Contour Integral Homework Statement Evaluation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating a contour integral along a triangular path defined by specific points in the complex plane. The subject area is complex analysis, specifically focusing on contour integrals and the application of Cauchy's integral theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the contour integral by performing line integrals along each side of the triangle and summing the results, questioning whether the integral should equal zero given the closed nature of the contour.
  • Some participants question the function being integrated, noting that the absence of this information complicates the evaluation.
  • Others suggest that the function provided, f(z) = e^(pi*z), is analytic and does not have poles within the contour, which could imply the integral evaluates to zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring the implications of the function's analyticity on the value of the contour integral. While some participants provide insights based on Cauchy's integral theorem, there is no explicit consensus on the final evaluation of the integral, as the original poster is still seeking clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of detailed information regarding the computations performed by the original poster, and the discussion highlights the importance of specifying the function in contour integral evaluations.

elimenohpee
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Homework Statement


Let C be a contour formed by the points O(0,0), A(1,0), B(1,1), with the direction OA->AB->BO. By using the definition of a contour integral, evaluate:

(integral) f(z)dz

Homework Equations



[tex]\int f[z(t)]z'(t)dt[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I didn't include the work I've done, or even the function upon which I am integrating. I'm looking more for an understanding.

I perform the line integrals about each side of the triangle, and sum each value at the end. But I end up with 0, which I think makes sense since this is a closed region. But should the value equal zero?
 
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It might be zero. But since you skipped telling us what the function f(z) is, it's hard to say. It also might not be zero. Is that what you wanted to know? What is f(z)?
 
f(z) = e^pi*z

Its a little too much to try and type all the work I did computing each integral.
 
elimenohpee said:
f(z) = e^pi*z

Its a little too much to try and type all the work I did computing each integral.

That's fine. Since e^(pi*z) doesn't have any poles, then you are ok. The integral should come out to be zero. It's analytic inside the triangle. That's Cauchy's integral theorem. There are other functions that don't satisfy that criterion.
 
Dick said:
That's fine. Since e^(pi*z) doesn't have any poles, then you are ok. The integral should come out to be zero. It's analytic inside the triangle. That's Cauchy's integral theorem.

Thank you, exactly what I figured and actually worked out. Just wanted to verify.

Thanks again!
 

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