Cauchy-Riemann Equations - Complex Analysis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of the complex function f(z) = (x^2 + y^2 - 2y) + i(2x - 2xy) and the application of the Cauchy-Riemann equations to determine where the function is analytic. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the function is differentiable and the implications for its analyticity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the function is only differentiable at the point (0,1) based on their calculations of the Cauchy-Riemann equations.
  • Another participant challenges the correctness of the derivative expression provided, suggesting that it does not make sense if the function is only differentiable at a single point.
  • A third participant argues that the evaluation of the function at x = 0 is inappropriate and emphasizes the need to compute the Cauchy-Riemann equations first before determining analyticity.
  • There is a suggestion that the order of operations in the calculations should be reconsidered, particularly regarding the evaluation of partial derivatives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations or the implications for differentiability and analyticity. Multiple competing views remain regarding the proper application of the Cauchy-Riemann equations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly the evaluation of the function at specific points and the order of applying the Cauchy-Riemann equations.

Gh0stZA
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Hello everyone,

The question:
Find all the points where f(z) = (x^2 + y^2 -2y) + i(2x-2xy) is differentiable, and compute the derivative at those points.

Is the function above analytic at any point? Justify your answer clearly.

My attempt:
u (x,y) = x^2 + y^2 - 2y
v (x,y) = 2x - 2xy

u_x = 2x
v_y = -2x

u_y = 2y - 2
v_x = 2 - 2y

However Cauchy-Riemann states that u_x = v_y so my reasoning is v_y = -v_y and that is only true where v_y = 0. That is to say: -2x = 0 \rightarrow x = 0.

But if x=0 then v(x,y) = 0 and u(x,y) = y^2 - y

We then continue: By Cauchy-Riemann:
u_y = -v_x

But if v(x,y) = 0 then v_x = 0
And as such: 2y - 2 = 0
y = 1


Does this mean the function is only differentiable at (0,1) ?


The derivative of the function:
f'(z_0) = u_x + iv_x = 2x + i(2-2y)

At the point (0,1):
f'(z_0) = 0 + i (2-2) = 0

I'll try my hand at the analytic part if I could get some clarification on this part first. :)
 
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Everything is correct except your statement
f'(z_0)= 2x+ i(2- 2y)

If f is differentiable only at (0, 1), that makes no sense except for z= i.

As for analytic- a function is analytic at a point if and only if it is differentiable in some neighborhood of that point.
 
HallsofIvy was a bit too generous in saying everything is correct.

You cannot evaluate the function at x = 0 and then compute the second set of Cauchy-Riemann equations as you did. This amounts to evaluating a real function f(x,y) at x = 0, computing the partial derivative with respect to y, and then claiming that the result is actually \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}.

You must compute the Cauchy-Riemann equations first, then look at the set of (x,y) that satisfy the equations. Then you can determine where the function is analytic (by HallsofIvy's given definition), if anywhere.
 
snipez90 said:
You must compute the Cauchy-Riemann equations first, then look at the set of (x,y) that satisfy the equations. Then you can determine where the function is analytic (by HallsofIvy's given definition), if anywhere.

So basically you're saying the part about figuring that x = 0 should just shift down a bit?
 

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