Complex Variables: Area Enclosed by Contour Formula

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The discussion centers on proving that the area enclosed by a positively oriented simple closed contour C can be expressed as A_C = (1/2i)∫C z̅ dz. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the terms in the problem and suggest starting with the function f(z) = z̅ to identify its components u and v. They recommend using the provided integral expression and applying Green's Theorem, noting that the function does not need to be analytic for the theorem to hold. Additionally, testing the formula with non-trivial examples, such as a triangle contour, is advised for better comprehension. The conversation highlights the need for a solid grasp of complex variable concepts to tackle the problem effectively.
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.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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