Complex Analysis - The Maximum Modulus Principle

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The discussion revolves around finding the maximum of the function f(z) = 3 - |z|^2 within a disc of radius 1 in the complex plane. Participants clarify that the maximum modulus principle applies only to analytic functions, and since f(z) is not analytic, the principle does not hold. The consensus is that the maximum value of |f| occurs at z=0, yielding a maximum of 3. Additionally, the function's behavior is visualized as resembling a "Mexican hat," enhancing understanding of its properties. Overall, the maximum is confirmed to be 3 at the center of the disc.
smcro5
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Homework Statement



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

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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The Maximum Modulus Theorem applies to analytic functions. Is yours analytic?
 
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 ?
 
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 ;)
 
Cheers Matty_t69, now it all makes sense! The plot of the function just makes the question a wee tad more exciting eh? ;)
 
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?

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