Radius of convergence question(complex function)

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of radius of convergence, which is used to determine the convergence of a power series. It is determined by the value that makes the denominator of the series equal to 0. The conversation also mentions the difference between analytic and non-analytic points, and the use of the comparison test to determine the radius of convergence. However, it is important to note that the concept of radius of convergence only applies to power series, while Laurent series have a different method of determining convergence.
  • #1
nhrock3
415
0
i was by my teacher that the radius of convergence
is what smaller then the number which makes the denominator 0.
if
[tex]f(x)=\frac{1}{1-z}[/tex]
then
the radius is 1 and
because 1-1=0
so
it is analitical on
|z|<1

so if i apply the same logic
[tex]f(x)=\frac{-2}{z-1}[/tex]
1 still makes denominator 0
and
it is analitical on
|z|<1
but the correct answer is
it is analitical on
|z|>1

for
[tex]f(x)=\frac{3}{z+2}[/tex]
-2 makes denominator 0
so |z|<-2 (but its illogical because |z| is a positive numbe)

where is my mistake?
 
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  • #2
More precisely, your teacher was using the theorem that if it is known a power series diverges for some number P, then it diverges for all complex numbers greater in magnitude than P, |z|>|P|. So for the first example in your post, since the function is not analytic at z=1, the radius of convergence is certainly 1 or smaller, definitely not bigger.
 
  • #3
so why the other example don't work by that logic
?
 
  • #4
Because you are wrong and the radius of convergence for that is indeed |z|< 1.

It could never possibly be |z|>1, the radius of convergence is always in the shape of a ball from some center, not an annulus. By the comparison test, if the power series converges for some complex value P, it converges for all |z|<|P|
 
  • #5
It depends on how you expand the function actually. For example, you can write

[tex]\frac{1}{1-z} = 1+z+z^2+\cdots[/tex]

which converges for |z|<1, but you could also write it as

[tex]\frac{1}{1-z} = \frac{1}{z(1/z-1)} = -\frac{1}{z}\left(1+\frac{1}{z}+\frac{1}{z^2}+\cdots\right) = -\frac{1}{z}-\frac{1}{z^2}-\frac{1}{z^3}-\cdots[/tex]

This series converges for |z|>1.

You didn't tell us what the actual series were in each example, so talking about a radius of convergence doesn't really make sense. All of the functions are analytic everywhere except at the poles.
 
  • #6
That's a Laurent Series, not a Power Series though. The concept of Radius of Convergence is specific to Power series.
 
  • #7
the original says the develop exaple2+example3 by 1<|z|<2
 
  • #8
It sound's like then you are being asked to find Laurent Series for those functions valid in that annulus. Radius of Convergence refers only to Power Series.
 
  • #9
yess
 
  • #10
Okay then...you should start a new thread with all your working, and this time, with the complete entire original problem. You didn't say anything Laurent series in the original post.
 

1. What is the radius of convergence for a complex function?

The radius of convergence for a complex function is the distance from the center of a power series to the point where the series converges. It is usually denoted by the letter R and can be either a positive real number or infinity.

2. How is the radius of convergence determined for a complex function?

The radius of convergence can be determined using the ratio test, which involves taking the limit of the absolute value of the ratio of consecutive terms in the power series. If this limit is less than 1, the series converges and the radius of convergence is equal to the reciprocal of this limit. If the limit is greater than 1, the series diverges and the radius of convergence is 0. If the limit is exactly 1, further tests are needed to determine the convergence or divergence of the series.

3. Can the radius of convergence for a complex function be negative?

No, the radius of convergence for a complex function cannot be negative. It is always a non-negative real number or infinity.

4. How does the radius of convergence affect the behavior of a complex function?

The radius of convergence determines the set of points where the complex function is analytic and can be represented by a power series. If a point is within the radius of convergence, the function will converge at that point. If a point is outside of the radius of convergence, the function will diverge at that point.

5. Can the radius of convergence change for a complex function?

Yes, the radius of convergence can change for a complex function depending on the function itself and the point of expansion. It is possible for the radius of convergence to be different for different points within the function's domain.

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