Cauchy Integral Formula Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the integral \(\oint \frac{dz}{z^2 + z}\) over the contour defined by \(|z| > 1\). The initial approach incorrectly assumed values for \(z_0\) leading to a result of \(2i\pi\), which does not satisfy the problem's requirements. The correct method involves recognizing that \(f(z)\) is analytic outside the contour and applying Cauchy's integral theorem, confirming that the integral evaluates to zero. Additionally, a substitution \(w = \frac{1}{z}\) can be utilized to further validate this conclusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex analysis concepts, specifically Cauchy's integral theorem.
  • Familiarity with contour integration and analytic functions.
  • Knowledge of the properties of limits in complex functions.
  • Experience with substitution methods in integral calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Cauchy's integral theorem in detail to understand its applications in complex analysis.
  • Learn about analytic functions and their properties in the context of contour integration.
  • Explore substitution techniques in complex integrals, particularly the \(w = \frac{1}{z}\) transformation.
  • Practice evaluating integrals over various contours to solidify understanding of complex integration principles.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying complex analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of contour integration and Cauchy's theorem applications.

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Homework Statement



[tex]\oint \frac{dz}{z^2 + z} = 0, C: abs(z) > 1[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]\oint \frac{f(z)}{z-z_0} dz = 2i\pi * f(z_0)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Under normal circumstances, I usually deal with these in the following way.

I say that F(z) = 1 (the value in the numerator) and I find the value that will make the denominator go to zero (in this case, 1 or 0).

Evaluating for F(z) = 1 and z_0 = 1, and plugging these values into the equation I provided, the answer comes out to be

[tex]2i\pi[/tex]

Which is definitely not what the question was asking me to prove.

I am pretty sure that since we have the condition that abs(z) > 1, I am not allowed to pick the value of "1 or 0" for this problem. I'm at a loss as to what to do next.

Additionally, I was considering factoring out a z in the denominator and letting f(z) = 1/z, but I'm not sure that would help anything, or if that's even the correct way to go about doing this. If anyone could show me what to do when my values of z are restricted, I'd be very appreciative!
 
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Well, I will assume that you are being asked to prove that the integral is zero for any closed contour that satisfies |z| > 1.

If that is the case, then you may consider f(z) analytic in the outside of the contour, because [itex]lim_{z \rightarrow \infty}f(z)=0[/itex] and apply Cauchy's integral theorem directly.

Another is to perform the substitution w = 1/z and then apply the said theorem.
 

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