Complex Derivative: Directional Derivatives & Complex Variables

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the existence of the complex derivative for a continuous complex-valued function f(z) based on properties of directional derivatives. Specifically, it establishes that if directional derivatives preserve angles, then the complex derivative exists. Additionally, it explores the condition where directional derivatives maintain equal norm values, leading to the conclusion that f(z) also possesses a complex derivative. The relationship between angles and norms is highlighted, particularly through the cosine formula involving dot products.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex analysis, specifically complex derivatives.
  • Familiarity with directional derivatives and their properties.
  • Knowledge of the Cauchy-Riemann equations.
  • Basic concepts of vector algebra, including dot products and norms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proof of the Cauchy-Riemann equations and their implications for complex differentiability.
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of directional derivatives in complex analysis.
  • Learn about the relationship between angles and norms in vector spaces.
  • Investigate advanced topics in complex analysis, such as holomorphic functions and their properties.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of complex analysis, and anyone interested in the rigorous foundations of calculus in the context of complex variables.

Skrew
Messages
131
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure if it's OK to post this question here or not, the Calculus and Beyond section doesn't really look very heavily proof oriented.

I'm trying to prove that if continuous complex valued function f(z) is such that the directional derivatives(using numbers with unit length) preserve angles then the complex derivative exists.

Similarly I need to prove that if the directional derivatives have all the same norm values, then f(z) has a complex derivative.

So far I have proved that if the directional derivative preserves angles then difference quotient from every direction are all linear multiples of each other.

I need now to prove that the norms are the same, I don't know how to link up the norm length with the angles.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Angles and lengths are related by
$$
\cos \sphericalangle (\vec{a},\vec{b})=\dfrac{\vec{a}\cdot \vec{b}}{|\vec{a}||\vec{b}|}
$$

However, I'm not sure whether the result holds at all, especially how to define angles if there isn't already a directional derivative, and where the mixed terms of the Cauchy-Riemann conditions come into play.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K