Complex Derivatives: Will Result Always be Holomorphic?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of complex derivatives, specifically whether the derivative of a holomorphic function is always holomorphic. The original poster is exploring this concept within the context of complex analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand if the derivative of a holomorphic function remains holomorphic, seeking counterexamples to support their inquiry. Participants question the definitions and theorems related to holomorphic functions and derivatives.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into definitions and theorems relevant to holomorphic functions. Some participants are clarifying the original poster's understanding of the problem, while others are debating the definitions of holomorphic and analytic functions.

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Andz001
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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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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.
 
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?
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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