Partial derivatives and complex numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiability of the function f(z) = iz + 2, specifically exploring its derivatives f'(z) and f''(z). The context involves complex analysis, particularly the application of the Cauchy-Riemann conditions to establish differentiability in the complex plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Cauchy-Riemann conditions to demonstrate that the function is differentiable everywhere. There is uncertainty regarding the correct approach to finding the first derivative, with some questioning the role of partial derivatives in this context. Others suggest using limits to define the derivative in terms of changes in x and y.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of how to compute the derivative. Some guidance has been provided regarding the use of limits and the definition of the derivative, but there is no explicit consensus on the method to proceed with the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note confusion around the relationship between the variables and the derivatives, particularly in how to express the derivative of f with respect to z. There is also mention of constraints related to the format of the derivative notation.

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 :]
 

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