Proving Analytic Functions are Constant: Liouville's Theorem

Click For Summary
Liouville's Theorem states that if a function f is bounded and analytic in the complex plane, then f must be constant. In the given problem, f satisfies the condition f(z + m + in) = f(z) for all integers m and n, suggesting that f takes the same value for infinitely many points in the complex plane. This periodicity implies that f is bounded, as it cannot take on infinitely many values without violating the condition. Therefore, by applying Liouville's Theorem, it can be concluded that f is indeed constant. The discussion emphasizes the need to demonstrate boundedness to utilize the theorem effectively.
Pyroadept
Messages
82
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Q. (a) State Liouville's Theorem

(b) Suppose that f is analytic in C and satisfies f(z + m + in) = f(z) for all integers m,n . Prove f is constant.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


(a) Liouville's Theorem - If f is bounded and analytic in C, then f is constant.

(b) I'm guessing I need to use Liouville's Theorem here i.e. need to show the f is bounded. But I'm so confused! The question states that f(z + m + in) = f(z), so f gives the same value regardless of the z. Doesn't this mean that f is constant?!

Could someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks for any help :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It doesn't quite say f(z) is constant. It tells you, for example, that

f(0) = f(1) = f(2) = f(3) = ...

and

f(1/2) = f(3/2) = f(5/2) = ...

but it doesn't directly tell you anything about how f(0) and f(1/2) are related.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K