Proof of Harmonic Function Infinitely Differentiable

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proposition that a harmonic function is infinitely differentiable, specifically examining the conditions under which this holds true in a simply-connected region. Participants explore the implications of the theorem that relates harmonic functions to holomorphic functions and the necessity of having a disk around any point in the region.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to ensure a disk can be found around any point ##z_0 \in G##, citing an example where ##G=\mathbb{C} \setminus \mathbb{R}_{<0}## and ##z_0=0##, which does not allow for such a disk.
  • Another participant notes that discussions typically consider points in the interior of the set ##G##, implying that boundary points require additional conditions.
  • A different participant suggests that the assumption is made that ##G## is an open set, which would allow for the existence of a disk around points in the interior.
  • It is mentioned that the term "region" usually refers to an open and connected set, which supports the previous point about the nature of ##G##.
  • One participant raises a question about the definition of a harmonic function at a boundary point, indicating a lack of clarity regarding the behavior of harmonic functions in such contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the discussion pertains to the interior of the set ##G## and that the definition of ##G## as an open set is crucial. However, there remains uncertainty about the implications for boundary points and the definition of harmonic functions in those cases.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that ##G## is an open set, which may not hold in all cases. The discussion also highlights the need for additional conditions when considering boundary points of ##G##.

Silviu
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Hello! I have this Proposition: "A harmonic function is infinitely differentiable". The book gives a proof that uses this theorem: "Suppose u is harmonic on a simply-connected region G. Then there exists a harmonic function v in G such that ##f = u + iv## is holomorphic in G. ". In the proof they present in the book they begin with: "Suppose u is harmonic in G and ##z_0 ∈ G##. Let ##r > 0## such that the disk ##D[z_0, r]## is contained in G. " and as a disk is simply connected the conclusion follows from the theorem. My question is, how can you make sure that for any ##z_0 \in G## you can have a disk around ##z_0##? (For example if ##G=\mathbb{C}##\##\mathbb{R}_{<0}## and ##z_0=0##, you can't find such a disk. What am I missing?
 
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Typically, these things are only considered in the interior of the set G. Statements about points on the boundary of G would require a lot of conditions and restrictions.
 
they evidently assume ##G## to be an open set:
Silviu said:
Let r>0r > 0 such that the disk D[z0,r]D[z_0, r] is contained in G.
 
Region usually means open and connected.
 
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Silviu said:
For example if G=CG=\mathbb{C}\R<0\mathbb{R}_{z0=0z_0=0, you can't find such a disk.
by the way, what is a harmonic function at such a point ##z_0##?
 

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