Analytic and continuouse functions

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ravian
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Functions
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of analytic and continuous functions, exploring their definitions, properties, and examples. Participants seek clarification on these mathematical concepts, particularly in relation to their applications in physics and real-world scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding analytic and continuous functions, questioning their real-world applications and seeking layman explanations.
  • Another participant provides an example of the function y = |x|, noting it is differentiable everywhere except at x=0.
  • A subsequent post asserts that "at zero nothing is differentiable," prompting further clarification on the meaning of differentiability at that point.
  • Another participant counters by referencing the function y = x^2, which is differentiable everywhere, including at x=0, where the derivative equals zero.
  • A later reply emphasizes that an analytic function is one that can be represented by a power series and is infinitely differentiable, contrasting this with the properties of functions of real variables.
  • The same participant notes that it is possible for a function to be continuous but not analytic, using the absolute value function as an example.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster should read more about real analysis and complex analysis to better understand these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of differentiability at specific points, particularly at x=0. There is no consensus on the initial participant's understanding of analytic and continuous functions, as multiple interpretations and examples are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the confusion surrounding the definitions of analytic and continuous functions, indicating a need for clearer examples and explanations. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and the complexity of the concepts involved.

Ravian
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
I am never to comprehend the meaning of analytic and continuous functions. My problem is that I am not able to picture them in my mind. May be I also don’t know specific examples in Physics or in real world. I am sure this is not abstract concept. Can some one explain this in lay man’s terms.
I know that function is analytic if its derivative exists but then derivative of ever function exists, is not it? Are there any functions which can not differentiated? What is the concept of an analytic function in a certain domain? How is it possible that a function is differentiable in a domain at some points while in the same it is not differentiable at other points? Any examples?
Does continuous function means that, in lay man’s terms, we get different out puts with respect to different inputs and when we start getting same out puts with different out puts then function becomes discontinuous.
A function can analytic and continuous or non-analytic and continuous. In both cases what they exactly mean? They have lots of applications in theoretical physics and to explaind experimental phenomenon in terms of mathematics. I guess I understand what the function is but I am not able to move forward and grasp the idea of analyticity and continuity.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How is it possible that a function is differentiable in a domain at some points while in the same it is not differentiable at other points? Any examples?

Sure. Consider y = |x|. It is differentiable everywhere, except at x=0.
 
at zero nothing is differentiable, is it not?
 
Ravian said:
at zero nothing is differentiable, is it not?

y=0 :wink:
 
Ravian said:
at zero nothing is differentiable, is it not?

Not sure what this is supposed to mean. Consider y = x^2. The derivative everywhere is y' = 2x, and the value of the derivative at x=0 is y'=0.
 
Ravian said:
I am never to comprehend the meaning of analytic and continuous functions. My problem is that I am not able to picture them in my mind. May be I also don’t know specific examples in Physics or in real world. I am sure this is not abstract concept. Can some one explain this in lay man’s terms.
I know that function is analytic if its derivative exists but then derivative of ever function exists, is not it? Are there any functions which can not differentiated? What is the concept of an analytic function in a certain domain? How is it possible that a function is differentiable in a domain at some points while in the same it is not differentiable at other points? Any examples?
Does continuous function means that, in lay man’s terms, we get different out puts with respect to different inputs and when we start getting same out puts with different out puts then function becomes discontinuous.
A function can analytic and continuous or non-analytic and continuous. In both cases what they exactly mean? They have lots of applications in theoretical physics and to explaind experimental phenomenon in terms of mathematics. I guess I understand what the function is but I am not able to move forward and grasp the idea of analyticity and continuity.

You have the concepts badly confused.

An analytic function is one that is locally representable by a power series. Thus an analytic function is infinitely differentiable, not merely differentiable or just continuous.

It is a somewhat remarkable fact that a function of a complex variable, if it is one time differentiable, is in fact analytic. This is not true of a function of a real variable.

It is possible to be continuous and not analytic. There are lots of examples. Perhaps the absolute value is a simple example. It is also, as a function of a real variable, continuous but not differentiable at 0.

You have a lot of questions. You need to read a book on real analysis and one on the analysis of one complex variable. A bit of elementary topology would not hurt either.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K