Identifying singularities of f and classifying them

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying and classifying the singularities of the function f(z) = z / ((z^2 + 4)(z^2 + 1/4)). Participants explore the nature of the singularities, specifically whether they are simple poles or poles of higher order, and clarify definitions related to pole classification.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies the singularities of f(z) as ±2i and ±i/2, suggesting they are simple poles based on the limit condition.
  • Another participant provides a definition of a simple pole and presents a partial fraction decomposition of f(z), implying a method to analyze the singularities.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the use of expansions in their course, seeking clarification on whether the identified singularities are simple poles or of higher order.
  • Another participant challenges the initial definition of a simple pole, providing a more detailed explanation of removable singularities and simple poles, and suggests a method to verify the nature of the poles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of the singularities. There are differing definitions and interpretations of what constitutes a simple pole, leading to ongoing debate about the nature of the singularities identified.

Contextual Notes

Some participants rely on specific definitions and methods that may not be universally accepted, leading to potential misunderstandings. The discussion includes varying levels of familiarity with concepts such as Laurent series and partial fraction decomposition.

SALAAH_BEDDIAF
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Hi guys, just wanting to know if I'm doing this right. f(z) = \frac{z}{(z^2 + 4) (z^2+1/4)}
Singularities of f(z) are when (z^2 + 4), (z^2 + 1/4) = 0

In this case, the singularities are \pm2i , \pm\frac{i}{2}

Lets call these singularities s and s is a simple pole if \lim_{z \to s} \frac{z}{(z^2 + 4) (z^2+1/4)} exists.

I got all these singularities to be simple poles, correct or incorrect?
 
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A simple pole is a pole of order one which means it appears in the laurent expansion as (z-z_0)^{-1}
For your functions:

<br /> f(z)=\frac{z}{(z+2i)(z-2i)(z+\frac{i}{2})(z-\frac{i}{2})}=\frac{2}{15}[-\frac{1}{z+2i}-\frac{1}{z-2i}+\frac{1}{z+\frac{i}{2}}+\frac{1}{z-\frac{i}{2}}]<br />

Where I have used the method of partial fractions.
 
Shyan said:
A simple pole is a pole of order one which means it appears in the laurent expansion as (z-z_0)^{-1}
For your functions:

<br /> f(z)=\frac{z}{(z+2i)(z-2i)(z+\frac{i}{2})(z-\frac{i}{2})}=\frac{2}{15}[-\frac{1}{z+2i}-\frac{1}{z-2i}+\frac{1}{z+\frac{i}{2}}+\frac{1}{z-\frac{i}{2}}]<br />

Where I have used the method of partial fractions.

Thanks, but on my course we don't use any sort of expansions so I'm having difficulty understanding what the expansion actually tells me, I just wanted to know if those singularities I have are just simple poles or poles of higher order.
 
Your definition of a simple pole is incorrect. A pole s of f(z) called removable if
\lim_{z \to s} f(z)
exists, and it is a simple pole if
\lim_{x\to s} (z-s) f(z)
exists and is not equal to zero (if it was zero then you would have a removable singularity).

You can easily check by just canceling the numerator and denominator of the simple pole limit that the poles you have are simple
 

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