Raymond Toy <toy.raymond at gmail.com> writes:
...
>> Maxima's algorithms for definite integrals are mostly different
>> from the algorithms for indefinite integrals. Maxima might try
>> to evaluate a definite integral via the fundamental theorem of
>> calculus but usually it tries other methods first (if I recall correctly).
>>
>>
> Yes, that's exactly right. Maxima tries to convert definite integrals
> to contour integrals which can be evaluated using residues.
Really? That's pretty neat.
I've only come across residues for improper integrals or very special
forms. How does this work more generally?
Jay