Entire functions and polynomials

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of entire functions, specifically addressing the question of whether an entire function \( f \) that satisfies the condition \( |z| > 1 \) implies \( |f(z)| > 1 \) must be a polynomial. Participants explore various mathematical concepts, including singularities, the behavior of analytic functions, and the implications of Liouville's theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that if \( f \) is entire and \( |z| > 1 \) implies \( |f(z)| > 1 \), then \( f(z) \) must be a polynomial, suggesting a contradiction with non-polynomial entire functions like \( e^z \) and \( \sin z \).
  • Another participant mentions the Casorati-Weierstrass theorem, indicating that the singularity at infinity for non-polynomial entire functions is not essential, implying it must be a pole or removable.
  • A later reply clarifies that the only meromorphic functions from the extended complex plane to itself are rational functions, which supports the idea that non-polynomial entire functions have essential singularities at infinity.
  • One participant suggests defining a new function \( g(z) = 1/f(1/z) \) as a potential approach to the problem, indicating it maps the unit disk into itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of singularities of non-polynomial entire functions, with some asserting that they have essential singularities at infinity while others argue that they do not. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these singularities on the polynomial nature of \( f(z) \).

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various mathematical theorems and properties, such as Liouville's theorem and the behavior of meromorphic functions, but the discussion does not reach a consensus on the implications of these concepts for the original question.

WWGD
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Hi: I am trying to show:

If f is analytic in C (i.e., f is entire) and : |z|>1 implies |f(z)|>1.
Prove that f(z) is a polynomial.

I have tried using the fact that f(z)=Suma_nz^n (Taylor series) valid in the whole of C,

and derive a contradiction assuming |f(z)|>1 for |z|>1 . I checked that the "standard"

non-poly. functions, e.g., e^z, sinz , were not counterexamples (they're not).

Obviously, if this result were false for f(z) non-polynomial, then f(z) would need to

have all its zeros( if any) inside of S^1, which is not impossible), and any poly.

satisfying above condition should also have its zeros inside of S^1.


I have considered using the fact that any f analytic has a singularity at oo (follows

from Liouville's), but this only works if the singularity is an essential singularity; is

this true, that any non-poly. analytic function has an essential singularity at oo ?.


Any other ideasa?
 
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The important fact in this case, which follows from Casorati-Weierstrass, is that the singularity at [tex]\infty[/tex] is not an essential one (so it is a pole or removable). A pole at [tex]\infty[/tex] can be "removed" by adding a suitable polynomial, just like a pole in [tex]\mathbb{C}[/tex] can be removed by substracting the principal part. The result then follows from Liouville.

btw, the only meromorphic functions [tex]\bar{\mathbb{C}} \to \bar{\mathbb{C}}[/tex] are rational functions.
 
Yes, thanks, I realized it right after posting it.

Are you referring to the Mobius maps (az+b)/(cz+d) ?. I don't see how that
relates here.
 
WWGD said:
Are you referring to the Mobius maps (az+b)/(cz+d) ?. I don't see how that
relates here.

By "rational map" I mean any quotient of polynomials (the Möbius transformations are the bijective ones). My statement implies that the answer to

is this true, that any non-poly. analytic function has an essential singularity at oo ?.

is yes.
 
Please don't assume this will lead to the right answer, but the first thing that occurs to me is that it might be easier to think of a different function. Define

g(z) = 1/f(1/z)

this is a function that maps the unit disk into itself.
 

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