Complex Analysis - The Maximum Modulus Principle

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the maximum value of an analytic function in the disc of radius 1 in the Complex Plane. The Maximum Modulus Theorem is mentioned and it is determined that the function 3-|z|^2 is not analytic. However, it is concluded that the maximum of |f| is most likely 3 at z=0.
  • #1
smcro5
6
0

Homework Statement



Find the maximum of [itex]\left|f\right|[/itex] on the disc of radius 1 in the Complex Plane, for f(z)=3-[itex]\left|z\right|^{2}[/itex]

Homework Equations



The maximum modulus principle?

The Attempt at a Solution



Since |z| is a real number, then surely the maximum must be 3 when z=0? However, I was reading that the maximum must occur on the boundary, which is |z|=1, for the disc which is described by |z|≤1. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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  • #2
The Maximum Modulus Theorem applies to analytic functions. Is yours analytic?
 
  • #3
Ah thanks for that, jackmell, much appreciated! It looks like 3-|z|^2 is not analytic, so the maximum modulus principle must therefore not apply. In situations like this though, we weren't taught how to deal with such things. So would my initial assumption be correct that the maximum of |f| is indeed 3 at z=0 ?
 
  • #4
smcro5, u might be able to say that the function is analytic at x=y=0, so if u bound a domain there it should occur there, so yeah most likely the maximum should be 3. You can plot the function, It looks like a mexican hat ;)
 
  • #5
Cheers Matty_t69, now it all makes sense! The plot of the function just makes the question a wee tad more exciting eh? ;)
 

1. What is the Maximum Modulus Principle in Complex Analysis?

The Maximum Modulus Principle is a fundamental theorem in Complex Analysis that states that the maximum value of a complex-valued analytic function on a closed bounded region must occur either on the boundary of the region or at a point within the region where the function is not analytic.

2. How is the Maximum Modulus Principle used in practice?

The Maximum Modulus Principle is commonly used in finding the maximum value of a complex-valued function on a given region. It is also used in proving the existence and uniqueness of solutions to certain differential equations and in the study of harmonic functions.

3. Can the Maximum Modulus Principle be extended to functions of multiple variables?

Yes, the Maximum Modulus Principle can be extended to functions of multiple variables. In this case, the region is a closed and bounded subset of n-dimensional space, and the maximum value of the function must occur either on the boundary of the region or at a point within the region where all partial derivatives of the function are equal to zero.

4. What is the relationship between the Maximum Modulus Principle and the Cauchy Integral Formula?

The Cauchy Integral Formula is a direct consequence of the Maximum Modulus Principle. It states that for any analytic function f(z) on a simply connected region, the integral of f(z) along any closed contour in the region is equal to 2πi times the sum of the residues of f(z) at the poles within the contour. This formula can be derived by applying the Maximum Modulus Principle to the function f(z) – g(z), where g(z) is a function that approximates f(z) near the poles within the contour.

5. Are there any applications of the Maximum Modulus Principle in other fields?

Yes, the Maximum Modulus Principle has applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. In physics, it is used in the study of electric and magnetic fields, while in engineering, it is used in the design of electronic circuits and signal processing. It also has applications in economics, particularly in the study of market equilibrium and game theory.

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