Cauchy Integral with absolute value in simple curve

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a complex integral using the Cauchy Integral Formula or Theorem, specifically focusing on the integral I=\oint_{|z+1|=2}\frac{z^2}{4-z^2} dz. The context is set within a complex variables course, referencing an exercise from a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of the contour defined by |z+1|=2, questioning its representation as a simple closed curve in the complex plane. There is confusion regarding the singularities at z=\pm2 and their relation to the contour.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications about the geometric interpretation of the contour, noting that it represents a circle in the Argand plane. Others express uncertainty about the inclusion of singularities within the contour and seek further assistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to visualize the contour and its relationship to singularities, indicating a lack of clarity in understanding the graphing of complex functions and contours.

Bacat
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Homework Statement



Integrate using Cauchy Formula or Cauchy Theorem:

I=\oint_{|z+1|=2}\frac{z^2}{4-z^2} dz

(From Complex Variables, Stephen Fisher (2nd Edition), Exercise 2.3.3)

Homework Equations



\frac{1}{2\pi i}\oint_{\gamma} \frac{f(s)}{s-z} ds= \left\{ \begin{array}{lr}f(z) & : z \in \gamma\\0 & : z \notin \gamma \end{array} where \gamma is defined as the interior of the simple closed curve described by the line integral.

The Attempt at a Solution



I = \oint_{|z+1| = 2} \frac{\left(\frac{z^2}{z-2}\right)}{z+2}} dz = 2\pi i (f(z)) = 2 \pi i

Correct solution is 2\pi i

Question

I understand that f(z)=1 for this problem, but I don't know why. I tried drawing a graph of the function but I'm confused about the |z+1|=2 part. This says that z=1 or z=-3, but this doesn't seem to be a simple closed curve anymore.

I have singularities at z=\pm2 but I'm not sure which singularity is included in the line integral because I don't know how to draw the graph.

Can someone help?
 
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Bacat said:
I'm confused about the |z+1|=2 part. This says that z=1 or z=-3, but this doesn't seem to be a simple closed curve anymore.

|z+1|=2, means that it is a circle with center at (-1,0) and radius = 2 in the Argand plane.
 
Bacat said:

Homework Statement



Integrate using Cauchy Formula or Cauchy Theorem:

I=\oint_{|z+1|=2}\frac{z^2}{4-z^2} dz

(From Complex Variables, Stephen Fisher (2nd Edition), Exercise 2.3.3)

Homework Equations



\frac{1}{2\pi i}\oint_{\gamma} \frac{f(s)}{s-z} ds= \left\{ \begin{array}{lr}f(z) & : z \in \gamma\\0 & : z \notin \gamma \end{array} where \gamma is defined as the interior of the simple closed curve described by the line integral.

The Attempt at a Solution



I = \oint_{|z+1| = 2} \frac{\left(\frac{z^2}{z-2}\right)}{z+2}} dz = 2\pi i (f(z)) = 2 \pi i

Correct solution is 2\pi i

Question

I understand that f(z)=1 for this problem, but I don't know why. I tried drawing a graph of the function but I'm confused about the |z+1|=2 part. This says that z=1 or z=-3, but this doesn't seem to be a simple closed curve anymore.
On the real line, |z+1|= 2 is true for z= 1 and z= -3 but the complex plane is a plane including points both above and below the real line. Geometrically |z- a| can be interpreted as distance from z to a in the complex plane and so the set of points, z, satisfying |z-a|= r is the set of points that have distance r from a: a circle with radius r and center a. The set of points, z, satisfying |z+1|= |z- (-1)|= 2 is the circle with center at -1 and radius 2. The real line is a diameter of that circle and z= 1 and z= -3 are the endpoints of that diameter.

I have singularities at z=\pm2 but I'm not sure which singularity is included in the line integral because I don't know how to draw the graph.

Can someone help?
If z= 2, then |z+ 1|= |2+ 1|= 3 which is outside the circle. If z= -2, then |z+ 1|= |-2+1|= 1 which in inside the circle.
 
Thank you! I understand now.
 

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