity or greater than unity,
36 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
can be expressed in terms of elementary functions, or are even
algebraical themselves. For instance the deficiency of
tf^l+x3
is unity. But
/
x+1 dx . (l+^)2-3N/(l+^3)
x-2j(l+a?) ~ g (1 + x? + 3 V(l + Xs)
/
2 - x3 dx 2x
1 + Xs V(l + «") V(l + *3) "
And, before we say anything concerning the new transcendents to
which integrals of this class in general give rise, we shall consider what
has been done in the way of formulating rules to enable us to identify
such cases and to assign the form of the integral when it is an
elementary function. It will be as well to say at once that thi&
problem has not been solved completely.
11. The first general theorem of this character deals with the
case in which the integral is algebraical, and asserts chat if
i-
ydx
is an algebraical function of x, then it is a rational function of x and y.
Our proof will be based on the following lemmas.
(1) If f{x, y) and g (x, y) are polynomials, and there is no factor
common to all the coefficients of the various powers of y in g (x, y) ; and
where h (x) is a rational function of x ; then h (x) is a polynomial.
Let h = PjQ, where P and Q are polynomials without a common
factor. Then
If x - a is a factor of Q, then
9 (», y) = 0
for all values of y ; and so all the coefficients of powers of y in g (x, y)
are divisible by x — a, which is contrary to our hypotheses. Hence
Q is a constant and h a polynomial.
(2) Suppose that f(x, y) is an irreducible polynomial, and that
Vn Vi> •••> Vn are the roots of
A*, y) ~- 0
10-11] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 37
in a certain domain D. Suppose further that <f> (#, y) is another
polynomial, and that
Then <f> (x, y,) = 0,
where y8 is any one of the roots of (1) ; and
<t> 0, y) =/(*, y) <A 0*, y\
where if/ (x, y) also is a polynomial in x and y.
Let us determine the highest common factor & of / and <£, con-
sidered as polynomials in y, by the ordinary process for the deter-
mination of the highest common factor of two polynomials. This
process depends only on a series of algebraical divisions, and so sr is a
polynomial in y with coefficients rational in x. We have therefore
™(x,y) = u(x,y)\(x) (1),
fix, y) = a>(#, y)p (x, y)^{x) = g{x, y) fx (x) (2),
<t> 0, y) = (o O, y) q (w, y) v(x) = h (x, y) v (x) (3),
where a>, p, q, g, and h are polynomials and A, fx, and v rational
functions ; and evidently we may suppose that neither in g nor in h
have the coefficients of all powers of y a common factor. Hence, by
Lemma (1), ft and v are polynomials. But / is irreducible, and there-
fore fj. and either w or p must be constants. If <o were a constant,
tz would be a function of x only. But this is impossible. For we can
determine polynomials L, M in y, with coefficients rational in x, such
that
Lf+M$=iz (4),
and the left-hand side of (4) vanishes when we write yx for y. Hence
p is a constant, and so o> is a constant multiple of /. The truth of
the lemma now follows from (3).
It follows from Lemma (2) that y cannot satisfy any equation of
degree less than n whose coefficients are polynomials in x.
(3) If y is an algebraical function of x, defined by an equation
/(».»=<! a)
of degree n, then any rational function R(x,y) of x and y can be
expressed in the form
R{x,y) = R0 + R,y + ... + Rn_iyn~l (2),
where R0) JRlt ... , Rn_x are rational functions of x.
88 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
The function y is one of the n roots of (1). Let y,y',y", ••• be the
complete system of roots. Then
_Pfoy)g(*,y')9(*,30-'-- ^
e(^3/)«(^y)«(^y)-.. w'
where P and Q are polynomials. The denominator is a polynomial in
# whose coefficients are symmetric polynomials in y,y,y", ••-, and is
therefore, by n., § 3, (i), a rational function of x. On the other hand
Q(z>y')Q(x>y") •••
is a polynomial in x whose coefficients are symmetric polynomials
in y', y", ..., and therefore, by n., §3, (ii), polynomials in y with
coefficients rational in x. Thus the numerator of (3) is a polynomial
in y with coefficients rational in x.
It follows that R (x, y) is a polynomial in y with, coefficients rational
in x. From this polynomial we can eliminate, by means of (1), all
powers of y as high as or higher than the wth. Hence R (x, y) is of
the form prescribed by the lemma.
12. We proceed now to the proof of our main theorem. We have
\ydx-u
where u is algebraical. Let
f(x,y) = 0, +(x,u)=0 (1)
be the irreducible equations satisfied by y and u, and let us suppose
that they are of degrees n and m respectively. The first stage in the
proof consists in showing that
m = n.
It will be convenient now to write yu ux for y, w, and to denote by
y» #a, ••-,#», uuu2, ... ,um,
the complete systems of roots of the equations (1).
We have *f/ (x, u±) = 0,
, d\I/ dil/ dlli d\b d\b
andso * = ^¥l(te=ar^°-
Nowlet . ou^-ng^Jt
Then fi is a polynomial in uu with coefficients symmetric in yX) y2, ••• ■> yn
and therefore rational in x.
11-12] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 39
The equations \f/ = 0 and 0 = 0 have a root ux in common, and the
first equation is irreducible. It follows, by Lemma (2) of § 11, that
fi (>, u8) = 0
for s = l, 2, ... , 7w.* And from this it follows that, when s is given,
we have
2**£-» w
for some value of the suffix r.
But we have also
^ + ^^0 (3);
eta? 3ws «#
and from (2) and (3) it follows t that
£-* (4)-
i.«. that gvgry w is the integral of some y.
In the same way we can show that every y is the derivative of some u.
Let
Then w is a polynomial in yx , with coefficients symmetric mu1}u2, ...,um
and therefore rational in x. The equations /=0 and <o = 0 have a
root ^j. in common, and so
o) (a?, #r) = 0
for r = 1, 2, ... , 72. From this we deduce that, when r is given, (2) must
be true for some value of s, and so that the same is true of (4).
Now it is impossible that, in (4), two different values of s should
correspond to the same value of r. For this would involve.
us -ut = c
where s=¥t and c is a constant. Hence we should have
xf/ (x, us) =--0, if/ (a, us-c)= 0.
* If p (x) is the least cornraon multiple of the denominators of the coefficients
of powers of u in ft, then
ft (x, u) p{x) = x {&> u)>
where x is a polynomial. Applying Lemma (2), we see that x (x> u8) = 0' an^ so
ft (x, M8) = 0.
f It is impossible that \p and ~ should both vanish for u = ug, since \p is
irreducible.
40 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [v
Subtracting these equations, we should obtain an equation of degree
m - 1 in us, with coefficients which are polynomials in x ; and this is
impossible. In the same way we can prove that two different values of
r cannot correspond to the same value of s.
