MHB Is a Harmonic Function Constant if its Square is Also Harmonic?

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    2015
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In the discussion, the problem posed is whether a harmonic function f is constant if its square f^2 is also harmonic. The solution provided by Opalg demonstrates that under the given conditions, f must indeed be constant. The proof relies on the properties of harmonic functions and their behavior under squaring. The thread emphasizes the importance of understanding harmonic functions in complex analysis. The conclusion confirms that if both f and f^2 are harmonic, then f cannot vary and must be constant.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $X$ be a domain in $\mathbb C$, and let $f : X \to \Bbb R$ be a harmonic function such that $f^2$ is harmonic. Prove $f$ is constant.

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This week's problem was correctly solved by Opalg. Here is his solution.
Writing $f_x,\;f_y$ for the partial derivatives, the condition for harmonicity is $f_{xx} + f_{yy} = 0.$

For the function $f^2$, $(f^2)_x = 2ff_x$ and $(f^2)_{xx} = 2(f_x)^2 + 2ff_{xx}.$ Similarly $(f^2)_{yy} = 2(f_y)^2 + 2ff_{yy}.$ Therefore $$(f^2)_{xx} + (f^2)_{yy} = 2\bigl((f_x)^2 + (f_y)^2\bigr) + 2f\bigl(f_{xx} + f_{yy}\bigr) = 2\bigl((f_x)^2 + (f_y)^2\bigr).$$ If $f^2$ is harmonic then this must be zero. But $(f_x)^2 + (f_y)^2 = 0$ implies $f_x = f_y = 0$. Therefore $f$ is constant. (Strictly speaking, if the partial derivatives vanish then $f$ is locally constant. But since a domain has to be connected it follows that $f$ must be globally constant.)