Complex Derivatives: Will Result Always be Holomorphic?

In summary, the conversation discusses the question of whether the derivative of a holomorphic function will always result in a holomorphic function. The participants mention the Cauchy integral formula and the definition of holomorphic functions. They also consider the theorem that states that if a function is holomorphic and continuously differentiable in an open area, then its complex derivative is also holomorphic. The conversation concludes with an invitation to provide a proof or a counterexample.
  • #1
Andz001
3
0
I'm solving complex derivatives of holomorphic functions, my question is if I take the derivative of a holomorphic function will the result always be holomorphic too?

The examples I made always have a holomorphic result but I'm trying to find a counter example.
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

How long have you been studying complex analysis? There is actually a major theorem on this subject whose content you can find on Wikipedia. A key part of the argument is the Cauchy integral formula, so you'll need some background in complex analysis to read the article.
 
  • #3
Thanks for being the first person to help me :)
My experience with complex analysis is limited, but I know the general theorems.
So if f'(z)=[itex]\partial[/itex]x f(z) and f'(z)= -i[itex]\partial[/itex]y f(z). Then [itex]\partial[/itex]x f(z) + i[itex]\partial[/itex]y f(z) = 0. So the derivative of z which is holomorphic will always result in a holomporphic function. Is this correct?
 
  • #4
Hm, I didn't understand your reply. Does [itex] \partial_x[/itex] mean [itex] \frac{\partial}{\partial x} [/itex]? It looks like you're doing something like the proof of the Cauchy-Riemann equations.

Could you state your homework problem as it appears? Are you really to show that the derivative of a holomorphic function is holomorphic or to provide a counterexample?
 
  • #5
The actual question is: If f(z) is holomorphic and continuously differentiable in an open area [itex]\Omega[/itex], then it's complex derivative f'(z) is holomorphic. True or False?

In my previous attempt ∂x means ∂/∂x.
 
  • #6
Have you looked at the definition of "holomorphic"? A function is holomorphic (on a set) if and only if it is analytic for all x in that set. When a set is not specified it is typically taken to be all complex numbers.

And, of course, one definition of "analytic" at a point is that its Taylor series exist at that point and converge to the value of the function in some neighborhood of the point. If a function is "holomorphic", it follows that its Taylor series exists and converge to the value of the function for all complex numbers.
 
  • #7
HallsofIvy said:
Have you looked at the definition of "holomorphic"? A function is holomorphic (on a set) if and only if it is analytic for all x in that set.

I disagree. That is not the definition of holomorphic, but rather an important theorem in complex analysis. This is the definition that I'm familiar with: http://planetmath.org/encyclopedia/Holomorphic.html .

Are you supposed to provide a proof, Andz? If not, HallsofIvy's post contains the answer.
 
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1. What are complex derivatives?

Complex derivatives are mathematical tools used to calculate the rate of change of a function with respect to a complex variable. They are analogous to real-valued derivatives, but take into account the complex nature of the variable.

2. What is a holomorphic function?

A holomorphic function is a complex-valued function that is differentiable at every point in its domain. This means that it has a well-defined complex derivative at every point in its domain.

3. Are all complex derivatives holomorphic?

No, not all complex derivatives are holomorphic. A complex derivative will result in a holomorphic function only if it satisfies the Cauchy-Riemann equations, which define the conditions for a function to be differentiable at a point in the complex plane.

4. Can a complex derivative result in a non-holomorphic function?

Yes, a complex derivative can result in a non-holomorphic function if the Cauchy-Riemann equations are not satisfied. In this case, the function may still be differentiable at certain points, but not at others.

5. Why is it important to determine if a complex derivative will result in a holomorphic function?

Determining if a complex derivative will result in a holomorphic function is important because holomorphic functions have many useful properties, such as being analytic (meaning they can be represented by a convergent power series) and preserving angle and magnitude under differentiation. These properties make them valuable in many areas of mathematics and physics.

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