The equation (4) therefore establishes a one-one correspondence
between the values of r and s. It follows that
m = n.
It is moreover evident that, by arranging the suffixes properly, we can
make
£:* «
for r= 1, 2, ... , n.
13. We have
Vr = -j1 = - a - /^r- = ^ (#, wr),
^ dx dx/ dur v y
where R is a rational function which may, in virtue of Lemma (3) of
§11, be expressed as a polynomial of degree n-1 in ur, with co-
efficients rational in x.
The product
is a polynomial of degree n-1 in z, with coefficients which are sym-
metric polynomials in y1} y2, ..., yr_u yr+u ..., yn and therefore,
by II., § 3, (ii), polynomials in yr with coefficients rational in x.
Replacing yr by its expression as a polynomial in ur obtained above,
and eliminating urn and all higher powers of ur, we obtain an equation
n(z-y8)=lln2 SjJc(x)z3ur\
s*r j = 0 k=0
where the SPa are rational functions of x which are, from the method
of their formation, independent of the particular value of r selected.
We may therefore write
u(z-ys) = P(a, z, Ur),
where P is a polynomial in z and ur with coefficients rational in x. It
is evident that
P(x,ys, ur) = 0
for every value of s other than r. In particular
P O, yu ur) = 0 (r = 2, 3, ... , n).
12-14] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 41
It follows that the »■— 1 roots of the equation in u
P(x, yu u) = 0
are u2. uSi ..., un. We have therefore
P(x}yuu)=T0(x>y1)U(u-ur)
2
= T0 (.r, y,) {u11-1 - an-- («a + Ms + • • • + »») + • • • 1
where T^^r, yj is the coefficient of u1l~l in P, and 2?0(#) and Bx(x)
are the coefficients of un and m"-1 in i/r. Equating the coefficients of
un~2 on the two sides of this equation, we obtain
where 2^ (#, t/x) is the coefficient of «"~2 in P. Thus the theorem is
proved.
14. We can now apply Lemma (3) of § 11 ; and we arrive at the
final conclusion that if
jydx
is algebraical then it can be expressed in the form
R» + R$+... + Rn-1yn~\
where R0, Ru ... are rational functions of x.
The most important case is that in which
y = "J{R(x)\,
where R (x) is rational. In this case
yn=R(?) (i),
fy = R'(x) (2)
But
y = R0' + Rxy + . . . + R'n-iyu~l
+ {R1 + 2R2y+... + (n-l)Rn_1yn~*}^ (3).
Eliminating J*- between these equations, we obtain an equation
•(*,y) = o (4),
where vs (x, y) is a polynomial. It follows from Lemma (2) of §11
that this equation must be satisfied by all the roots of (1). Thus
(4) is still true if we replace y by any other root y of (!) ; and as
^- d
^O
42 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
(2) is still true when we effect this substitution, it follows that (3) is
also still true. Integrating, we see that the equation
/«
ydx =R0 + E1y+ ... + En-itf1'1
is true when y is replaced by y . We may therefore replace y by <ayr
u> being any primitive nth. root of unity. Making this substitution,
and multiplying by co'1-1, we obtain
b
ydx = o>n-lR<> + R^y + <*>R2y + . • . + co"-2^.^"*1 ;
and on adding the n equations of this type we obtain
jydx = R1y.
Thus in this case the functions R0, R2, ■•-, Rn-i all disappear.
It has been shown by Liouville* that the preceding results enable
us to obtain in all cases, by a finite number of elementary algebraical
operations, a solution of the problem ' to determine whether jydx is
algebraical, and to find the integral when it is algebraical1 '.
15. It would take too long to attempt to trace in detail the steps of the
general argument. We shall confine ourselves to a solution of a particular
problem which will give a sufficient illustration of the general nature of the
arguments which must be employed.
We shall determine under what circumstances the integral
dx
h
(x-p) J {ax2 + 2bx + c)
is algebraical. This question might of course be answered by actually
evaluating the integral in the general case and finding when the integral
function reduces to an algebraical function. We are now, however, in a
position to answer it without any such integration.
We shall suppose first that ax2 + 2bx + c is not a perfect square. In this
case
where
X=(x-p)2(ax2 + 2bx + c),
and if jydx is algebraical it must be of the form
R(x)
JX-
Hence ^stzz)'
or 2X=2XR'-RX'.
* 'Premier memoire sur la determination des integrates dont la valeur est
algebrique ', Journal de VEcole Poly technique, vol. 14, cahier 22, 1833, pp. 124-148 ;
' Second memoire...', ibid., pp. 149-193.
I
14-15] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 43
We can now show that R is a polynomial in x. For if R=UJV, where U
and V are polynomials, then V, if not a mere constant, must contain a factor
(x-af- 0*>O),
and we can put /£= : ,
W(x-a)»
where £7and W do not contain the factor x- a. Substituting this expression
for R, and reducing, we obtain
<2^E^=2U'WX-2UW'X- -UWX'-2W*X(x-aT.
x — a
Hence X must be divisible by x- a. Suppose then that
X=(x-a)k Y,
where Y is prime to x - a. Substituting in the equation last obtained we
deduce
(2>l+VUWV=2U>WY-2UW'Y-UWY'-2W2Y(x-a)IJ;
x-a
which is obviously impossible, since neither U, W, nor Y is divisible by x - a.
Thus V must be a constant. Hence
dx = U(x)
(x-p)fJ(ax2 + 2bx+c) (x - p) ,J{axi+ 2bx + c) '
where U (x) is a polynomial.
Differentiating and clearing of radicals we obtain
{(x-p)(U'-l)-U}(ax2+2bx+c)=U{x-p)(ax+b).
Suppose that the first term in U is Axm. Equating the coefficients of x™ + \
we find at once that m = 2. We may therefore take
U=Ax2 + 2Bx + C,
so that
{(x - p) (2Ax + 2B - 1 ) - Ax* - 2Bx - C} (ax2 + 2bx + c)
= {x-p)(ax+b)(Ax2 + 2Bx+C) (1).
From (1) it_follows that
(x-p)(ax + b)(Ax2 + 2Bx + C)
is divisible by ax2 + 2bx+c. But ax+b is not a factor of ax2 + 2bx+c, as
the latter is not a perfect square. Hence either (i) ax2 + 2bx+c and
Ax2 + 2Bx+C differ only by a constant factor or (ii) the two quadratics have
one and only one factor in common, and x-p is also a factor of ax2+2bx+c.
In the latter case we may write
ax2 + 2bx + c = a(x-p) (x-q), Ax2 + 2Bx + C=A (x-q)(x-r)y
where p^q, pj=r. It then follows from (1) that
a(x-p)(2Ax+2B-l)-aA (x-q)(x-r) = A (ax + b)(x-r).
