Complex Integral over a Unit Circle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a complex integral over a unit circle, specifically the integral of the function \(\frac{z+i}{z^3+2z^2}\) along the contour defined by \(|z|=1\). Participants explore the implications of the contour's orientation and the significance of singularities within the integration path.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the role of the unit circle in contour integration and question how the presence of singularities affects the evaluation of the integral. There is an exploration of the residue theorem and its application to different contours, including the unit circle and other shapes like squares.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants sharing insights about the residue theorem and how to handle singularities within various contours. Some have expressed confusion about specific aspects, while others have provided clarifications and examples to illustrate the concepts being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of contour integration and the residue theorem, with some expressing uncertainty about the implications of different contours and singularities. There is a focus on understanding how to approach integrals with multiple singularities and the conditions under which the integral evaluates to zero.

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Homework Statement

Assuming a counterclockwise orientation for the unit circle, calculate
∫ [itex]\frac{z+i}{z^3+2z^2}[/itex] dz
|z|=1

Homework Equations



f'(a)=[itex]\frac{n!}{2i\pi}[/itex]=∫[itex]\frac{f(z)}{{z-a}^(n+1)}[/itex]
?

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't understand these types of questions. What does the |z| have to do with the integral? It's written on the bottom limit of the integral in case that wasn't clear.

From the answers, it writes:
f(z)=[itex]\frac{z+i}{z+2}[/itex]
2[itex]\pi[/itex]f'(0)=[itex]\frac{\pi}{2}[/itex]+[itex]\pi[/itex]iEdit: Nevermind. I found out how the formula works. I still don't understand what the |z| does. What would happen if it was |z|=10 for example?
 
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|z|=1 is represents the closed curve (unit circle) around which the contour integration should be performed.

do you know the residue theorem, could be pretty useful here
 
I somewhat understand the residue theorem and how singularities work. I'm not sure how that explains what the circle does. As long as the singularity is located in the circle, then I can do the integral. If I had something like |z-2|=1, then a problem would occur since the singularity is outside the circle. How do I adjust it then?
 
you don't the residue theorem relates the integral around a closed curve to the poles located inside the curve - so you need to find which poles are located with the unit circle

start with finding the poles of the function
 
So if I had something like the expression below, where C is the square with vertices ([itex]\pm2+2i[/itex],[itex]\pm2-2i[/itex])

∫ [itex]\frac{cos(z)}{z(z^2+8)}[/itex] dz
C

Would I ignore the poles at +/-isqrt(8) and proceed to use the CIF?

2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*f(0)=2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*[itex]\frac{cos(0)}{(0^2+8)}[/itex]=[itex]\frac{i\pi}{4}[/itex]
 
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Yup, you only care about the poles inside the contour.

To answer your question in post 3: If there are no singularities inside the contour, the integral is equal to 0.
 
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vela said:
To answer your question in post 3: If there are no singularities inside the contour, the integral is equal to 0.

omg I feel so stupid for not seeing something this simple...

Thanks for the help so far. I have one last question. What happens when you have multiple singularities within the contour. For example:

∫ [itex]\frac{sin(z)cos(z)}{((z-\frac{\pi}{4}}[/itex])(z+[itex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/itex]) dz
|z|=[itex]\pi[/itex]Edit: blah I can't fix the fractions in the integral. The z+pi/4 is on the denominator

Do we treat each one individually and then add them up?

2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*f([itex]\frac{\pi}{4}[/itex])=2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*[itex]\frac{1}{2*(\pi/2}[/itex])=2i

2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*f([itex]\frac{-\pi}{4}[/itex])=2[itex]\pi[/itex]i*[itex]\frac{-1}{2*(-\pi/2)}[/itex]=2i

2i+2i=4i
 
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Yes, that's what you do. The integral is equal to [itex]2\pi i\sum~\mathrm{residues}[/itex].
 
Awesome. I finally understand this topic! Thanks Vela and Lanedance.
 

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