Can You Solve the Challenging Math Problem from POTW #168?

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    2015
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenging math problem from POTW #168, which involves proving the existence of a subharmonic function \( h_\varepsilon \) on a domain \( X \subset \mathbb{R}^2 \). The problem states that for functions \( u, v \in C^2(X \to \mathbb{R} ) \), the integral condition involving closed curves \( c \) leads to the equation \( u(x,y)v(x,y)^2 + h_\varepsilon(x,y) = \varepsilon(x^2 + y^2) \). A correction was made to the problem to include missing \( v \) terms in the integrals, making the problem solvable. No participants managed to solve the problem, but a solution was provided by the original poster.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of subharmonic functions in real analysis
  • Familiarity with the concept of \( C^2 \) functions
  • Knowledge of line integrals and their applications in vector calculus
  • Experience with closed curves in two-dimensional domains
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of subharmonic functions and their applications
  • Learn about the implications of \( C^2 \) continuity in mathematical analysis
  • Explore line integrals and their role in vector fields
  • Investigate the use of closed curves in proving properties of functions
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of advanced calculus, and anyone interested in real analysis and the properties of subharmonic functions will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $X$ be a domain in $\Bbb R^2$. Suppose $u,v \in C^2(X\to\Bbb R)$ such that

$$\oint_c uv\frac{\partial v}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\, ds = -\frac{1}{2}\oint_c v^2\frac{\partial u}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\, ds$$

for every simple closed curve $c$ in $X$. Prove that to every $\varepsilon > 0$, there corresponds a subharmonic function $h_\varepsilon$ on $X$ such that

$$u(x,y)v(x,y)^2 + h_\varepsilon(x,y) = \varepsilon(x^2 + y^2)$$

for all $(x,y)\in X$.
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Hi MHB,

I've made a correction to the problem by placing missing $v$'s in the integrals above. Now the problem is doable. My apologies for the error.
 
No one solved this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
First I'll show $uv^2$ is harmonic. Suppose to the contrary that $uv^2$ is not harmonic on $X$. Without loss of generality, assume $\Delta (uv^2)(x_0) > 0$ for some $x_0 \in X$. Then there is an open disc $D(x_0)$ in $X$ containing $x_0$ such that $\Delta (uv^2) > 0$ on $D(x_0)$. If $c$ is the circle which bounds $D(x_0)$, then

$$ \oint_c \left(uv\frac{\partial v}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\, ds + \frac{1}{2}v^2\frac{\partial u}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\right)\, ds = \oint_c \left(\frac{1}{2}u\frac{\partial v^2}{\partial \mathbf{n}} + \frac{1}{2}v^2\frac{\partial u}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\right)\, ds = \frac{1}{2}\oint_c \frac{\partial (uv^2)}{\partial \mathbf{n}}\, ds = \frac{1}{2}\iint_{D(x_0)} \Delta (uv^2) > 0,$$

a contradiction.

Since $uv^2$ is harmonic on $X$, for a given $\epsilon > 0$, the function $h_\varepsilon : X \to \Bbb R$ defined by $h_\varepsilon(x,y) = \varepsilon(x^2 + y^2) - u(x,y)v(x,y)^2$ is $C^2(X\to \Bbb R)$ such that $\Delta h_\varepsilon = 4\varepsilon > 0$ on $X$. Hence, $h_\varepsilon$ is subharmonic on $X$, and satisfies the equation $u(x,y)v(x,y)^2 + h_\varepsilon(x,y) = \varepsilon(x^2 + y^2)$ in $X$.
 

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