Complex Analysis: What Does |C| Mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation ##|C|## in the context of complex analysis, specifically regarding its meaning in relation to contours defined as piecewise smooth arcs. Participants explore various interpretations of this notation, including its potential definitions and implications in mathematical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that ##|C|## indicates the length of the contour, defined as ##|C|=\int_a^b |z'(t)|dt##, where ##C=z([a,b])## for a continuously differentiable function.
  • Others question the initial definition of ##|C|## as simply the parametrization of the contour, suggesting it may have a different meaning.
  • One participant proposes that the notation might denote the closure of the contour, distinguishing it from the interior, which is represented by ##C^\circ##.
  • There is mention of a potential inconsistency in the usage of ##|C|## by a speaker, indicating that it may not align with standard definitions found in textbooks.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the notation ##\mathring{C}## and its relation to the interior of the contour.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of ##|C|##, with multiple competing interpretations and definitions remaining in discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the definitions of contour and interior, as well as the specific context in which ##|C|## is used. The discussion reflects a lack of standardization in notation among different speakers.

Bachelier
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I have a question pertaining to Complex Analysis.

We define a contour ##C## as a piecewise smooth arc.

For a variable ##z \in \mathbb{C}## I have seen the notation of a contour ##|C|##. It is sometimes defined as ##|C| := z([a,b])## where ##[a,b]## is a closed interval.

Should I read this as the parametrization of the contour ##C## between ##a, \ b##?

Or does ##|C|## have a different meaning ##w.r.t.## contours?

Thanks
 
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The notation ##|C|## indicates a norm that has a curve as its argument.
The obvious norm is the length of the curve.

Your definition looks faulty.
If your curve ##C## is a continuously differentiable function ##z: [a,b] \to \mathbb C##, then:

##C=z([a,b])##

##|C|=\int_a^b |z'(t)|dt##

Note that the norm of ##C## is deduced from the norm on ##\mathbb C##.
 
Bachelier said:
I have a question pertaining to Complex Analysis.

We define a contour ##C## as a piecewise smooth arc.

For a variable ##z \in \mathbb{C}## I have seen the notation of a contour ##|C|##. It is sometimes defined as ##|C| := z([a,b])## where ##[a,b]## is a closed interval.

Should I read this as the parametrization of the contour ##C## between ##a, \ b##?

Or does ##|C|## have a different meaning ##w.r.t.## contours?

Thanks

Do you have a reference for this?
 
I like Serena said:
The notation ##|C|## indicates a norm that has a curve as its argument.
The obvious norm is the length of the curve.

Your definition looks faulty.
If your curve ##C## is a continuously differentiable function ##z: [a,b] \to \mathbb C##, then:

##C=z([a,b])##

##|C|=\int_a^b |z'(t)|dt##

Note that the norm of ##C## is deduced from the norm on ##\mathbb C##.

Thank you I.L.S. :)

I clearly see your point, but I think the speaker in this case gave a different definition to ##|C|## to that of the length, as he has defined the length by ##L(C) = \int_a^b \ |z'(t)| \mathrm{d}t##.

I think he meant that ##|C|## is the curve by itself without the interior as he sometimes used the notation: ##|C| \ \bigcup \ Interior(C)##.

##(Interior(C)## not to be confused with ##C^\circ)##.

But the problem is that he used ##C \ \bigcup \ Interior(C)## as well. So I think it was just a forgetful omission in the latter.

Since I searched for the symbol ##|C|## and it is not existent in any textbooks, it must thus be a nomenclature he decided to create.
 
Last edited:
Perhaps it's intended to denote the closure.

Bachelier said:
##(Interior(C)## not to be confused with ##\mathring{C})##.

What is the difference between these two?

I haven't seen ##\mathring{C}## before, although I know that ##C^\circ## is one of the notations for the interior.
 
I like Serena said:
Perhaps it's intended to denote the closure.



What is the difference between these two?

I haven't seen ##\mathring{C}## before, although I know that ##C^\circ## is one of the notations for the interior.

you got it. Thanks
 

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