Basic Complex Analysis: Maximum Modulus?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two holomorphic functions defined in the unit disc, with specific conditions regarding their magnitudes on the boundary and a point evaluation. The goal is to demonstrate that these functions are identical based on the given properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss defining a new function h = f/g to analyze the relationship between f and g. Questions arise regarding the implications of the maximum modulus principle and the behavior of |h(z)| in the interior of the disc.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the maximum modulus principle and its application to the functions involved. Some participants are considering the implications of |h(z)| being constant on the boundary and how that affects its values in the interior. Guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between maximum and minimum modulus theorems.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the functions not vanishing and the conditions imposed by the problem statement. There are references to additional topics and previous discussions that may influence the current problem but are not directly related to the main question.

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Homework Statement


Let f and g be two holomorphic functions in the unit disc D1 = {z : |z| < 1}, continuous in D1, which do not vanish for any value of z in the closure of D1. Assume that |f(z)| = |g(z)| for every z in the boundary of D1 and moreover f(1) = g(1). Prove that f and g are the same function.


Homework Equations


Maximum modulus?


The Attempt at a Solution


Last one for now.

Okay I had enough sense to gather from the hint that f and g don't vanish that I should define h = f/g. Then h(1) = 1, |h(z)| = 1 for z on the boundary of D1. Now I feel like maximum modulus will give that h(z) = 1 on D1, but I'm making a logical leap. Can someone help me out here? Thanks.
 
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Since |h(z)|=1 on the boundary, what does that tell you about |h(z)| in the interior? Since |h(z)| then achieves its maximum in the interior, what does that tell you about h(z)? Now use h(1)=1.
 
By maximum modulus, |h(z)| \leq 1 in the interior. But why does |h(z)| achieve a maximum in the interior?
 
There's an analogous minimum modulus theorem as well isn't there? Since h(z) doesn't vanish, replace h(z) with 1/h(z).
 
Gotcha, I considered 1/|h| and things came together, but yes that does give you minimum modulus I guess. Thanks.

If you don't mind could you take a look at

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=484067

to spot check the proof? The method I chose seemed like the easiest way to estimate the derivatives.

Also that Frobenius eigenvalue problem that I showed you awhile back had a deeper solution than the method we agreed on (which was like raising the linear operator to the 7th power). I think I also made a miscalculation but I might post again if I get around to thinking about it again. Of course nothing of the sort actually showed up on the final.
 
I don't remember any Frobenius eigenvalue thing. Can you remind me?
 

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