Complex Variables: Area Enclosed by Contour Formula

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SUMMARY

The area enclosed by a positively oriented simple closed contour C can be expressed using the formula \( A_C = \frac{1}{2i} \int_C \bar{z} \, dz \). This derivation utilizes the equation from Section 46, which states that \( \int_C f(z) \, dz = \iint_R (-v_x - u_y) \, dA + i \iint_R (u_x - v_y) \, dA \), despite the function \( f(z) = \bar{z} \) being non-analytic. Participants emphasized the importance of identifying the real and imaginary components, u and v, of the function to facilitate the proof. Additionally, Green's Theorem was highlighted as a relevant concept in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex variables and contour integration
  • Familiarity with Green's Theorem
  • Knowledge of analytic functions and their properties
  • Ability to manipulate complex integrals and expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the area formula using \( A_C = \frac{1}{2i} \int_C \bar{z} \, dz \)
  • Review Green's Theorem and its applications in complex analysis
  • Practice converting complex functions into their real and imaginary components
  • Explore non-trivial examples of contour integration beyond simple shapes like circles
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in advanced mathematics, particularly those focusing on complex analysis, contour integration, and applications of Green's Theorem.

eaglesmath15
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Homework Statement


Show that if C is a positively oriented simple closed contour, then the area of the region enclosed by C can be written (1/2i)/∫C\bar{}zdz.
Note that expression 4 Sec. 46 can be used here even though the function f(z)=\bar{}z is not analytic anywhere.
FORMATTING NOTE: SHOULD BE Z BAR, NOT NEGATIVE Z.

Homework Equations


exspression 4 sec. 46: ∫Cf(z)dz=∫∫R(-vx-uy)dA+i∫∫R(ux-vy)dA.
 
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Cool - what have you tried so far?
Do you now what all the terms in the problem statement mean at least?

Formatting note: here - let me help...

You want to show:

If ##C## is a, positively oriented, simple closed contour, then the area of the region enclosed by ##C## can be written $$A_C=\frac{1}{2i}\int_C\bar{z}\;dz$$

You can use: $$\int_C f(z)dz = \iint_R (-v_x-u_y)dA + i\iint_R (u_x-v_y)dA$$... even though ##f(x)=\bar{z}## is not analytic anywhere.

That better?
Use the "quote" button under this post to see how I did that ;)
 
Simon Bridge said:
Cool - what have you tried so far?
Do you now what all the terms in the problem statement mean at least?

Formatting note: here - let me help...

You want to show:

If ##C## is a, positively oriented, simple closed contour, then the area of the region enclosed by ##C## can be written $$A_C=\frac{1}{2i}\int_C\bar{z}\;dz$$

You can use: $$\int_C f(z)dz = \iint_R (-v_x-u_y)dA + i\iint_R (u_x-v_y)dA$$... even though ##f(x)=\bar{z}## is not analytic anywhere.

That better?
Use the "quote" button under this post to see how I did that ;)


Thanks! It looks like what I had tried before, but it hadn't worked, so I probably just missed something.

I haven't really tried anything yet, I'm not entirely sure where to begin.
 
eaglesmath15 said:
Thanks! It looks like what I had tried before, but it hadn't worked, so I probably just missed something.

I haven't really tried anything yet, I'm not entirely sure where to begin.

What are u and v for the function ##f(z)=\bar z##? Start there.
 
eaglesmath15 said:
Thanks! It looks like what I had tried before, but it hadn't worked, so I probably just missed something.
If PF just gave you a funny box with your latex in it, then you probably left of a brace somewhere. No worries.

I haven't really tried anything yet, I'm not entirely sure where to begin.
Like Dick says ... look at the expression you are allowed to use: the LHS of it contains part of what you have to prove - which means you have to end up with something that has the RHS in it. The RHS has loads of u's and v's ... so you want to express f(z) in terms of u and v first - then try to work out the area enclosed.
 
eaglesmath15 said:
I'm not entirely sure where to begin.

(1) Start with the expression:

\oint_C f(z)dz=\oint_C (u+iv)dz=\oint_C (u+iv)(dx+idy)

and does f(z) even have to be analytic for that to hold?

(2) Now review Green's Theorem in the plane. Does that theorem require f(z) to be analytic?

(3) What happens when I combine (1) and (2) for the function f(z)=\overline{z}?

(4) And last and foremost, try it with a non-trivial example (circles won't do). Do it for a triangle contour.
 

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