Do all complex functions have orthogonal real and imaginary parts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the orthogonality of the real and imaginary parts of complex functions, specifically questioning whether all complex functions exhibit this property. The scope includes theoretical considerations of complex analysis and properties of analytic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant posits that by the definition of the complex plane, the real part h(x) and the imaginary part ig(x) of a complex function z = h(x) + ig(x) will always be orthogonal.
  • Another participant counters that only analytic functions have orthogonal real and imaginary parts, noting that most functions are not analytic, using z'(z) = z^2 as an example.
  • A subsequent reply acknowledges the previous point but mistakenly asserts that z^2 is not analytic, later correcting this misunderstanding.
  • Another participant introduces the function z^{1/2}, arguing that while it is not entire, it has regions where it is analytic, suggesting the use of the inverse function theorem to identify points where a local inverse exists.
  • Further, a participant provides an example of a nowhere-analytic function, defining it as the conjugate function z^ with specific real and imaginary components, and applies the Cauchy-Riemann equations to illustrate that the necessary conditions for analyticity do not hold.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the conditions under which the real and imaginary parts of complex functions are orthogonal, with some asserting that only analytic functions meet this criterion while others explore specific examples that challenge or refine this understanding.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of analytic functions and the conditions under which orthogonality applies. The discussion also highlights the complexity of certain functions and their analytic properties, which may vary across different regions.

cocopops12
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z = h(x) + ig(x)
True or False: By the definition of the complex plane, h(x) and ig(x) will always be orthogonal.

If this was true, wouldn't that mean that we can find a 'very general' Fourier series representation of any function f(x) as an infinite series of An*h(x) + infinite series of Bn*ig(x) ?. I am aware that finding a Fourier series representation of f(x) doesn't mean that it will converge, and if it does converge, it won't necessary converge to f(x).

for example h(x) = x^2 , g(x) = ln(x)

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm just trying to understand some stuff...

Thanks. :smile:
 
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No, only analytic functions are orthogonal. Most functions are not analytic. Look at the real and imaginary parts of z'(z) = z^2, as one example.
 
I see, thank you sir!
 
marcusl said:
No, only analytic functions are orthogonal. Most functions are not analytic. Look at the real and imaginary parts of z'(z) = z^2, as one example.

Maybe I misunderstand what you meant, but z^2 is analytic.
 
Bacle2 said:
Maybe I misunderstand what you meant, but z^2 is analytic.
Oops, sure enough that's my mistake!:blushing:
 
No problem, happens to all of us.
 
marcusl said:
No, only analytic functions are orthogonal. Most functions are not analytic. Look at the real and imaginary parts of z'(z) = z^2, as one example.

[itex]z^{1/2}[/itex]
 
LayMuon said:
[itex]z^{1/2}[/itex]

But z1/2 has a region where it is analytic; it is not entire ( it is

actually a multi-function) , but you can find a region where it is analytic.

Use, e.g., the inverse function theorem to see that there are points for which

a local inverse exists. This local inverse is analytic in a 'hood of the point.

An example of a nowhere-analytic function is z^ , the conjugate function;

with z^(x+iy):= x-iy . Then z^:=U+iV , with U(x,y)=x and V(x,y)=-y

Let's use C-R:

U_x =1 , V_y=-1 , so U_x=V_y never holds.
 
Last edited:

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