Understanding the Order of Poles in Complex Functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification and order of poles in the complex function related to the sine function, specifically examining the poles at points defined by the equation Sin(πz²)=0. Participants explore the nature of these poles through Laurent series expansions and differing interpretations of the function's behavior near singular points.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies poles at z=±√n and suggests that for n=0, there is a simple pole, while for n≠0, there are second order poles based on the Laurent expansion.
  • Another participant challenges this by proposing a different approach to analyze the pole at z=√n, suggesting it is a first order pole instead, using a Taylor expansion around the singular point.
  • A subsequent reply expresses confusion about the behavior of the function at the pole, questioning whether it truly behaves like a pole or remains analytic.
  • Further clarification is provided, asserting that the function does blow up at z=√n, supporting the claim of a simple pole.
  • One participant expresses satisfaction with the clarification, indicating that the discussion has helped resolve their confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the order of the poles, with some arguing for first order poles at z=±√n and others suggesting second order poles. The discussion remains unresolved as differing interpretations persist.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on approximations and expansions that may depend on specific assumptions about the behavior of the sine function near the poles, which could affect the conclusions drawn about the order of the poles.

Baibhab Bose
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When The denominator is checked, the poles seem to be at Sin(πz²)=0, Which means πz²=nπ ⇒z=√n for (n=0,±1,±2...)
but in the solution of this problem, it says that, for n=0 it would be simple pole since in the Laurent expansion of (z∕Sin(πz²)) about z=0 contains the highest negative power to be 1/z. But, in case of the other values of z=±√n,±i√n, it says the Laurent expansion of z∕Sin(πz²) about z=±√n,±i√n, contains the highest negative to be 1/(z±√n)² and 1/(z±i√n)² from which we can infer that for n≠0 it has second order poles at z=±√n,±i√n.
I couldn’t figure out how to check this, since I can't manage to expand this weird function in Laurent series about z=±√n,±i√n these singular points.
So, how do I proceed to do so?
 
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That answer doesn't seem correct to me. Let's look at a pole at ##\sqrt{n}##. Let ##\xi = z-\sqrt{n}## and look at ##sin(\pi z^2) = sin(\pi n + 2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + \pi \xi^2)##. We can write that (using a trig identity): ##sin(\pi n + 2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + \pi \xi^2) = sin(\pi n) cos(2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + \pi \xi^2) + cos(\pi n) sin(2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + \pi \xi^2) = 0 + (-1)^n sin(2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + \pi \xi^2)## When ##\xi## is small, we can use ##sin(x) \approx x##, so this is approximately ##(-1)^n (2\pi \sqrt{n} \xi + ## higher order terms ##)##. So ##\frac{z}{sin(\pi z^2)} \approx \frac{\sqrt{n}}{(-1)^n 2 \pi \sqrt{n} \xi} = \frac{(-1)^n}{2\pi \xi}##. So I think it has a first order pole at ##z = \sqrt{n}##
 
Thank you so much @stevendaryl !
But again my confusion is, here we see that this function, at the singular point, which you have evaluated, doesn't blow up at all, rather it boils down to a constant value. So in that case at z=√n the function remains analytic, and z=√n is not a pole at all, isn't it?
Again if I'm not wrong, that last constant term (−1)^n/2πξ is not a constant, since the ξ is present there in the denominator, which actually approaches 0, thereby blowing up the function. Thus we can conclude that its a simple pole at z=rootn. Right?
 
Baibhab Bose said:
Thank you so much @stevendaryl !
But again my confusion is, here we see that this function, at the singular point, which you have evaluated, doesn't blow up at all, rather it boils down to a constant value.

No, assuming my approximation is accurate, near ##z=\sqrt{n}##, the function ##\frac{z}{sin(\pi z^2)} \approx \frac{1}{2\pi \xi} = \frac{1}{2\pi (z-\sqrt{n})}##. So it blows up when ##z \rightarrow \sqrt{n}##

Again if I'm not wrong, that last constant term (−1)^n/2πξ is not a constant, since the ξ is present there in the denominator, which actually approaches 0, thereby blowing up the function. Thus we can conclude that its a simple pole at z=rootn. Right?

I think so. Saying that it has an order 2 pole seems wrong to me.
 
Yes, now its clear! Thank you, it was really helpful sir! :D
 

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