Hence 2Ax + 2B — 1 is divisible by x- r. Dividing by a A (x-r) we obtain
2(x-p)-(x-q) = x+- = x-i{p + q),
Qj
and so p — qy which is untrue.
D 2
44 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
Hence case (ii) is impossible, and so ax2 + 2bx+c and Ax2 + 2Bx + G differ
only by a constant factor. It then follows from (1) that x-p is a factor
of ax2-{-2bx + c; and the result becomes
/,
dx _ J {ax2 + 2bx + c)
There remains for consideration the case in which ax2 + 2bx + c is a
perfect square, say a{x-q)2. Then
dx
(x — p) J {ax2 + 2bx -f c) x —p
where K is a constant. It is easily verified that this equation is actually
true when ap2 + 2bp + c = 0, and that
K_ !_
sj{b2-ac)'
The formula is equivalent to
f _dx 2 //x-q\
J (* ~P) *J{(* -p)(x~q)}~ q-p\/ \^p) '
3rati(
The
)(x~-p)(x-q)
must be rational, and so p = q.
As a further example, the reader may verify that if
3/3-3y-f2^ = 0
then ]ydx=^@xy-f)*
16. The theorem of § 11 enables us to complete the proof of the
two fundamental theorems stated without proof in ii., § 5, viz.
(a) e* is not an algebraical function of x,
(b) log x is not an algebraical function of x.
We shall prove (b) as a special case of a more general theorem, viz.
* no sum of the form
A log (x - a) + B log (x - /3) + . . . ,
in which the coefficients A, B, ... are not all zero, can be an algebraical
function of x\ To prove this we have only to observe that the sum
in question is the integral of a rational function of x. If then it is
algebraical it must, by the theorem of § 11, be rational, and this we
have already seen to be impossible (iv., 2).
That <f is not algebraical now follows at once from the fact that it
is the inverse function of log x.
17. The general theorem of § 11 gives the first step in the rigid
proof of VLaplace's principle' stated in in., § 2. On account of the
immense importance of this principle we repeat Laplace's words :
* Raffy, ' Sur les quadratures algebriques et logarithmiques ', Annales de VEcole
Normale, ser. 3, vol. 2, 1885, pp. 185-206.
15-18] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 45
lF integrate oV une f miction differentielle ne pent contenir d? autre* quan-
tities radicaux que celles qui entrent dans cette fonction '. This general
principle, combined with arguments similar to those used above (§ 15) in
a particular case, enables us to prove without difficulty that a great
many integrals cannot be algebraical, notably the standard elliptic
integrals
f dx f // I-ar» \ " f dx
JJ{(1 - Xs) (1 - *V)} ' J V Vl -W) ' J J(^ - g,x - gt)
which give rise by inversion to the elliptic functions.
18. We must now consider in a very summary manner the more
difficult question of the nature of those integrals of algebraical func-
tions which are expressible in finite terms by means of the elementary
transcendental functions. In the first place no integral oj any alge-
braical Junction can contain any exponential. Of this theorem it is, as
we remarked before, easy to become convinced by a little reflection,
as doubtless did Laplace, who certainly possessed no rigorous proof.
The reader will find little difficulty in coming to the conclusion that
exponentials cannot be eliminated from an elementary function by
differentiation. But we would strongly recommend him to study the
exceedingly beautiful and ingenious proof of this proposition given by
Liouville*. We have unfortunately no space to insert it here.
It is instructive to consider particular cases of this theorem. Suppose for
example that \ydx, where y is algebraical, were a polynomial in .v and ex, say
22am,n.vmenj: (1).
When this expression is differentiated, ex must disappear from it : otherwise
we should have an algebraical relation between x and cx. Expressing the con-
ditions that the coefficient of every power of ex in the differential coefficient
of (1) vanishes identically, we find that the same must be true of (1), so that
after all the integral does not really contain e& Liouville's proof is in reality
a development of this idea.
The integral of an algebraical function, if expressible in terms
of elementary functions, can therefore only contain algebraical or
logarithmic functions. The next step is to show that the logarithms
must be simple logarithms of algebraical functions and can only
enter linearly, so that the general integral must be of the type
I ydx ~u + A log c + B log //■ + ...,
* ' Meuioire sur les transcendantes elliptiques considered comrae functions de
leur amplitude', Journal de VKcole Poll/technique, vol. 14-, cahier 23, 1834,
pp. 37-83. The proof may also be found in Bertrand's Calcul integral, p. (.)9.
46 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
where A, B, ... are constants and u, v, w, ... algebraical functions.
Only when the logarithms occur in this simple form will differentiation
eliminate them.
Lastly it can be shown by arguments similar to those of §§ 11-14
that u, v, w, ... are rational functions of x and y. Thus jydx, if
an elementary function, is the sum of a rational function of x and
y and of certain constant multiples of logarithms of such functions.
We can suppose that no two of A, B, ... are commensurable, or indeed,
more generally, that no linear relation
Aa + BP+...=0,
with rational coefficients, holds between them. For if such a relation
held then we could eliminate A from the integral, writing it in the
form
/
ydx = u + B log (wv a) +
It is instructive to verify the truth of this theorem in the special case in
which the curve / (x, y) = 0 is unicursal. In this case x and y are rational
functions R(t\ S (t) of a parameter t, and the integral, being the integral of
a rational function of t, is of the form
u + A log v + B log w + . . . ,
where u, v, w, ... are rational functions of L But t may be expressed, by
means of elementary algebraical operations, as a rational function of x and y.
Thus w, v, w, ... are rational functions of x and y.
The case of greatest interest is that in which y is a rational function
of x and JX, where X is a polynomial. As we have already seen,
y can in this case be expressed in the form
1 +jx>
where P and Q are rational functions of x. We shall suppress the
rational part and suppose that y = QIJX. In this case the general
theorem gives
,-j^dx = S+ -~+ A log (a + pJX) + B log (y + hJX) + ...,
where #, T, a, fi, y, 8, ... are rational. If we differentiate this equation
we obtain an algebraical identity in which we can change the sign of
JX. Thus we may change the sign of JX in the integral equation.
If we do this and subtract, and write 2A> ... for A, ... , we obtain
k
18-19] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 47
which is the standard form for such an integral. It is evident that we
may suppose a, (3, y, . . . to be polynomials.
19. (i) By means of this theorem it is possible to prove that a number
of important integrals, and notably the integrals
dx
1 N/{(i - **) a - w» ' ) v {i - M **> j ;
are not expressible in terms of elementary functions, and so represent genuinely
new transcendents. The formal proof of this was worked out by Liouville*;
it rests merely on a consideration of the possible forms of the differential
coefficients of expressions of the form
and the arguments used are purely algebraical and of no great theoretical
difficulty. The proof is however too detailed to be inserted here. It is not
difficult to find shorter proofs, but these are of a less elementary character,
being based on ideas drawn from the theory of functions t.
