Evaluating Integral on Parabolic Curve: Im(z)dz

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating a contour integral of the imaginary part of a complex function along a parabolic curve defined by the equation y = x^2. The original poster presents a specific integral involving the imaginary part of z, where z is parametrized from the point 1 + i to 3 + 9i.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to parametrize the contour and expresses confusion regarding the treatment of the imaginary parts of z and its derivative. Questions are raised about whether to evaluate the integral using the imaginary part of z alone or to include the derivative's imaginary part as well.
  • Some participants suggest considering the integral of a general function f(z) instead of just Im(z) to clarify the approach.
  • There are discussions about the correct formulation of the integral and the definitions of u(t) and v(t) in relation to f(z(t)).
  • One participant questions the interpretation of Im(z) and clarifies that it should be treated as the real part of the imaginary component, not multiplied by i.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants exploring various interpretations and approaches to the integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding the formulation of the integral and the definitions involved, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of integrating a function's imaginary part and how it relates to contour integration. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the definitions and treatment of complex functions in the context of the integral.

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Homework Statement



evaluate the contour integral

int.cont. Im(z) dz

where cont. is the path from the point z_o = 1 + i to the point z_1 = 3 + 9i

along the parabolic curve y = x^2. sketch the contour

Homework Equations



int.[a to b] z(t)z'(t) dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I parametrized z(t) = t + t^2*i and runs 1 <= t <= 3

z'(t) = 1 + 2ti

Here is where I get confused

I know Im(z(t)) = t^2*i, but do I also have to do Im(z'(t)) = 2ti?

so I am unsure whether to evaluate

int [from 1 to 3] Im(z(t))*Im(z'(t)) dt

or

int [from 1 to 3] Im(z(t))*(z'(t)) dt

Also, since we are integrating the imaginary part only, how does the sketch differ from a contour integral of let's say z(t)dt

thanks
 
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I think you are being confused by the fact that the function you are integrating takes the imaginary part of its argument. Think about how you would solve the problem generally, look at f(z) instead of Im(z). Im(z) is just a special case.

If you were integrating f(z), would you then also take f(z') (If that makes sense)?

Also, your equation under 'relevant equations' is not quite right. The equation
[tex]\int_{a}^{b}z(t)z'(t)dt[/tex]
does not take into account that you are looking at the imaginary part. How should this equation look for a general f(z)?
 
Hi,

I 've a question here:
sin (z) / (z^15)

How to find singularities; locale etc?
Related to this theory?
 
for general f(z)

isnt it

int [ a to b ] [u(t) + iv(t)] dt

=

int [a to b] u(t) dt + i* int [ a to b] v(t) dt

then I am just solving

i* int [ a to b] v(t) z'(t) dt

?

Thanks
 
squaremeplease said:
for general f(z)

isnt it

int [ a to b ] [u(t) + iv(t)] dt

=

int [a to b] u(t) dt + i* int [ a to b] v(t) dt

then I am just solving

i* int [ a to b] v(t) z'(t) dt

?

Thanks
How are you defining u(t) and v(t)? Is it f(z(t)) = u(z(t)) + i*v(z(t)), or z(t) = u(t) + i*v(t) ? Depending on which one you mean, your last equation may be correct. Your first two equations, though, are missing something. How do you convert an integral 'dz' to an integral 'dt'?
 
please ignore the first two equations as they were pertaining to f(t) not f(z(t)). I know u have to add the derivative of z(t).

in the last equation,

i* int [ a to b] v(t) z'(t) dt

u(t) and v(t) are defined in accord to

f(z(t)) = u(z(t)) + i*v(z(t))

my final integral looks like this

int [from 1 to 3] (t^2*i)(1 + 2ti) dt

is this correct? thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
You have the idea exactly right. There is a minor problem with your interpretation of Im(z). The way it is defined is that for z = x + i*y (x and y real), Im(z) = y, not Im(z) = i*y. You are treating it like it is the second case.
 

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