When Intuition Fails: Borwein Integrals

Borwein integrals, introduced by David and Jonathan Borwein in 2001, are a classic example of how intuition can be misleading in mathematics. Defined using the sinc function (sin(x)/x), these integrals initially appear to consistently equal π/2. However, this pattern unexpectedly breaks down when the factor sinc(x/15) is introduced, surprising even experienced mathematicians. This phenomenon underscores the importance of rigorous proof over reliance on patterns.


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[David Borwein and Jonathan M. Borwein, “Some Remarkable Properties of Sinc and Related Integrals,” Ramanujan Journal 5:1 (March 2001)]