Cauchy-Riemann Equations problem (f(z) = ze^-z)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying the Cauchy-Riemann equations for the function f(z) = z e^{-z} and determining its analyticity. Participants explore the implications of the Cauchy-Riemann equations and the properties of entire functions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the function f(z) is analytic based on it being the quotient of two entire functions, g(z) and h(z), where g(z) = z and h(z) = e^{z}.
  • The same participant expresses confusion regarding the application of the Cauchy-Riemann equations, noting discrepancies in their calculations of U_x and V_y.
  • Another participant points out that the exponent e^{-x} should be a common factor in all terms of the function and suggests that it was omitted in the participant's calculations.
  • A later reply confirms the oversight regarding the multiplication of terms and acknowledges the mistake.
  • Another participant reiterates that the expressions for U and V are incorrect, emphasizing that e^{-x} multiplies all terms in the function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is an error in the calculations presented, particularly regarding the treatment of the common factor e^{-x}. However, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the verification of the Cauchy-Riemann equations due to the ongoing confusion over the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the participant's calculations, specifically the handling of the common factor e^{-x} and the application of the Cauchy-Riemann equations. There are unresolved mathematical steps that contribute to the confusion.

BSMSMSTMSPHD
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This is not a homework problem - it was in a review book that I am studying before finals. The problem stated: Verify the Cauchy-Riemann equations for the following functions. Deduce that they are analytic. The function I am having trouble with is [tex]f(z) = z e^{-z}[/tex]

Now, before I show my work, I just want to say that it seems quite obvious that this function is analytic, without the use of the Cauchy-Riemann functions.

[tex]g(z) = z[/tex], the identity map, is entire.

[tex]h(z) = e^{z}[/tex] is also entire, and never equal to zero.

Therefore, since [tex]f(x) = ze^{-z} = \frac{g(z)}{h(z)}[/tex] is the quotient of two entire functions (and the denominator is never 0) it must also be entire.

I also checked that the Cauchy-Riemann equations work for both functions [tex]g[/tex] and [tex]\frac{1}{h}[/tex] individually, but when I multiply them together, it doesn't work out. Where's my mistake?

[tex]z = x + iy[/tex]

[tex]ze^{-z} = (x + iy)(e^{-x}(cos y - i sin y)) = x e^{-x} cos y + y sin y + i (y e^{-x} cos y - x sin y)[/tex]

So, let the real part of this function be [tex]U(x,y)[/tex] and let the imaginary part be [tex]V(x,y)[/tex].

The Cauchy-Riemann equations say that [tex]U_x = V_y[/tex] and [tex]U_y = - V_x[/tex]. But I get:

[tex]U_x = -x e^{-x} cos y + e^{-x} cos y[/tex]

[tex]V_y = -y e^{-x} sin y + e^{-x} cosy - x cos y[/tex]

Clearly, these aren't the same...

Thanks for your help!
 
Last edited:
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The exponent [itex]e^{-x}[/itex] should be a common factor for all of your terms.. but in the line where you multiply everything out, you seem to have dropped it from some terms..

[tex]ze^{-z} = (x + iy)(e^{-x}(cos y - i sin y)) \neq x e^{-x} cos y + y sin y + i (y e^{-x} cos y - x sin y)[/tex]
 
Oh, I see... duh.

Thanks!
 
In your equation for ze-z, your expressions for U and V are incorrect. e-x multiplies all terms.
 

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