Doubt in Partial derivative of complex variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the Laplacian in the context of complex analysis, specifically how to express it in terms of complex variables and their derivatives. The scope includes theoretical aspects of complex analysis and mathematical reasoning related to partial derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the professor derived the equation for the Laplacian in complex analysis.
  • Another participant suggests using the chain rule to express derivatives with respect to real variables x and y in terms of complex variables z and z̄.
  • A participant provides the relationships between x, y, z, and z̄, seeking further guidance on solving the problem.
  • Another participant proposes the use of Wirtinger derivatives as a potential method to approach the problem.
  • One participant clarifies the definition of the derivatives with respect to z and z̄, indicating that multiplying these operators leads to the Laplacian.
  • A later reply corrects a previous statement, indicating that the result is actually one-fourth of the Laplacian, not the Laplacian itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and approaches to derive the Laplacian, but there is no consensus on the exact steps or the interpretation of the results. Multiple competing views remain regarding the application of different derivative techniques.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made in the derivation process, the dependence on specific definitions of derivatives, and the unresolved mathematical steps in transitioning from real to complex variables.

smart_worker
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Today, I had a class on Complex analysis and my professor wrote this on the board :

The Laplacian satisfies this equation :

lap.JPG

where,

pla.JPG

So, how did he arrive at that equation?
 
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## \triangle=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}##. Now you should just use chain rule to write derivatives w.r.t. x and y, in terms of derivative w.r.t. ## z ## and ## \bar z ##.
 
Shyan said:
## \triangle=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}##. Now you should just use chain rule to write derivatives w.r.t. x and y, in terms of derivative w.r.t. ## z ## and ## \bar z ##.

x = (z + z¯)/2
and
y = (z - z¯)/2i

How do I solve this further?

EDIT:Sorry, I don't know how to write the latex code to represent the "Bar" above "z"
 
I guess, I'll have to use Wirtinger derivatives.
 
By the definition $$\frac{\partial}{\partial z}=\frac12\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x} -i \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \right), \qquad \frac{\partial}{\partial\overline z}=\frac12\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x} +i \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \right).$$ So if you multiply these two differential operators and use the fact that $$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\frac{\partial}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial}{\partial y}\frac{\partial}{\partial x}$$ (equality of mixed partial derivatives), you get exactly the Laplacian.
 
I meant ##1/4## of the Laplacian, i.e. $$\frac14\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2} \right).$$
 

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