Estimate the magnitude of a line integral exp(iz) over a semicircle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the magnitude of the line integral of the function \( e^{iz} \) over a semicircular path in the complex plane, as referenced in a book by Fisher. Participants explore the mathematical expressions and properties related to this integral, focusing on the modulus of complex numbers and the application of the Residue Theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a detailed derivation of the magnitude of \( e^{iz} \) over the semicircle, concluding that \( \left\vert e^{iz} \right\vert = e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \).
  • Another participant expresses agreement with the derivation, stating "Yes (IMHO)".
  • A question is raised about how to determine the modulus of a complex number, indicating a potential area of confusion or need for clarification.
  • A participant suggests a different approach to calculating the modulus of \( e^{iz} \) using the expression \( \left| e^{iz} \right| = \sqrt{e^{iz}e^{-iz^*}} \), which also leads to the conclusion \( e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the magnitude of \( e^{iz} \) as expressed by participants, but the discussion includes varying methods of arriving at this conclusion. The question about determining the modulus indicates that not all participants may be fully aligned on the foundational concepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical steps and assumptions that may not be universally understood, particularly regarding the properties of complex numbers and the application of the modulus. Some expressions may depend on specific interpretations or definitions that are not explicitly stated.

hotvette
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TL;DR
Clarify statement in Complex Variables (S. Fisher) about magnitude of a line integral exp(iz) over a semicircle
Not homework, just trying to understand a statement in the book. On page 158 in Fisher, the following statement is made:
In these applications of the Residue Theorem, we often need to estimate the magnitude of the line integral of e^{iz} over the semicircle = Re^{i\theta}, \; 0 \le \theta \le \pi. We note that:
<br /> \left\vert e^{iz} \right\vert = e^{\text{Re}(iz)} = e^{-R \sin(\theta)}<br />
To understand the above, I did the following.
\begin{align}
&z = Re^{i\theta} = R \cos(\theta) + i R \sin(\theta)
\\
&iz = i R \cos(\theta) - R \sin(\theta)
\\
&e^{iz} = e^{i R \cos(\theta) - R \sin(\theta)} = e^{i R \cos(\theta)} e^{-R \sin(\theta)}
\\
&\left\vert e^{iz} \right\vert = \left\vert e^{i R \cos(\theta)} e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \right\vert
= \left\vert e^{i R \cos(\theta)} \right\vert \; \left\vert e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \right\vert
\\
&e^{i R \cos(\theta)} = e^{ix} && \text{where $x = R \cos(\theta)$, real}
\\
\therefore \, &\left\vert e^{i R \cos(\theta)} \right\vert = 1
&& \cos^2 x + \sin^2 x= 1
\\
&\left\vert e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \right\vert = e^{-R \sin(\theta)}
&& \text{since } e^{-R \sin(\theta)} \ge 0
\\
\therefore \, &\left\vert e^{iz} \right\vert = e^{-R \sin(\theta)} =e^{\text{Re}(iz)}
\end{align}
Is it correct?
 
Last edited:
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Yes (IMHO)
 
Thanks!
 
How does one determine a modulus of a complex number ?
 
Use that to prove ##|\bf ab | = |a|\,|b|##
 
I offer the following observation:$$\left| e^{iz} \right|= \sqrt{e^{iz}e^{-iz^*}}=\sqrt {e^{i(z-z^*)}}\\
=e^{\frac{iR}{2}((\cos(\theta)+i\sin(\theta))-(\cos(\theta)-i\sin(\theta)))}=e^{-R\sin(\theta)}$$
 
Got it !
 

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