Complex Variable Analysis: What is the order of the pole at z=1?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the order of the pole at z=1 for a specific function in Complex Analysis. The participant concludes that the function is not a regular point or an essential singularity. Using l'Hôpital's rule, they suggest the pole is of order 1, while textbook applications indicate it may be of order 2. The participant references multiple textbooks, including "Arfken" and suggests "Marsden" and "Churchill" for further reading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Complex Analysis concepts, specifically poles and singularities.
  • Familiarity with l'Hôpital's rule for evaluating limits.
  • Knowledge of Taylor and Laurent series expansions.
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and limit evaluation techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of l'Hôpital's rule in complex functions.
  • Learn about Taylor and Laurent series in detail.
  • Read "Marsden" and "Churchill" for comprehensive insights into poles and singularities.
  • Explore the concept of order of poles in depth using "Ahlfors" as a reference.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those specializing in Complex Analysis, as well as educators seeking to deepen their understanding of poles and singularities in complex functions.

GluonZ
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I'm supposed to evaluate where a function is a regular point, essential singularity, or a pole (and of what order) at a specific location.

Problem here.

Evaluated at (where else but) z=1.

I know its not a regular point since it doesn't evaluate to a simple Taylor Series... likewise -- I know its not an essential singularity since its Lorentz series doesn't go on forever (unless I'm entirely wrong).

I cannot tell what order the pole is though:

Using l'Hopital's rule (0/0) would suggest that its a pole of order 1... but applying it directly which the textbooks seem to do would suggest its a pole of order 2.

It would be easier if I could conform it to a Lorentz series but across 7 textbooks I have on the topic of Complex Analysis (not kidding -- I just bought one today -- 120$ -- only a dozen problems on the topic -- and no solutions nor even answers). "Arfken" -- good for reference -- but I really should have bought Boas.
 
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A pole is simple if the limit

[tex]\lim_{z\rightarrow z_0}(z-z_0)f(z)[/tex]

exist and is finite.

A pole is of order [itex]n[/itex] if the limit

[tex]\lim_{z\rightarrow z_0}(z-z_0)^n f(z)[/tex]

exist and is finite.

(Why?)

---EDIT---

You should read Marsden's or Churchill's book on the topic. Another good, but more advanced reference is Ahlfors.
 
Last edited:
I would think that your pole is of order one, since your function is equal to (z+1)/(z-1)
 

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