Complex integral is zero but fn. is not analytic

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of complex integrals, specifically the integral of the function ∫cos(z)/z² around the circle |z|=1. Participants explore the implications of a closed integral being zero in relation to the analyticity of the function, referencing the Cauchy-Goursat Theorem and Morera's Theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the integral ∫cos(z)/z² around |z|=1 is zero, raising the question of whether non-analytic functions can have a closed integral of zero.
  • Another participant confirms that the closed integral being zero does not necessarily imply that the function is analytic.
  • A later reply suggests that while the integral being zero does not prove analyticity, it implies that the contour integral is zero.
  • One participant points out a missing hypothesis in Morera's theorem regarding the continuity of the integrand for the theorem to apply.
  • Another participant agrees and adds that if the integrand is continuous and the integral is zero, under certain conditions, the integrand can be holomorphic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of a closed integral being zero, with some agreeing on the necessity of continuity for Morera's theorem while others question the relationship between integrals and analyticity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of assumptions in theorems related to complex analysis, particularly regarding continuity and conditions for analyticity.

ppy
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Hi
I have been using a textbook which shows that ∫cos z/z^2 around the circle |z|=1 is zero by doing a Laurent expansion and finding the residue is zero.
I was under the impression that only analytic functions have a integral of zero around a closed surface. ( the Cauchy-Goursat Theorem ). The above function is not analytic at z=0 so can non-analytic functions have a closed integral of zero ?

Thanks
 
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ppy said:
Hi
I have been using a textbook which shows that ∫cos z/z^2 around the circle |z|=1 is zero by doing a Laurent expansion and finding the residue is zero.
I was under the impression that only analytic functions have a integral of zero around a closed surface. ( the Cauchy-Goursat Theorem ). The above function is not analytic at z=0 so can non-analytic functions have a closed integral of zero ?

Thanks
Of course. Observe: $$\int\limits_{[0,2\pi)}\frac{\cos(e^{i\theta})}{e^{2i\theta}}ie^{i\theta}d\theta = i\int\limits_{[0,2\pi)}\frac{\cos(e^{i\theta})}{e^{i\theta}}d\theta=0.$$
 
Thanks for that. So if the closed integral is zero it doesn't prove that the function is analytic ? Does it infer anything ?
Thanks
 
ppy said:
Thanks for that. So if the closed integral is zero it doesn't prove that the function is analytic ? Does it infer anything ?
Thanks
Not really.

It implies that the contour integral is 0, though. :-p
 
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you are missing a hypothesis of morera's theorem that the integrand be continuous.
 
mathwonk said:
you are missing a hypothesis of morera's theorem that the integrand be continuous.
This is true. :redface:

If the integrand is continuous and the integral is 0, then, with a couple of other conditions, the integrand is holomorphic.
 

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