Analytic Function I: Proving f(z)=log z Not Analytic on Domain D w/ γ

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter asqw121
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the analyticity of the complex logarithm function, specifically f(z) = log z, within domains that contain a piecewise smooth simple closed curve γ surrounding the origin. Participants explore the implications of the definition of the complex logarithm and its behavior near the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that log(z) is undefined at z = 0, which may contribute to its non-analyticity in certain domains.
  • Others argue that the controversy arises from the definition of the complex logarithm, particularly the argument θ in the expression z = r e^(iθ).
  • A participant references the work of Bernhard Riemann, proposing that log(z) can be analytically extended to the entire complex plane except at z = 0, depending on the chosen definition of θ.
  • One participant provides a Taylor series expansion for log(z) around specific points, suggesting that it can be analytic in regions surrounding those points, while still acknowledging the singularity at z = 0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the analyticity of log(z) depending on the definition of the complex logarithm and the treatment of the singularity at the origin. There is no consensus on whether log(z) can be considered analytic in domains containing curves surrounding the origin.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and the potential for different interpretations of the complex logarithm, particularly regarding the argument θ and the implications for analyticity.

asqw121
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Prove f((z) = log z cannot be analytic on any domain D that contains a piecewise smooth simple closed curve γ that surrounds the origin?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
asqw121 said:
Prove f((z) = log z cannot be analytic on any domain D that contains a piecewise smooth simple closed curve γ that surrounds the origin?
Thanks

Isn't it because log(z) is undefined when z = 0 + 0i?
 
asqw121 said:
Prove f((z) = log z cannot be analytic on any domain D that contains a piecewise smooth simple closed curve γ that surrounds the origin?
Thanks

The question is controversial and depends from the definition of complex logarithm. From De Moivre's writing $z= r\ e^{i\ \theta}$, where $r$ is the 'modulus' and $\theta$ is the 'argument', we derive $\ln z = \ln r + i\ \theta$. The point of controversial is the precise definition of $\theta$. If we accept the approach of the German mathematician Berhard Riemann, then the function $\ln z$ can be analitycally extended to the whole complex plane with the only exception of the point z=0. For details see... Wolfram Demonstrations Project

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
The question is controversial and depends from the definition of complex logarithm. From De Moivre's writing $z= r\ e^{i\ \theta}$, where $r$ is the 'modulus' and $\theta$ is the 'argument', we derive $\ln z = \ln r + i\ \theta$. The point of controversial is the precise definition of $\theta$. If we accept the approach of the German mathematician Berhard Riemann, then the function $\ln z$ can be analitycally extended to the whole complex plane with the only exception of the point z=0. For details see... Wolfram Demonstrations Project

An illustrative example of Riemann's analytic extension of the function $\ln z$ is based on the following pitcure...

http://www.123homepage.it/u/i71462702._szw380h285_.jpg.jfif

The function $\ln z$ is analytic in $z= s_{0}=1$, so that we can develop it in Taylor's series...

$$\ln z = 2\ \pi\ k\ i + (z-1) - \frac{(z-1)^{2}}{2} + \frac{(z-1)^{3}}{3}-...\ (1)$$

The (1) converges inside a disc of radious 1 centered in $s_{0}=1$ and that means that in any point inside the disc the (1) permits the computation of $\ln z$ and all its derivatives. The knowledge of the derivatives in $z=s_{1} = e^{i \frac{\pi}{4}}$, which is inside the disc, permits to write the Taylor's expansion of $\ln z$ around $s_{1}$ and this series converges in a disc of radious 1 centered in $s_{1}$, and that means that we have extended the region of the complex plane where $\ln z$ is analytic. Proceeding along this way we can compute the function and its derivatives in $s_{2}= e^{i\ \frac{\pi}{2}}$, $s_{3}= e^{i\ \frac{3\ \pi}{4}}$, $s_{4}= e^{i\ \pi}$ and so one. When we return to $s_{0}$ we obtain the (1) with an 'extra term' $2\ \pi\ i$ and, very important detail, we have found a region of the complex plane surrounding the point $z=0$ where $\ln z$ is analytic...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K