The general questions of this nature which arise in connection with
integrals of the form
Q
i
dx
jXaxy
or, more generally, / ,-—> dx,
are of extreme' interest and difficulty. The case which has received most
attention is that in which m — 2 and X is of the third or fourth degree, in
which case the integral is said to be elliptic. An integral of this kind is
called pseudo-elliptic if it is expressible in terms of algebraical and logarithmic
functions. Two examples were given above (§ 10). General methods have
been given for the construction of such integrals, and it has been shown that
certain interesting forms are pseudo-elliptic. In Goursat's Cows d'analyscX,
for instance, it is shown that if /(•>') is a rational function such that
then
[_ f{x)dx
(1 -*)(!-*»*)}
is pseudo-elliptic. But no method has been devised as yet by which wc can
always determine in a finite number of steps whether a given elliptic integral
* See Liouville's memoir quoted on p. 45 (pp. 45 et seq.).
t The proof given by Laurent [Traite (VanaJyse, vol. 4, pp. 153 et seq.) appears at
first sight to combine tire advantages of botli methods of proof, but unfortunately
will not bear a closer examination.
J Second edition, vol. 1, pp. 267-209.
48 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [v
is pseudo-elliptic, and integrate it if it is, and there is reason to suppose that
no such method can be given. And up to the present it has not, so far as
we know, been proved rigorously and explicitly that {e.g.) the function
is not a root of an elementary transcendental equation ; all that has been
shown is that it is not explicitly expressible in terms of elementary trans-
c°r dents. The processes of reasoning employed here, and in the memoirs
to which we have referred, do not therefore suffice to prove that the inverse
function ^ = sn u is not an elementary function of u. Such a proof must rest
on the known properties of the function sn u, and would lie altogether outside
the province of this tract.
The reader who desires to pursue the subject further will mid references
to the original authorities in Appendix I.
(ii) One particular class of integrals which is of especial interest is
that of the binomial integrals
j xm(axn + b)»dx,
where m, n, p are rational. Putting axn = bt, and neglecting a constant
factor, we obtain an integral of the form
I ti(\+t)»dt,
where p and q are rational. If p is an integer, and q a fraction r/s, this
integral can be evaluated at once by putting t = 2i\ a substitution which
rationalises the integrand. If q is an integer, and p = rjs, we put l+t=u*i
If p + q is an integer, and p=rjs, we put 1 + t = tu*.
It follows from Tschebyschef 's researches (to which references are given
in Appendix I) that these three cases arc the only ones in which the integral
can be evaluated in finite form.
20. In §§ 7-9 we considered in some detail the integrals con-
nected with curves whose deficiency is zero. We shall now consider
in a more summary way the case next in simplicity, that in which
the deficiency is unity, so that the number of double points is
K*-i)(»-2)-i=i»(«-3).
It has been shown by Clebsch* that in this case the coordinates of
the points of the curve can be expressed as rational functions of
a parameter t and of the square root of a polynomial in t of the third
or fourth degree.
* ' tjbcr diejenigen Cuiven, deren Coordinaten sich als elliptische Functionen
eines Parameters darstellen lassen ', Journal fur Mothematik, vol. 04, 1805,.
pp. 210-270.
19-20] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 49
The fact is that the curves
y2 = a+bx + ex2 + dx3 + ex*,
are the simplest curves of deficiency *1. The first is the typical cubic
without a double point. The second is a quartic with two double points,
in this case coinciding in a ' tacnode' at infinity, as we see by making the
equation homogeneous with z, writing 1 for y, and then comparing the
resulting equation with the form treated by Salmon on p. 215 of his Higher
plane curves. The reader who is familiar with the theory of algebraical plane
curves will remember that the deficiency of a curve is unaltered by any
birational transformation of coordinates, and that any curve can be biration-
ally transformed into any other curve of the same deficiency, so that any
curve of deficiency 1 can be birationally transformed into the cubic whose
equation is written above.
The argument by which this general theorem is proved is very
much like that by which we proved the corresponding theorem for
unicursal curves. The simplest case is that of the general cubic curve.
We take a point on the curve as origin, so that the equation of the
curve is of the form
ax3 + Sbafy + Scxt^ + dif + ea? + 2fxy + gy2 + kx + ky = 0.
Let us consider the intersections of this curve with the secant y - tx.
Eliminating y, and solving the resulting quadratic in x, we see that the
only irrationality which enters into the expression of x is
J(Tf-4TtTJ,
where T1=h + H, T., = e + 2ft + gt2, T3 = a + Sbt + Sct2 + df.
A more elegant method has been given by Clebsch*. If we
write the cubic in the form
LMN=1\
where L, M, N, P are linear functions of x and y, so that L, M, iVare
the asymptotes, then the hyperbolas LM=t will meet the cubic in
four fixed points at infinity, and therefore in two points only which
depend on t. For these points
LM=t, P=tN.
Eliminating y from these equations, we obtain an equation of the form
where A , B, C are quadratics in t. Hence
* Sue Hermite, Cours d' analyse, pp. 422-425.
50 ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS [V
where T^B2- AC is a polynomial in t of degree not higher than the
fourth.
Thus if the curve is
&* + y3 - Zaxy + 1=0,
so that
L = ux + u2y + a, M=ui2x + wi/ + a, N=x + y + a, P = as-1,
<o being an imaginary cube root of unity, then we find that the line
a3 -I
x + y + a~ -
meets the curve in the points given by
„ _b-at J (ST) b-at- J(ST)
where b =a* — 1 and
T=±f-9aH2+6abt- b\
In particular, for the curve
x3 + f + 1 - 0,
we have
-JS + J(±F - 1) ^ - J3~j(4fi-1)
2tj3 ' y 2tj3
21. It will be plain from what precedes that
/ R {x, £/(a + bx + ex2 + dx3) } dx
can always be reduced to an elliptic integral, the deficiency of the cubic
y3 = a + bx + ex2 + dx3
being unity.
In general integrals associated with curves whose deficiency is
greater than unity cannot be so reduced. But associated with every
curve of, let us say, deficiency 2 there will be an infinity of integrals
\li{X,y)
dx
reducible to elliptic integrals or even to elementary functions ; and
there are curves of deficiency 2 for which all such integrals are
reducible.
For example, the integral
\R {x, J(x'i + axA + bx2 + c) } dx
20-22] ALGEBRAICAL FUNCTIONS 51
may be split up into the sum of the integral of a rational function and
two integrals of the types
f R OQ dx [ xR Q2) dx
]J(x« + ax4 + bx2 + c)i JJ(x6 + ax4 + bx2 + c) '
and each of these integrals becomes elliptic on putting x2 = t. But
the deficiency of
y2 = of + ax4 + bx2 + c
is 2. Another example is given by the integral
/
R {x, i/(x4 + ax3 + bx2 + cx + d)} dx.
