Laurent Expansion Problem (finding singularities)

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The discussion revolves around finding the Laurent expansion of the function f(z) = 1/(z(8(z^3)-1) centered at z = 0. The user initially identifies the singularities as z = 0, z = 1/2, and z = (1/2)exp((n*pi*i)/3) for n = ±2, ±4, ±6, etc. However, confusion arises regarding why only n = 2 and n = 4 are considered valid singularities, as the user believes all n values yield z = 1/2. The user realizes that the factor of 1/3 in the exponential affects the singularities, leading to the correct identification of relevant n values. Ultimately, the user resolves their confusion and thanks the community for assistance.
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Homework Statement


Find all Laurent expansion of the function f(z) = 1/(z(8(z^3)-1)) with centre z = 0.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to find all the singularities and came up with z = 0, z = 1/2, z = (1/2)exp((n*pi*i)/3)
where n = +-2,+-4,+-6... . But according to the solution n can only be 2 and 4, what am I missing?
 
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n = 4 and n = -2 are the same (and n = -4 is the same as n = 2) n = 6 is the same as n = 0 which yields z = 1/2.
 
exp((n*pi*i) = cos(n*pi) + i*sin(n*pi) = 1 + i*0 = 1 for n = +-2,+-4,+-6,+-8... isn't it? Wouldn't this make z = (1/2)exp((n*pi*i)/3) yield z = 1/2 for all n = +-2,+-4,+-6,+-8... ?
(making all n = +-2,+-4,+-6,+-8... equal, hence my confusion over why only n=2 and n=4 were included in the solution).
 
There is a factor 1/3 in the exponential.
 
But that factor disappears because you take z to the power of three in the function
(f(z) = \frac{1}{z(8z^{3}-1)})

Edit: nvm this post, I got it. thanks :)
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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