Get Better at Complex Analysis: Urgent Help Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking assistance and recommendations for studying complex analysis, particularly in relation to the textbook "Fundamentals of Complex Analysis" by Saff and Snider. Participants share their experiences with the course material and suggest alternative resources and strategies for improving understanding of complex analysis concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with problem sets from the Saff and Snider textbook, despite using supplementary materials like Schaum's outlines.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster may be confusing complex analysis with number theory and recommends moving the discussion to a more appropriate forum.
  • Several participants recommend alternative textbooks, including works by Churchill & Brown, Ralph Boas, and Frederick Greenleaf, citing their effectiveness in understanding complex analysis.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of collaboration with classmates for better comprehension of the material.
  • A participant mentions a positive reception of "Visual Complex Analysis" by Needham, suggesting it might be worth exploring.
  • Another participant suggests using Wikipedia as a quicker and potentially more accessible resource compared to traditional textbooks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the Saff and Snider textbook, as opinions vary on its suitability for learning complex analysis. Multiple competing views on alternative resources and study strategies are presented, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity and comfort with different textbooks and resources, highlighting the subjective nature of learning materials in complex analysis.

trickae
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I'm currently doing a course in complex analysis and we're using
fundamentals of complex analysis, by saff and snider.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0139078746/?tag=pfamazon01-20

And Our problem sets are from the questions at the end of the chapters. I'm finding these questions incredibly hard even when 'armed' with schaums outlines on complex analysis with solved problems (by spiegal).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070602301/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Any help? How do you complex analysis guru's do it?
Our course expects us to have completed the entire textbook and have all the problems done. Its only week 6/14 and we've just finished chapter 5. Any help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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First you don't confuse "Complex Analysis" with "Number Theory"! I'm moving this to "Calculus and Analysis" where you may get more help.
 
Well, I'd recommend you to read other books as well. Maybe this particular book isn't working for you. Classic texts that worked for me are https://www.amazon.com/dp/071672877X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 by Churchill & Brown.

Also, you should gather with your classmates to do homework. Not to copy it. Togheter you'll be able to discuss and understand better the subject.

Finally, ask your teachers or in this forum all you don't understand, no matter how silly a question you may think it is, there are good people here with the interest to help, from (very eager) high school students to PhD's with great knowledge and understanding.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
"An Invitation to Complex Analysis" by Ralph Boas is also excellent and, in my opinion, easier to understand that most other texts.
 
i recommend the text by
henri cartan, or intro to complex variables by an author named frederick greenleaf.
 
Last edited:
Introduction to complex variables (ISBN: 0721642608)
Frederick P Greenleaf
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US$ 3.49
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Book Description: Saunders. Book Condition: Used - Good. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers! Support Literacy! Your purchase benefits Books For Africa!. Bookseller Inventory # DP-305-800
 
thanks guys - but in your opinion what do you think of saff and snider? Its becoming the primary text for the course for a number of places. I have churchill and spiegals schaums outline.
 
I can only offer my inexpert opinion. I had done some research because I wanted to get a heads-up on complex analysis before confronting it formally. I had found some rather excited recommendations for Visual Complex Analysis by Needham https://www.amazon.com/dp/0198534469/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Some of the reviews are beyond glowing so maybe it's worth a shot. I haven't gotten around to getting a text yet so let me know what you ultimately decide.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks duke
 
  • #10
- Look at 'Wikipedia' its cheaper faster than reading a boring book made only to earn $$$$ 'math for the people by the people' is just more direct.
 

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