Maximum/mimimum of a complex function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the maximum of a complex function, specifically focusing on the absolute value of functions defined on the reals with complex constants. Participants explore the conditions under which critical points can be identified for such functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that to find the maximum of the function z_0f(k), one should consider the critical points where z_0f'(k)=0, assuming the goal is to maximize the module.
  • Another participant clarifies that the focus should be on the absolute value, suggesting that critical points should be found for |z_0f(k)| instead of z_0f(k) directly.
  • A later post questions whether solving |g(k)|'=0 and g'(k)=0 yields the same critical points, indicating a potential distinction in the methods of finding critical points.
  • One participant suggests comparing the critical points obtained from each method to clarify the relationship between them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have differing views on whether the critical points from |g(k)| and g(k) are the same, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved regarding this aspect.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that the functions involved can be differentiated and that the critical points are relevant for maximizing the absolute value, but the implications of complex constants on these calculations remain unclear.

mvillagra
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Hi, I have the following problem

given a function f(k) defined on the reals and a complex constant z0, what is the maximum of the following function?

z_0f(k)

The maximum of the module is clearly the value k such that

z_0f'(k)=0

right? because when you take the module, the squares of the real and imaginary parts are maximum and hence the module is maximum.

But what happens when you cannot factorize the complex constants? e.g., given the following fuction

g(k)=\sqrt{z_1+z_2\sin k}

where k is real, and z1 and z2 are complex constants. Can we still derivate g, make it equal to 0 and still say we can find a critical point? i.e., does solving
g'(k)=0
gives you a critical point?

thanks in advance for the help :shy:
 
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Well, first of all, you seem to want the maximum of the absolute value. In this case, you'll need to find the critical points not of z_0f(k) (or for the second case, g(k)), but of |z_0f(k)| (or for the second case, |g(k)|).
 
I didn't write it down correctly, but the question is

does solving |g(k)|'=0 and g'(k)=0 give the same critical points?
 
Have you tried finding the critical points of each and comparing them?
 

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