Is there such a function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of a holomorphic function defined on the open unit disk that is continuous on the closed disk and equals 1/z on the unit circle. Additionally, participants explore approximation theorems such as Mergelyan and Runge, seeking clarification on their applications and features.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if there exists a holomorphic function on the open unit disk that equals 1/z on the unit circle.
  • Another participant discusses the integral of an analytic function over the unit circle and references the Cauchy Theorem, suggesting that if f is analytic in a larger disk, the integral can be easily evaluated.
  • A participant tests their understanding by considering the implications of f being analytic and the behavior of the integral of 1/z around the unit circle, noting a contradiction with Cauchy's result.
  • It is pointed out that the function 1/z reverses the orientation of the circle, which poses a problem for analytic functions defined on the closed disk.
  • Participants discuss the relative complexity of Mergelyan and Runge theorems, with one suggesting that Runge's theorem is more suitable for beginners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of the desired holomorphic function and the implications of the integral of 1/z. There is no consensus on the existence of such a function, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the application of the approximation theorems.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of their assumptions regarding the analyticity of functions and the implications of the orientation reversal caused by 1/z. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps related to the integral evaluations.

esisk
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Hi,

Is there a function holomorphic on the open unit disk and continuoes on the closed disk such that f(z)= 1/z on the unit circle?


I will also like to know if somebody can help:
There are several approximation theorems out there, say Mergelyan, Runge, etc. Can somebody point at the salient features of these(i.e. when, what applies), or direct me to a source that is clear to a beginner. This sounds like spoon feeding, but I had to do it, bear with me. Thanks
 
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If [tex]f[/tex] is an analytic function in the open unit disc continuous in the closed disc, can you say what is
[tex]\int_C f(z) dz[/tex]
where $C$ is the unit circle?

If the function [tex]f[/tex] is analytic in a bigger disc, the answer follows immediately from the Cauchy Theorem. In the general case you can consider the functions [tex]f(rz)[/tex], [tex]r<1[/tex] which are analytic in the disc of radius [tex]1/r[/tex], and they take limit as [tex]r\to 1+[/tex] .

Next, what is the same integral for [tex]f(z) =1/z[/tex] ? If you answer these 2 questions, the answer to your first question will be obvious.

Mergelyan theorem is a much harder result than Runge theorem. For a beginner, Runge theorem is enough, do not worry about Mergelyan yet.

Note that the Runge theorem with a pole at infinity gives you a "baby version" of the Mergelyan theorem.
 
Thank you for the response Hawkeye...
I am testing my understanding of your hints:

First we suppose that f were analythic in the interior of the circle ,say r=2. Then the integral around the unit circle would be zero (by Cauchy),
Whereas...,if f=1/z on the unit circle, then f=1/z on a set that has a limit point and therefore f=1/z on the interior of the circle with r=2. But the integral of 1/z around the unit circle is not zero.

I am still thinking about the "general case"
Thank you again
 
notice that 1/z reverses orientation of the circle, a problem for analytic functions on the closed disk.
 

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