Finding the Conjugate Function of u for f to be Analytic

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Conjugate Function
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the conjugate function \(v\) for the given function \(u = 2x(1 - y)\) to ensure that \(f = u + iv\) is analytic. The correct conjugate function is derived as \(v = 2y - y^2 + x^2 + C\), where \(C\) is an arbitrary constant. The participants confirm that the analytic function can be expressed as \(2z + i(z^2 + C)\), validating the relationship between \(u\) and \(v\) through the Cauchy-Riemann equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex functions and analyticity
  • Familiarity with Cauchy-Riemann equations
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives
  • Basic concepts of integration in the context of functions of complex variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Cauchy-Riemann equations in detail
  • Learn about analytic functions and their properties
  • Explore the concept of conjugate functions in complex analysis
  • Investigate the role of constants of integration in complex functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying complex analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of analytic functions and conjugate pairs.

Dustinsfl
Messages
2,217
Reaction score
5
\(u = 2x(1 - y)\) I want to find v such that \(f = u +iv\) is analytic. The hint is find the conjugate function of u.

I am not sure if what I did was finding the conjugate function of u thoug.
\[
u_x = 2(1 - y) = v_y
\]
so
\[
v = 2y - y^2 + g(x) \Rightarrow v_x = g'(x)
\]
and
\[
u_y = -2x = -g'(x)\Rightarrow g(x) = x^2
\]
Therefore, \(v = 2y - y^2 + x^2\) which makes f analytic. Is that v the conjugate function of u?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dwsmith said:
\(u = 2x(1 - y)\) I want to find v such that \(f = u +iv\) is analytic. The hint is find the conjugate function of u.

I am not sure if what I did was finding the conjugate function of u thoug.
\[
u_x = 2(1 - y) = v_y
\]
so
\[
v = 2y - y^2 + g(x) \Rightarrow v_x = g'(x)
\]
and
\[
u_y = -2x = -g'(x)\Rightarrow g(x) = x^2
\]
Therefore, \(v = 2y - y^2 + x^2\) which makes f analytic. Is that v the conjugate function of u?

What you have is right, but I have one minor comment to make. At the last step, you have $u_y = -2x = -g'(x)\Rightarrow g(x) = x^2$. When you solve for $g$, you should have $g(x) = x^2 + C$, where $C$ is an arbitrary constant. But then you can choose $C = 0$, giving the particular conjugate function $v = 2y - y^2 + x^2$.
 
I have another minor comment to make. In a problem like this, a good way to check whether your answer is correct is to see whether $u+iv$ can be expressed as a (differentiable) function of $z=x+iy$.

In this case, you started with $u = 2x(1-y)$ and you found that $v = 2y - y^2 + x^2$. Then $$\begin{aligned} u+iv &= (2x - 2xy) + i(2y - y^2 + x^2) \\ &= 2(x+iy) + i(x^2 - y^2 + 2ixy) \\ &= 2z + iz^2.\end{aligned}$$ So $u$ and $v$ are the real and imaginary parts of the analytic function $2z+iz^2$.

As Euge has pointed out, you should really add a constant of integration to the expression for $v$, and the analytic function of $z$ will then be $2z+i(z^2 + C),$ where $C$ is a real constant.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K