Proving Minimum Value of u(x,y) on Boundary Using Maximum Modulus Principle

In summary, the Maximum Modulus Principle states that for a function f(z) that is continuous on a closed bounded region R and analytic and not constant in the interior of R, the maximum value of |f(z)| in R will always occur on the boundary of R and never in the interior. This also applies to the component function u(x,y), which will have a maximum value on the boundary of R and never in the interior, due to the increasing nature of the exponential function when applied to the composite function g(z)=exp[f(z)]. This means that u(x,y) will also have a minimum value on the boundary of R and never in the interior, as R cannot encircle the origin and the closest point to the origin will
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doubleaxel195
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Complex Analysis: Maximum Modulus Principle

Homework Statement


Let f(z)=u(x,y)+iv(x,y) be a function that is continuous on a closed bounded region R and analytic and not constant throughout the interior of R. Prove that the component function u(x,y) has a minimum value in R which occurs on the boundary of R and never in the interior.


Homework Equations


-Maximum Modulus Principle

-Corollary: Suppose that a function f is continuous on a closed bounded region R and that it is analytic and not constant in the interior of R. Then the maximum value of |f(z)| in R, which is always reached, occurs somewhere on the boundary of R and never in the interior.

-Also the last thing the author notes before the homework is "When the function f in the corollary is written f(z)=u(x,y)+iv(x,y), the component function u(x, y) also has a maximum value in R which is assumed on the boundary of R and never in the interior, where it is harmonic. This is because the composite function g(z)=exp[f(z)] is continuous in R and analytic and not constant in the interior. Hence its modulus |g(z)|=exp[u(x,y)], which is continuous in R, must assume its maximum value in R on the boundary. In view of the increasing nature of the exponential function it follows that the maximum value of u(x,y) also occurs on the boundary.


The Attempt at a Solution


Can I just make the same argument but for the minimum? I guess I do not fully understand this last point that the author makes. If someone could explain the reasoning for his argument, I would appreciate it.

Why does he raise e to the function? So for maximizing it, you are just trying to find the furthest point from the origin, which would always be on the boundary? So for the minimum you would try to find the closest point to the origin. But couldn't R circle the origin? So the origin is the closest point to the origin but this is on the interior, not on the boundary?
 
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He says in view of the increasing nature of the exponential function, it follows that the maximum value of u(x,y) also occurs on the boundary. I am not sure why this is true.
 

1. What is the Maximum Modulus Principle?

The Maximum Modulus Principle, also known as the Maximum Modulus Theorem, is a fundamental theorem in complex analysis that states that the maximum value of a holomorphic function on a closed and bounded region in the complex plane must occur on the boundary of that region.

2. How is the Maximum Modulus Principle used in mathematics?

The Maximum Modulus Principle is used to prove various theorems and properties in complex analysis, such as the Liouville's Theorem and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. It also has applications in other areas of mathematics, such as in the study of differential equations and harmonic functions.

3. Can the Maximum Modulus Principle be applied to non-holomorphic functions?

No, the Maximum Modulus Principle only applies to holomorphic functions, which are functions that are complex differentiable at every point in their domain. For non-holomorphic functions, different principles and theorems must be used.

4. What is the relationship between the Maximum Modulus Principle and the Cauchy Integral Formula?

The Maximum Modulus Principle can be derived from the Cauchy Integral Formula, which states that the value of a holomorphic function at a point inside a closed and bounded region is equal to the average of its values on the boundary of that region. The Maximum Modulus Principle can also be used to prove the Cauchy Integral Formula in some cases.

5. Are there any exceptions to the Maximum Modulus Principle?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the Maximum Modulus Principle. For example, if the function is identically zero on the boundary of the region, then the maximum value can occur at any point in the region. Additionally, for functions with essential singularities, the Maximum Modulus Principle does not hold.

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