*
22. It would be beside our present purpose to enter into any
details as to the general theory of elliptic integrals, still less of the
integrals (usually called Abelian) associated with curves of deficiency
greater than unity. We have seen that if the deficiency is unity then
the integral can be transformed into the form
j
/-
R (x, JX) dx
where X = x4 + ax3 + bx2 + ex + d. t
It can be shown that, by a transformation of the type
_at + P
~ yt + 8 '
this integral can be transformed into an integral
R (t, JT) dt
where T = tx + At2+B.
We can then, as when T is of the second degree (§ 3), decompose
this integral into two integrals of the forms
JMn* /a$p.
Of these integrals the first is elementary, and the second can be
* See Legendre, Traite des functions elliptiques, vol. 1, chs. 26-27, 32-33;
Bertrand, Calcul integral, pp. 67 et seq. ; and En neper, Elliptische Funktionen,
note 1, where abundant references are given.
f There is a similar theory for curves of deficiency 2, in which X is of the sixth
degree.
52 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VI
decomposed* into the sum of an algebraical term, of certain multiples
of the integrals
dt ffdt
JT' ) JT
and of a number of integrals of the type
dt
h
h
These integrals cannot in general be reduced to elementary functions,
and are therefore new transcendents.
We will only add, before leaving this part of our subject, that the
algebraical part of these integrals can be found by means of the
elementary algebraical operations, as was the case with the rational
part of the integral of a rational function, ami with the algebraical part
of the simple integrals considered in §§ 14-15.
VI. Transcendental functions
1. The theory of the integration of transcendental functions is
naturally much less complete than that of the integration of rational
or even of algebraical functions. It is obvious from the nature of the
case that this must be so, as there is no general theorem concerning
transcendental functions which in any way corresponds to the theorem
that any algebraical combination of algebraical functions may be
regarded as a simple algebraical function, the root of an equation of
a simple standard type.
It is indeed almost true to say that there is no general theory, or
that the theory reduces to an enumeration of the few cases in which
the integral may be transformed by an appropriate substitution into an
integral of a rational or algebraical function. These few cases are
however of great importance in applications.
2. (i) The integral
tF(eax,ebx, ...,ckx)dx
where F is an algebraical function, and a, />,... ,k commensurable
numbers, can always be reduced to that of an algebraical function.
In particular the integral
R(eax,<<hx, ...,t<kx)d.r,
i
See, e.g., Goursat, Cours d' analyse, ed. 2, vol. 1, pp. 257 ct seq.
1-2] TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTrONS 53
where R is rational, is always an elementary function. In the first
place. a substitution of the type x = ay will reduce it to the form
JB(e»)dy,
and then the substitution ey = z will reduce this integral to the integral
of a rational function.
In particular, since cosh x and sinh x are rational functions of
ex, and cos x and sin x are rational functions of elx, the integrals
I R (cosh x, sinh x) dx, I R (cos x, sin x) dx
are always elementary functions. In the second place the substitution
just indicated is imaginary, and it is generally more convenient
to use the substitution
tan \x = t,
which reduces the integral to that of a rational function, since
l-f . 2t , 2dt
cos x =^ - — -^ , sin x = - — is , ^x -
(ii) The integrals
J R (cosh#, sinh x, cosh 2#, sinhra#) dx,
I R (cos xy sin x, cos 2x, sin rrx) dx,
are included in the two standard integrals above.
Let us consider some further developments concerning the integral
I R (cos x, -sin x) dx*
If we make the substitution z = eix, the subject of integration becomes a
rational function H{z), which we may suppose split up into
(a) a constant and certain positive and negative powers of z,
(b) groups of terms of the type
Ap A, An
z-ct (s-a)2^ — T(s_a)n+i v '
The terms (i), when expressed in terms of x, give rise to a term
2 (ck cos kx+dk sin kx).
In the group (1) we put z = eix, a = eia and, using the equation
=ltf-i*{- 1 - i cot % (x - a)},
Z — OL
* See Hermite, Cours d'analyse, pp. 320 et seq.
54 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VI
we obtain a polynomial of degree n + 1 in cot \ (x - a). Since
dcotx ,„ 1 d . ,„ .
COt2# = -\-—, , C0t3#== -COtx---j- (COt2^), ...,
this polynomial may be transformed into the form
C+C0cot%(x-a) + C1^cot%(x-a) + ... + Cn-^ncot%(x-a).
The function R (cos x, sin x) is now expressed as a sum of a number of
terms each of which is immediately integrable. The integral is a rational
function of cos# and sin x if all the constants C0 vanish ; otherwise it includes
a number of terms of the type
2 C0 log sin ^(.r — a).
Let us suppose for simplicity that H{z), when split up into partial fractions,
contains no terms of the types
C, zm, z~m, (z-a)~P Qt?>]).
Then
R(cosx, sin x) = C0 cot \ (x - a) + 'D0cot \ (x- /3) + ... ,
and the constants G0, D0, ... may be determined by multiplying each side of
the equation by sin%(x-a), sin£(#-0), ... and making x tend to a, ft ....
It is often convenient to use the equation
cot \ (x - a) = cot (x - a) + cosec (x - a)
which enables us to decompose the function R into two parts U (x) and
VCx) such that
U{x + w)=U(x), V{x+ir)=-V(x).
If R has the period tt, then V must vanish identically ; if it changes sign
when x is increased by tt, then U must vanish identically. Thus we find
without difficulty that, if m<n,
sinmx 1 2n-1(-l)fcsinma_ 1 "-1 (-l)*sin ma
sinnx~2n 0 sin(#— %) n 0 sin(#-a) '
sin mx 1 re,
= -2 ( — l)fcsin ma cot (x — a),
smnx n o
where a=knjni according as m-j-w is odd or even.
Similarly
1 .i ,-.- l
sin (x - a) sin (x - b) sin (x - c) sin (a - b) sin (a - c) sin (x - a) '
sm (x - a) sm (x - b) Bin {x - c) sin (a- 6) sin (a- c)
(iii) One of the most important integrals in applications is
dx
h
a + b cos x '
where a and 6 are real. This integral may be evaluated in the manner
explained above, or by the transformation tan \x — t. A more elegant method
2-3] TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS 55
is the following. If \a\ > \b\, we suppose a positive, and use the trans-
formation
(a + b cos x)(a — b cos y) = a2 — b2,
which leads to — -^ = J^ .
a + b cos x J {a2 - 62)
If | a | < j b |, we suppose 6 positive, and use the transformation
(6 cos#+a) (6 cosh ^ — a) = 62 — a2.
