Integrate complex function over unit circle

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the integral of a complex function, specifically ##\int _K z^2 \exp\left(\frac{2}{z}\right) dz##, where ##K## is the unit circle. The discussion centers around complex analysis and residue theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply residue theory to evaluate the integral, expressing concerns about the correctness of their approach. They derive the residue at the singularity and calculate the integral based on that. Other participants engage by confirming the correctness of the original poster's method and discussing the series expansion of the exponential function.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen some validation of the original poster's approach, with one participant confirming the correctness of the calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the series expansion and its implications for the integral, with participants sharing insights on the nature of integrals of powers of z around closed curves.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the use of tools like WolframAlpha for verifying series expansions, indicating a reliance on external resources for complex calculations. There is also mention of the integral properties of functions around closed curves, particularly regarding residues.

skrat
Messages
740
Reaction score
8

Homework Statement


Calculate ##\int _Kz^2exp(\frac{2}{z})dz## where ##K## is unit circle.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Hmmm, I am having some troubles here. Here is how I tried:

In general ##\int _\gamma f(z)dz=2\pi i\sum_{k=1}^{n}I(\gamma,a_k)Res(f,a_k)## where in my case ##I(\gamma , a_k)=1##.

Now ##Res(f,a_k)##:

##f(z)=z^2exp(\frac{2}{z})=z^2\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n!}(\frac{2}{z})^n=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n!}\frac{2^n}{z^{n-2}}##

To get ##\frac{1}{z}## clearly ##n-2=1## so ##n=3##.

Which gives me ##Res(f , 0)=\frac{4}{3}##.

Therefore ##\int _Kz^2exp(\frac{2}{z})dz=2\pi i \frac{4}{3}##.Or is that completely wrong? Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is absolutely correct!

EDIT: Remember you can always verify your Laurent series (the hardest part in my opinion) using WolframAlpha :D
 
Thank you! =)
 
You know, I presume that [itex]e^x= 1+ x+ x^2/2+ x^3/6+ \cdot\cdot\cdot+ x^n/n!+ \cdot\cdot\cdot[/itex].

So [itex]e^{2/z}= 1+ 2/z+ 2/z^2+ 4/(3z^3)+ \cdot\cdot\cdot[/itex] and then
[itex]z^2e^{2/z}= z^2+ 2z+ 2+ 4/(3z)+ \cdot\cdot\cdot[/itex]

The integral around the closed circle of any power of z (positive or negative), except -1, is 0 and the integral of [itex]z^{-1}[/itex] is [itex]2\pi i[/itex] (which is where the idea of "residue" comes from) so the integral of [itex]z^2e^{2/z}[/itex] around the unit circle is [itex](4/3)(2\pi i)= (8/3)\pi i[/itex].
 
hehe, nicely said Hallsoflvy. Everything is a bit more obvious now. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K