Derivative of Complex Functions: Cauchy-Riemann and Quotient Rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of complex functions, specifically comparing the use of the Cauchy-Riemann equations in the derivative of \( x^3 + i(1-y)^3 \) and the application of the quotient rule for \( \frac{1}{z^2 + 1} \), where \( z = x + iy \).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the necessity of Cauchy-Riemann equations in certain derivatives while questioning the application of the quotient rule in others. There are attempts to derive expressions and clarify steps in the manipulation of complex fractions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into their thought processes and calculations. Some participants seek clarification on intermediate steps and express uncertainty about the correctness of derived expressions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of an exam context where implicit differentiation led to a poor outcome, indicating a possible constraint on the methods allowed or expected in the homework setting.

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Homework Statement


Why do you need to use Cauchy-Riemann in the derivate of [itex]x^3 + i(1-y)^3[/itex], while not in the derivate of [itex]\frac { 1 } {z^2 + 1}[/itex] in using the quotient rule?

where z = x + iy.

I derivated the first expression implicitly in the exam which resulted in zero points of the exercise.

The Attempt at a Solution



I would derivate the latter by expanding the denominator such that

[tex]\frac{1} { (x+iy)^2 +1} =...= \frac {x^2 - y^2 +1} {x^4 + y^4 - 6x^2 y^2 +1} - \frac {2xyi} {x^4 + y^4 -6x^2 y^2 +1}[/tex]

and then derivate as real and then as complex.
The expression is rather challenging at the moment.
I am not sure what is the best way to derivate the latter statement correctly.
 
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I'm guessing that to get:
[tex]\frac{1}{ (x+iy)^2 +1} =...= \frac{x^2 - y^2 +1}{x^4 + y^4 - 6x^2 y^2 +1} - \frac{2xy}{x^4 + y^4 -6x^2 y^2 +1}[/tex]

you multiplied by the conjugate, so you multiplied top and bottom by:
[x^{2}-y^{2}+1]-2xyi
right?

if that's right, i don't agree with what you got. can you please show one more intermediate step?
 
sara_87 said:
I'm guessing that to get:
[tex]\frac{1}{ (x+iy)^2 +1} =...= \frac{x^2 - y^2 +1}{x^4 + y^4 - 6x^2 y^2 +1} - \frac{2xy}{x^4 + y^4 -6x^2 y^2 +1}[/tex]

you multiplied by the conjugate, so you multiplied top and bottom by:
[x^{2}-y^{2}+1]-2xyi
right?

if that's right, i don't agree with what you got. can you please show one more intermediate step?

I did multiply by the conjugate.

The denominator is

[tex](x + iy)^2 +1 = x^2 + 2xyi -y^2 +1[/tex]
[tex]= (x^2 - y^2 +1) + 2xyi[/tex]

Multiplying by the conjugate

[tex]\frac{1} { (x^2 - y^2 +1) + 2xyi } = \frac { (x^2 - y^2 +1) - 2xyi } { (x^2 - y^2 +1)^2 + (2xy)^2 }[/tex]

Let [itex]A = x^2 - y^2[/itex]. Considering the denominator
[tex](A +1)^2 = A^2 +2A +1[/tex]
[tex]= (x^2 - y^2)^2 + 2(x^2 - y^2) +1[/tex]
[tex]= x^4 - 2x^2 y^2 + y^4 + 2x^2 - 2y^2 +1[/tex]

Making the projection: [itex]B |-> B + (2xy)^2[/itex], we get for the denominator

[tex]x^4 + y^4 + 2x^2 -2y^2 +1[/tex],

which is the same denominator as in my question.

The numerator is simply the conjugate [itex](x^2 - y^2 +1) - 2xyi[/itex].
 
you mean, making the projection;
we get for the denominator:

[tex]B+(2xy)^{2}=x^4-2x^2y^2+y^4+2x^2-2y^2+1+4x^2y^2=x^4+2x^2y^2+y^4+2x^2-2y^2+1[/tex]

?
 
sara_87 said:
you mean, making the projection;
we get for the denominator:

[tex]B+(2xy)^{2}=x^4-2x^2y^2+y^4+2x^2-2y^2+1+4x^2y^2=x^4+2x^2y^2+y^4+2x^2-2y^2+1[/tex]

?


Yes, I mean what you say.
I did not use apparently the term "projection" correctly.
Perhaps, a more appropriate term would be a mapping or simply a plus between the two.
 

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