The integral I ^ :
J cr+6cos^4-csm x
may be reduced to this form by the substitution x + a=y, where cota = 6/c.
The forms of the integrals
dx f dx
[ dx f
J (a + b cos x)n' J (a +
■ b cos x + c sin x)n
may be deduced by the use of formulae of reduction, or by differentiation
with respect to a. The integral
dx
h
{A cos2 x + 2B cos x sin x + C sin2 #)B
is really of the same type, since
A cos2x+2B cos x sin x+ C sin2x=^(A + C) + %(A-C) cos 2x + B sin 2#.
And similar methods may be applied to the corresponding integrals which
contain hyperbolic functions, so that this type includes a large variety of
integrals of common occurrence.
(iv) The same substitutions may of course be used when the subject of
integration is an irrational function of cos# and sin#, though sometimes
it is better to use the substitutions cos.r = £, §mx = t, or tan.r=£ Thus
the integral
R (cos x, sin x, »JX) dx,
i
where X = (a, 6, c, /, g, A$cos.r, sin x, l)2,
is reduced to an elliptic integral by the substitution ta,n^x = t. The most
important integrals of this type are
f R (cos x, sin x) dx f R (cos x, sin x) dx
J ^/(l -£2sin2.r) ' J >J(a + (i cos x + y sin x) '
3. The integral
JP(*
, «*») dx,
where a, b, ... , k are any numbers (commensurable or not), and P is
a polynomial, is always an elementary function. For it is obvious
56 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VI
that the integral can be reduced to the sum of a finite number of
integrals of the type
fxpeA:rdx;
and jfP^Hu)leAXdHuJS-
This type of integral includes a large variety of integrals, such as
Um (cospx)*1 (sin qx)v dx, I ' xm (cosh pxf (sinh qx)v dx,
(xme~ax (cos pxfdx, fxme~ax (sin qx)v dx,
(m, fx, v, being positive integers) for which formulae of reduction are
given in text-books on the integral calculus.
Such integrals as
I P (x, log x) dx, I P (x, arc sin x) dx, ... ,
where P is a polynomial, may be reduced to particular cases of the
above general integral by the obvious substitutions
x = ey, x = siu2/, —
4. Except for the two classes of functions considered in the three
preceding paragraphs, there are no really general classes of transcen-
dental functions which we can ahvays integrate in finite terms, although
of course there are innumerable particular forms which may be
integrated by particular devices. There are however many classes
of such integrals for which a systematic reduction theory may be given,
analogous to the reduction theory for elliptic integrals. Such a reduction
theory endeavours in each case
(i) to split up any integral of the class under consideration into
the sum of a number of parts of which some are elementary and
the others not ;
(ii) to reduce the number of the latter terms to the least possible ;
(iii) to prove that these terms are incapable of further reduction,
and are genuinely new and independent transcendents.
As an example of this process we shall consider the integral
/■
e* R (x) dx
where R (x) is a rational function of x. * The theory of partial
* See Hermite, Cours d* analyse, pp. 352 et seq.
3-4] TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS 57
fractions enables us to decompose this integral into the sum of a
number of terms
dx, Am L -t^tt dx, ... , B \ — , dx, ....
x-a )(z- a)m+1 J x-b
Since
f e* e* lie*
}(x^-~a)™+l d® = ~ m(x-a)m + m )(x-a)m **
the integral may be further reduced so as to contain only
(i) a term e*S(x)
where S(x) is a rational function ;
(ii) a number of terms of the type
f er dx
a .
J x-a
If all the constants a vanish, then the integral can be calculated in the
finite form e*SQe). If they do not we can at any rate assert that the
integral cannot be calculated in this form*. For no such relation as
J x-a J x-b Jx-k '
where T is rational, can hold for all values of x. To see this it is
only necessary to put x = a + h and to expand in ascending powers
of h. Then
[e*dx a [eh ,,
a / — =aea\-Idh
J x -a J h
= aea(\ogh + h+ ...),
and no logarithm can occur in any of the other terms f.
Consider, for example, the integral
This is equal tci ex - 3 I - dx + 3 \°\ dx - I '*., dx,
and since 3 \ -,d.r=.- + 3/ dx,
and
fex . c* 1 fex , ex ex 1 fex
* See the remarks at the end of this paragraph.
f It is not difficult to give a purely algebraical proof on the lines of iv\, § 2.
58 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VT
we obtain finally
Similarly it will be found that
this integral being an elementary function.
Since / — — dx = ea\- dy,
J x-a J y J
if x=y + a, all integrals of this kind may be made to depend on known
functions and on the single transcendent
re*
/
dx,
x
which is usually denoted by Li e* and is of great importance in the
theory of numbers. The question of course arises as to whether this
integral is not itself an elementary function.
Now Liouville* has proved the following theorem: ' if y is any
algebraical function of x, and
le^ydx
is an elementary Junction, then
lefydx
ex(a + fiy+ ... +A;/"-1),
a, /?, . . . , A being rational functions of x and n the, degree of the
algebraical equation which determines y as a function of x\
Liouville's proof rests on the same general principles as do those of
the corresponding theorems concerning the integral fydx. It will
be observed that no logarithmic terms can occur, and that the theorem
is therefore very similar to that which holds for fydx in the simple
case in which the integral is algebraical. The argument which shows
that no logarithmic terms occur is substantially the same as that which
shows that, when they occur in the integral of an algebraical function,
they must occur linearly. In this case the occurrence of the ex-
ponential factor precludes even this possibility, since differentiation
will not eliminate logarithms when they occur in the form
«P log /(art
* ' Memoire sur l'inte>ration d'une classe de fonctions transcendantes ', Journal
fur Mathematik, vol. 13, 1835, pp. 93-118. Liouville shows how the integral, when
of this form, may always be calculated by elementary methods.
4-5] TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS 59
In particular, if y is a rational function, then the integral must
be of the form
<? R(x)
and this we have already seen to be impossible. Hence the ' logarithm-
integral '
J X J logy
is really a new transcendent, which cannot be expressed in finite terms
by means of elementary functions ; and the same is true of all integrals
of the type
CeBR(x)dx
•
which cannot be calculated in finite terms by means of the process of
reduction sketched above.
The integrals
/ sin x R (x) dx, I cos x R (x) dx
may be treated in a similar manner. Either the integral is of the form
cos x Rx (x) + sin x R2 (x)
or it consists of a term of this kind together with a number of terms
which involve the transcendents
fCOSXj /"sn
J x ' J i
sin r 7
ax
which are called the cosine-integral and sine-integral of x, and denoted
by Ci x and Six. These transcendents are of course not fundament-
ally distinct from the logarithm-integral.
