Integration a long closed curve is 0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of integrals along closed curves in the context of complex analysis, specifically focusing on the conditions under which the integral of an analytic function over such curves is zero. Participants explore the relationship between analyticity, conservative functions, and the implications of singularities.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that if a function is analytic, the integral around a closed loop is zero, as shown by the substitution method and the properties of contour integration.
  • Others suggest that the condition of the function being conservative is also relevant, though the relationship between conservativeness and analyticity is questioned.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of conservative functions and how they relate to the analyticity of functions, with references to the Cauchy-Riemann equations and the Cauchy-integral formula.
  • One participant notes that the integral will be zero as long as the closed path does not enclose any singularities.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the assumptions and theorems being used in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between analyticity and conservativeness, and whether singularities affect the integral's value. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise definitions and implications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of conservative functions and the assumptions underlying the claims made about analytic functions and their integrals.

alyafey22
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\int_{\gamma (t) }\, f(z) dz

\int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \, f(\gamma (t))\, \gamma '(t) \, dt

\text{Use the substitution : } \gamma (t) = \xi

\int_{\gamma (\alpha) }^{\gamma (\beta)} \, f(\xi )\, d \xi

\text{If we integrate around a closed loope : }\gamma (\alpha) = \gamma(\beta)

\int_{\gamma (\alpha) }^{\gamma (\alpha)} \, f( \xi )\, d \xi =0

\text{This is only true if the function is analytic }

Feel free to leave any comments .
 
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ZaidAlyafey said:
\int_{\gamma (t) }\, f(z) dz

\int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \, f(\gamma (t))\, \gamma '(t) \, dt

\text{Use the substitution : } \gamma (t) = \xi

\int_{\gamma (\alpha) }^{\gamma (\beta)} \, f(\xi )\, d \xi

\text{If we integrate around a closed loope : }\gamma (\alpha) = \gamma(\beta)

\int_{\gamma (\alpha) }^{\gamma (\alpha)} \, f( \xi )\, d \xi =0

\text{This is only true if the function is analytic }

Feel free to leave any comments .
Comment, not a full answer.

This will work if your function f is conservative. I don't how that relates to the analyticity of f.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Comment, not a full answer.

This will work if your function f is conservative. I don't how that relates to the analyticity of f.

-Dan

But how to define conservative functions mathematically ?
We define analytic functions as those which satisfy the Cauchy-Reimann equations and the partial derivatives exist and are continuous so if they have a pole then we can use the Cauchy-integral formula to find the integral along the loop this is illustrated by the deformation hypothesis .
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
But how to define conservative functions mathematically ?
We define analytic functions as those which satisfy the Cauchy-Reimann equations and the partial derivatives exist and are continuous so if they have a pole then we can use the Cauchy-integral formula to find the integral along the loop this is illustrated by the deformation hypothesis .
Ah! It's a complex integration. You didn't tell us that. (Tmi)

Then as far as I know, so long as you have a closed path (that doesn't contain any nasty singularities) then the answer is 0.

-Dan

Come to think about it, if it's analytic I think that means no singularities. I'm too lazy to check that. Time for a nap! (Yawn)

-Dan
 
If $f$ is analytic inside the region enclosed by $\gamma$, the integral in question will be zero. Are you putting forth a proof of that? I'm a little unclear what it is you're after.
 
Ackbach said:
If $f$ is analytic inside the region enclosed by $\gamma$, the integral in question will be zero. Are you putting forth a proof of that? I'm a little unclear what it is you're after.

Yes, indeed.
 
What are your assumptions? What theorems are you allowed to use?
 
I am using the contour integration formual :

\int_{\gamma (t) }\, f(z) dz =\int_{\alpha}^{\beta} \, f(\gamma (t))\, \gamma '(t) \, dt
 

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