Analytic on D: Power Series and Polynomial Coefficients

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of analytic functions defined on a disc D, specifically focusing on the implications of having zero coefficients in their power series expansions. Participants explore the relationship between the vanishing derivatives of an analytic function and its characterization as a polynomial.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if an analytic function $f$ on the disc D has at least one coefficient equal to zero in its power series expansion at every point $a \in D$, then $f$ must be a polynomial.
  • Another participant proposes examining the sets $A_n = \{ x \in D' : f^{(n)}(x) = 0 \}$ for a closed subdisk $D' \subset D$ and argues that one of these sets must have an accumulation point in D.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the need to extend the argument about accumulation points from the compact set $D'$ to the larger disc D and questions how this relates to proving that $f$ is a polynomial.
  • Participants discuss the implications of having an infinite set $A_m$ and the existence of a convergent subsequence, leading to the conclusion that $f^{(m)} = 0$.
  • There is a request for clarification on why $f^{(m)} = 0$ implies that $f$ is a polynomial, prompting a reference to the identity theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the implications of the conditions discussed, particularly the relationship between vanishing derivatives and the polynomial nature of $f$. There is no clear consensus on the final argument or proof structure.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the properties of analytic functions and the application of the Heine-Borel theorem, but these assumptions are not fully resolved or universally accepted among participants.

Dustinsfl
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If $f$ is analytic on the disc D and for each $a\in D$, the power series of $f$ expanded at
a has at least one coefficient equal to zero, then f is a polynomial on D.

I am at a loss here.
 
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Take \(D'\subset D\) any closed subdisk, and consider the sets \(A_n=\{ x\in D' : f^{(n)}(x)=0 \}\). Prove that one of these, say \(A_k\), has an accumulation point in \(D\), what can you say about \(f^{(k)}\)?
 
Last edited:
Jose27 said:
Take \(D'\subset D\) any closed subdisk, and consider the sets \(A_n=\{ x\in D' : f^{(n)}(x)=0 \}\). Prove that one of these, say \(A_k\), has an accumulation point in \(D\), what can you say about \(f^{(k)}\)?

Since D' is bounded and closed, by the Heine-Borel Theorem, D' is compact. In D', $A_k$ would have an accumulation point. How can I extended that into D? How does that help with showing $f$ is a polynomial?
 
So $\displaystyle\bigcup A_n = D'$ and at least one $A_n$ is infinite. Let $A_m$ be infinite.
We have a sequence $a_m\in A_m$ in $D'$. By the Heine-Borel Theorem, $D'$ is compact and has a convergent subsequence of $a_m$. Therefore, $f^{(m)} = 0$ and $f$ is a polynomial.

Is this good?
 
dwsmith said:
So $\displaystyle\bigcup A_n = D'$ and at least one $A_n$ is infinite. Let $A_m$ be infinite.
We have a sequence $a_m\in A_m$ in $D'$. By the Heine-Borel Theorem, $D'$ is compact and has a convergent subsequence of $a_m$. Therefore, $f^{(m)} = 0$ and $f$ is a polynomial.

Is this good?

As long as you know why each of your claims is valid then yes, everything's fine.
 
Jose27 said:
As long as you know why each of your claims is valid then yes, everything's fine.

I think I am unsure of is $f^{m} = 0$ and $f$ is a polynomial. Can you explain why that is the case?
 
Look up the identity theorem. For the rest, surely you can argue that if $f^{(m)}\equiv 0$ then $f$ is a polynomial.
 

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