Complex Analysis: Two Questions About Non-Constant Analytic Functions

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to non-constant analytic functions in complex analysis. The first question concerns the generalization of a property of analytic functions, specifically whether the same conclusions can be drawn when the function is evaluated at points other than zero. The second question addresses the implications of an analytic function being non-zero in a neighborhood on its derivative.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the property of analytic functions can be generalized from f(0)=0 to f(a)=b, seeking clarification on the loss of generality when assuming a=b=f(a)=0.
  • Another participant suggests that if f(a)=b, then near a, f(z) can be expressed as b+(z-a)^n.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the implications of the integral of f'/f being zero around a circle, questioning how this relates to the derivative f' being zero on that circle.
  • Another participant counters that a contour integral of a nonzero function can indeed be zero, providing an example with the function f(z)=z-2.
  • A later reply discusses conditions under which the derivative f' cannot be zero if f is analytic and one-to-one, introducing concepts such as Taylor series and the isolation of zeros in analytic functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the integral of f'/f being zero and its relationship to the behavior of the derivative f'. There is no consensus on the interpretation of these mathematical properties, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical properties and theorems related to analytic functions, but the discussion does not resolve the assumptions or conditions under which these properties hold.

arthurhenry
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Two questions:
1)Quote comes from a textbook:

Each non-constant function analythic function with f(0)=0 is,in a small nbhd of 0, the composition of a conformal map with the nth-power map...The proof is given and I think I am comfortable with it..

My question is a lot simpler (I think): Can we say the same for a function such that f(a)=b?
I am kindly asking someone to explain why one loses no generality if we
assume a=b=f(a)=0.

2) If an analytic function is not zero in a nbhd, what can I say about the derivative there? i.e. what restriction does this impose on f' (f prime)

Around a circle that lies in the nbhd above we should have
# Zeros=Integral (f'/f)=0

Should this not say f'=0 on that circle?
Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1) If f(a)=b, then f(z) looks like b+(z-a)^n near a.

2) Could you explain why you think f'=0 on the circle?
 
I was thinking: if f' were to be never zero, then how can Integral[f'/f] around a circle be zero.
The integral should be zero as f has no zeros inside the circle...Is what I am thinking.

Than you for your time again
 
The contour integral of a nonzero function can very well be zero. Take for instance f(z)=z-2 and integrate f'/f=1/(z-2) on the unit circle.
 
Somewhat embarrassing...

Thank you very much for the help
 
Actually, if f is analytic and 1-1, then f' is not zero; if f'(z) is 0 , then factor:

f(z)-zo=z^k(g(z)) (i.e., use Taylor series, where k is the index of the zero of f ),

and g(z) is analytic and non-zero in a 'hood U of zo (the zeros of an analytic non-constant

function are isolated) . The idea is that these conditions on f allow you to define a local k-th root function

in the ball, and k-th roots are k-to-1, and so in particular not 1-1.Under these conditions , take a

small ball B(z,r) around f(z). This allows you to define a log locally, so that you can

then define a k-th root of g(z) (technically, the ball is simply-connected, and does not

wind around 0). Then you can define a k-th root using the log, and k-th roots are not

1-1; they are actually 1-1. Maybe needs work, but it is late.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K