5. Liouville has gone further and shown that it is always possible
to determine whether the integral
f(Pe" + Q<*+ ... + TJ)dx,
where P, Q, ... , T,p,q, ... , £are algebraical functions, is an elementary
function, and to obtain the integral in case it is one* The most
general theorem which has been proved in this region of mathematics,
and which is also due to Liouville, is the following.
* An interesting particular result is that the 'error function' je-*2 dx is not an
elementary function.
60 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VI
1 If y, z, ... are functions of x whose differential coefficients are
algebraical functions of x, y, z, . . . , and F denotes an algebraical
function, and if
F(x,y, z, ...)dx
i-
is an elementary function, then it is of the form,
t + A log u + B log #+...,
where t, u, v, ... are algebraical functions of x, y, z, ... . Ij the
differential coefficients are rational in x, y, z, ... , and F is rational,
then t, u, v, ... are rational in x, y, z, ... .'
Thus for example the theorem applies to
F(x, e*, ee , log x, log log x, cos x, sin#),
since, if the various arguments of F are denoted by x, y, z, £, % t, 0,
we have
dy _ dz _ d£ _ 1
dx~y> dx~yZ> dx~x>
dn _ 1 di . rA dO m
dx~x~r dx=~^-z\ a-ya-n
The proof of the theorem does not involve ideas different in principle
from those which have been employed continually throughout the
preceding pages.
6. As a final example of the manner in which these ideas may be applied,
we shall consider the following question :
' in what circumstances is
i
R {x) log x dx,
where R is rational, an elementary function ? '
In the first place the integral must be of the form
R0 (x, log x) + A ! log Rx (x, log x) + A2 log R2 (x, log x) + . . . .
A general consideration of the form of the differential coefficient of this
expression, in which log.*; must only occur linearly and multiplied by a-
rational function, leads us to anticipate that (i) R0(x, logx) must be of the
form
S (x) (log x?+ T (x) logx+U (x),
where JS, T, and U are rational, and (ii) Ru R^, ... must be rational functions
of x only ; so that the integral can be expressed in the form
S (x) (log xf + T (x) log x + U (x) + $Bk log (x - ak).
5-6] TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS 61
Differentiating, and comparing the result with the subject of integration,
we obtain the equations .
£' = 0, — +T=R, - + 0"+S-^- = O.
' x x x-ak
Hence S is a constant, say h C, and
We can always determine by means of elementary operations, as in iv., § 4,
whether this integral is rational for any value of C or not. If not, then the
given integral is not an elementary function. If T is rational, then we must
calculate its value, and substitute it in the integral
U=- [{-+% -J**-\dx=- (-dx-2Bk
J [x x - ak) J x
log(.r-afc),
which must be rational for some value of the arbitrary constant implied in
T. We can calculate the rational part of
/
T j
- ax:
x
the transcendental part must be cancelled by the logarithmic terms
%Bk\og{x-ak).
The necessary and sufficient condition that the original integral should be
an elementary function is therefore that R should be of the form
where C is a constant and Rx is rational. That the integral is in this case
such a function becomes obvious if we integrate by parts, for
[(C+rA logxdx^CilogxY + R.logx- j^dx.
In particular
(0 flSSf^ (ii) f '°g* ..^
v ' J x-a ' v ' J (x - a) (x - b)
are not elementary functions unless in (i) a = 0 and in (ii) b — a. If the
integral is elementary then the integration can always be carried out, with
the same reservation as was necessary in the case of rational functions.
It is evident that the problem considered in this paragraph is but one of
a whole class of similar problems. The reader will find it instructive to
formulate and consider such problems for himself.
62 TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS [VI 7
7. It will be obvious by now that the number of classes of
transcendental functions whose integrals are always elementary is very
small, and that such integrals as
J /O, ex) dx, jf(x, log x) dx,
I fix, cos x, sin x) dx, / f(ex, cos x, sin x) dx,
>
where/ is algebraical, or even rational, are generally new transcendents.
These new transcendents, like the transcendents (such as the elliptic
integrals) which arise from the integration of algebraical functions,
are in many cases of great interest and importance. They may often
be expressed by means of infinite series or definite integrals, or their
properties may be studied by means of the integral expressions which
define them. The very fact that such a function is not an elementary
function in so far enhances its importance. And when such functions
have been introduced into analysis new problems of integration arise
in connection with them. We may enquire, for example, under what
circumstances an elliptic integral or elliptic function, or a combination
of such functions with elementary functions, can be integrated in finite
terms by means of elementary and elliptic functions. But before we
can be in a position to restate the fundamental problem of the Integral
Calculus in any such more general form, it is essential that we should
have disposed of the particular problem formulated in Section in.
63
APPENDIX I
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The following is a list of the memoirs by Abel, Liouville and Tschebyschef
which have reference to the subject matter of this tract.
N. H. Abel
1. 'Uber die Integration der Differential-Formel ^7-75, wenn R und p ganze
Funktionen sind', Journal fur Mathematik, vol. 1, 1826, pp. 185-221
(CEuvres, vol. 1, pp. 104-144).
2. ' Precis d'une theorie des fonctions elliptiques ', Journal fur Mathematik,
vol. 4, 1829, pp. 236-277, 309-348 {(Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 518-617).
3. ' Theorie des transcendantes elliptiques', (Euvres, vol. 2, pp. 87-188.
J. Liouville
1. ' Memoire sur la classification des transcendantes, et sur l'impossibilite
d'exprimer les racines de certaines equations en fonction finie explicite
des coefficients ', Journal de mathematiques, ser. 1, vol. 2, 1837,
pp. 56-104.
2. ' Nouvelles recherches sur la determination des integrales dont la valeur
est algebrique', ibid., vol. 3, 1838, pp. 20-24 (previously published in
the Comptes Rendus, 28 Aug. 1837).
3. ' Suite du memoire sur la classification des transcendantes, et sur
l'impossibilite d'exprimer les racines de certaines equations en fonction
finie explicite des coefficients ', ibid., pp. 523-546
4. ' Note sur les transcendantes elliptiques considerees comme fonctions de
leur module', ibid., vol. 5, 1840, pp. 34-37.
5. ' Memoire sur les transcendantes elliptiques considerees comme fonctions
de leur module', ibid., pp. 441-464.
6. ' Premier memoire sur la determination des integrales dont la valeur est
algebrique', Journal de VEcole Poh/technique, vol. 14, cahier 22, 1833,
pp. 124-148 (also published in the Memoires presented par divers
savants a VAcademie des Sciences, vol. 5, 1838, pp. 76-151).
7. ' Second memoire sur la determination des integrales dont la valeur est
algebrique', ibid., pp. 149-193 (also published as above).
64 APPENDIX I
8. ' Memoire sur les transcendantes elliptiques considerees comme fonctions
de leur amplitude', ibid., cahier 23, 1834, pp. 37-83.
