Harmonic function squared and mean value

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a harmonic function defined in an open disk and requires proving an inequality related to the mean value property for harmonic functions. The context is centered around the properties of harmonic functions and their squares, particularly in relation to integration over a specified area.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the mean value property for harmonic functions, questioning the implications of squaring a harmonic function. There is an exploration of integrating over different regions and the potential use of the maximum principle to establish bounds.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of their approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the mean value theorem for multiple integrals, suggesting a potential pathway to refine inequalities related to the harmonic function.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of integrating over a smaller circle within the disk and concerns about the harmonic nature of the squared function. Participants are also considering the implications of the maximum principle in their reasoning.

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Homework Statement


Let u be a harmonic function in the open disk K centered at the origin with radius a. and
∫_K[u(x,y)]^2 dxdy = M < ∞. Prove that
|u(x,y)| \le \frac{1}{a-\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}\left( \frac{M}{\pi}\right)^{1/2} for all (x,y) in K.

Homework Equations


Mean value property for harmonic functions.



The Attempt at a Solution


I first thought this was easy and directly applied the mean property for harmonic functions, but of course, the square of a harmonic function is not harmonic (unless it's a constant).

I can see this problems begs for the mean value using a ball with radius a-\sqrt{x^2+y^2} which would be entirely inside the disk K but I can't get around the fact that u squared is not harmonic. Help please
 

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Are you integrating over the whole disk K (i.e. a double integral) or as a line integral around the boundary of K.
 
I integrated over the area of the smaller circle inside with radius r=a-\sqrt{x^2+y^2}. This is exactly what I did (I know it's wrong):

u^2(x,y)=\frac{\int_{B_r(x,y)} u^2(w, z)dwdz}{\pi r^2}\leq \frac{\int_K u^2(w, z)dwdz}{\pi r^2}=\frac{M}{\pi r^2}\\<br /> |u(x,y)|\leq \sqrt{\frac{M}{\pi r^2}}
But of course, this would work if u^2 were harmonic, which is seldom the case.

Any ideas? I was thinking maybe applying the maximum principle and somehow get bounds...
 
Last edited:

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