Partial derivatives and complex numbers

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The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the function f(z) = iz + 2 is differentiable everywhere and finding its first and second derivatives. Participants confirm the function meets the Cauchy-Riemann conditions, indicating differentiability. The challenge arises in calculating the first derivative, with confusion about the use of partial derivatives versus the limit definition of the derivative. Clarifications emphasize that the derivative should be expressed as df/dz, not as a combination of partial derivatives. The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment of the need to properly denote the derivative in the context of complex analysis.
nmsurobert
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Homework Statement


show that the following functions are differentiable everywhere and then also find f'(z) and f''(z).
(a) f(z) = iz + 2

so f(z) = ix -y +2


then u(x,y) = 2-y, v(x,y) = x

Homework Equations


z=x+iy
z=u(x,y) +iv(x,y)
Cauchy-Riemann conditions says is differentiable everywhere if :
∂u/∂x = ∂v/∂y and ∂u/∂y = -∂v/∂x

The Attempt at a Solution


so using the Cauchy-Riemann conditions i find that the function is differentiable everywhere. the part I am stuck on is finding the first derivative.
f'(z) should be in the form of two partial derivatives right? because of the way the variables are set up.
so...
f'(z) =
∂z/∂x = ∂z/∂u(∂u/∂x) + ∂z/∂v(∂v/∂x)
∂z/∂y = ∂z/∂u/(∂u/∂y) + ∂z/∂v(∂v/∂y)

but where do i go from here? i can solve partials of u with respect to x or y but i don't know how to solve the partials of z with respect to u.

thank you!
 
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nmsurobert said:

Homework Statement


show that the following functions are differentiable everywhere and then also find f'(z) and f''(z).
(a) f(z) = iz + 2

so f(z) = ix -y +2then u(x,y) = 2-y, v(x,y) = x

Homework Equations


z=x+iy
z=u(x,y) +iv(x,y)
Cauchy-Riemann conditions says is differentiable everywhere if :
∂u/∂x = ∂v/∂y and ∂u/∂y = -∂v/∂x

The Attempt at a Solution


so using the Cauchy-Riemann conditions i find that the function is differentiable everywhere. the part I am stuck on is finding the first derivative.
f'(z) should be in the form of two partial derivatives right? because of the way the variables are set up.
so...
f'(z) =
∂z/∂x = ∂z/∂u(∂u/∂x) + ∂z/∂v(∂v/∂x)
∂z/∂y = ∂z/∂u/(∂u/∂y) + ∂z/∂v(∂v/∂y)

but where do i go from here? i can solve partials of u with respect to x or y but i don't know how to solve the partials of z with respect to u.

thank you!
Isn't f just a linear function of z?
 
The derivative of the function of z does not consist of partial derivatives, you are looking for df/dz. The process to do this is to use limits as both Δx and Δy approach zero, where the numerator is analogous to the definition of the single variable derivative is divided by Δx + iΔy, analogous to h in single variable differentiation

\frac{d}{dz} = \lim_{Δx,Δy\to0} \frac{u(x+Δx,y+Δy) - u(x,y) + iv(x+Δx,y+Δy)) - iv(x,y)}{Δx+iΔy}

If you set Δy = 0 first, and let Δx → 0, then
\frac{df}{dz} = \frac{∂u(x,y)}{∂x} + i\frac{∂v(x,y)}{∂x} . . . (1)

If you set Δx = 0 first, and let Δy → 0, then
\frac{df}{dz} = -i\frac{∂u(x,y)}{∂y} + \frac{∂v(x,y)}{∂y} . . . (2)

Both of these are ways to calculate df/dz, IF the real part of (1) is equivalent to the real part of (2), and the imaginary part of (1) is equivalent to the imaginary part of (2). This is where the Cauchy-Riemman condition comes from.
If we equate the real parts of equations (1) and (2), we have:
\frac{∂u(x,y)}{∂x} = \frac{∂v(x,y)}{∂y}
If we equate the imaginary parts of equations (1) and (2), we have:
\frac{∂v(x,y)}{∂x} = -\frac{∂u(x,y)}{∂y}
 
Last edited:
Brian T said:
\frac{d}{dz} = \lim_{Δx,Δy\to0} \frac{u(x+Δx,y+Δy) - u(x,y) + iv(x+Δx,y+Δy)) - iv(x,y)}{Δx+iΔy}
d/dz is an operator, not a number or function. On the left side you should have ##\frac{df}{dz}## or something similar, indicating that you are taking the derivative of f with respect to z.
 
Mark44 said:
d/dz is an operator, not a number or function. On the left side you should have ##\frac{df}{dz}## or something similar, indicating that you are taking the derivative of f with respect to z.

You're right, I entirely forgot the df on the first part.

It won't let me edit the post so just keep that in mind :]
 
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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