9. 'Memoire sur l'integration d'une classe de fonctions transcendantes',
Journal fur Mathematik, vol. 13, 1835, pp. 93-118.
P. Tschebyschef
1. 'Sur integration des differentielles irrationnelles ', Journal de mathe-
matiques, ser. 1, vol. 18, 1853, pp. 87-111 ((Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 147-168).
2. ' Sur l'integration des differentielles qui contiennent une racine carr^e
d'une polynome du troisieme ou du quatrieme degre', ibid., ser. 2,
vol. 2, 1857, pp. 1-42 ((Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 171-200; also published
in the Mem oires de VAcademie Imperiale des Sciences de St-Petersbourg,
ser. 6, vol. 6, 1857, pp. 203-232).
3. 'Sur l'integration de la differentielle -^—-^-^—— - dx ', ibid.,
ser. 2, vol. 9, 1864, pp. 225-241 ((Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 517-530;
previously published in the Bulletin de VAcademie Imperiale des
Sciences de St-Petersbourg, vol. 3, 1861, pp. 1-12).
4. 'Sur l'integration des differentielles irrationnelles', ibid., pp. 242-246
((Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 511-514 ; previously published in the Comptes
Rendus, 9 July 1860).
5. ' Sur l'integration des differentielles qui contiennent une racine cubique '
((Euvres, vol. 1, pp. 563-608 ; previously published only in Russian).
Other memoirs which may be consulted are :
A. Clebsch
' fiber diejenigen Curven, deren Coordinaten sich als elliptische Functionen
eines Parameters darstellen lassen ', Journal filr Mathematik, vol. 64,
1865, pp. 210-270.
J. Dolbnia
' Sur les integrates pseudo-elliptiques d'Abel ', Journal de mathematiques,
ser. 4, vol. 6, 1890, pp. 293-311.
Sir A. G. Greenhill
' Pseudo-elliptic iutegrals and their dynamical applications ', Proc. London
Math. Soc, ser. 1, vol. 25, 1894, pp. 195-304.
G. H. Hardy
' Properties of logarithmico-exponential functions ', Proc. London Math.
Soc, ser. 2, vol. 10, 1910, pp. 54-90.
L. Konigsberger
' Bemerkungen zu Liouville's Classificirung der Transcendenten ', Mathe-
matische Annalen, vol. 28, 1886, pp. 483-492.
APPENDIX I 65
L. Raffy
'Sur les quadratures algebriques et logarithmiques ', Annates de VEcole
iVormale, ser. 3, vol. 2, 1885, pp. 185-206.
K. Weierstrass
'tJber die Integration algebraischer Diflerentiale vermittelst Lcgarith-
men', Monatsberichte der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, 1857,
pp. 148-157 ( Werke, vol. 1, pp. 227-232).
G. Zolotareff
' Sur la methode d'integration de M. Tschebyschef ', Journal de mathe-
matiques, ser, 2, vol. 19, 1874, pp. 161-188.
Further information concerning pseudo-elliptic integrals, and degenerate
cases of Abelian integrals generally, will be found in a number of short notes
by Dolbnia, Kapteyn and Ptaszycki in the Bulletin des sciences mathematiques,
and by Goursat, Gunther, Picard, Poincare, and Rafify in the Bulletin de la
Societe Mathematique de France, in Legendre's Traite des fonctions elliptiques
(vol. 1, ch. 26), in Halphen's Traite des fonctions elliptiques (vol. 2, ch. 14),
and in Enneper's Elliptische Funktionen. The literature concerning the
general theory of algebraical functions and their integrals is too extensive to
be summarised here : the reader may be referred to Appell and Goursat's
Theorie des fonctions algebriques, and Wirtinger's article Algebraische Funk-
tionen und ihre Integrate in the Encyclopddie der Mathematischen Wissen-
schaften, II B 2.
66
APPENDIX II
ON ABEL'S PROOF OF THE THEOREM OF V., § 11
Abel's proof (CEuvres, vol. 1, p. 545) is as follows* :
We have
*(*,«) = 0 (1),
where \jr is an irreducible polynomial of degree m in u. If we make use of the
equation /(#, #)=0, we can introduce y into this equation, and write it in the
form
<f>(x,y,u) = 0 (2),
where <f> is a polynomial in the three variables a?, y, and uf; and we can
suppose <£, like yp-, of degree m in u and irreducible, that is to say not
divisible by any polynomial of the same form which is not a constant
multiple of <p or itself a constant.
From/=0, 0 = 0 we deduce
dx dy dx ' dx dy dx du dx '
and, eliminating -j- , we obtain an equation of the form
d/X
du _ X (x, y, u)
dx jj. {x, y, u) '
where X and /x are polynomials in x, y, and u. And in order that u should
be an integral of y it is necessary and sufficient that
X-^=0 (3).
Abel now applies Lemma (2) of § 11, or rather its analogue for polynomials
in u whose coefficients are polynomials in x and y, to the two polynomials <f>
and X -yn, and infers that all the roots u, u\... of 0=0 satisfy (3). From
this he deduces that u, u', ... are all integrals of y, and so that
ra+1 " v
* The theorem with which Abel is engaged is a very much more general
theorem.
f ' Or, au lieu de supposer ces coefficiens rationnels en .r, nous les supposerons
rationnels en x, y ; car cette supposition permise simplifwra beaucoup le
raisonnement '.
APPENDIX II 67
is an integral of y. As (4) is a symmetric function of the roots of (2), it is a
rational function of x and y, whence his conclusion follows*
It will be observed that the hypothesis that (2) does actually involve
y is essential, if we are to avoid the absurd conclusion that u is necessarily
a rational function of x only. On the other hand it is not obvious how
the presence of y in 0 affects the other steps in the argument.
The crucial inference is that which asserts that because the equations
<f> = 0 and X - yp = 0, considered as equations in w, have a root in common,
and <f> is irreducible, therefore X— yp is divisible by <fi. This inference is
invalid.
We could only apply the lemma in this way if the equation (3) were
satisfied by one of the roots of (2) identically, that is to say for all values of
x and y. But this is not the case. The equations are satisfied by the same
value of u only when x and y are connected by the equation (1).
Suppose, for example, that
Then we may take
^7oW -=2^+-)-
f=(l+x)y*-l,
and (f> = uy-2.
Differentiating the equations /=0 and </> = 0, and eliminating^, we find
du _ u _ X
dx~ 2(l+x)~~ji'
Thus <p = ity-2, \—yfi=u — 2y (l+x) ;
and these polynomials have a common factor only in virtue of the equation
* Bertrand (Calcul integral, ch. 5) replaces the last step in Abel's argument by
the observation that if u and u' are both integrals of y then u - u' is constant (cf.
p. 39, bottom). It follows that the degree of the equation which defines u can be
decreased, which contradicts the hypothesis that it is irreducible.
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