Radius of convergence question(complex function)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of radius of convergence in complex functions, particularly in relation to power series and their analytic properties. Participants explore different functions and their respective convergence behaviors.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants examine the radius of convergence for various functions, questioning the logic behind their assumptions and the implications of analytic behavior at specific points. There is a focus on the distinction between power series and Laurent series.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on the radius of convergence and the nature of analytic functions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the conditions under which power series converge, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of specifying the series being discussed, as the radius of convergence is context-dependent. There is mention of the need to clarify the original problem and the types of series involved.

nhrock3
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i was by my teacher that the radius of convergence
is what smaller then the number which makes the denominator 0.
if
[tex]f(x)=\frac{1}{1-z}[/tex]
then
the radius is 1 and
because 1-1=0
so
it is analitical on
|z|<1

so if i apply the same logic
[tex]f(x)=\frac{-2}{z-1}[/tex]
1 still makes denominator 0
and
it is analitical on
|z|<1
but the correct answer is
it is analitical on
|z|>1

for
[tex]f(x)=\frac{3}{z+2}[/tex]
-2 makes denominator 0
so |z|<-2 (but its illogical because |z| is a positive numbe)

where is my mistake?
 
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More precisely, your teacher was using the theorem that if it is known a power series diverges for some number P, then it diverges for all complex numbers greater in magnitude than P, |z|>|P|. So for the first example in your post, since the function is not analytic at z=1, the radius of convergence is certainly 1 or smaller, definitely not bigger.
 
so why the other example don't work by that logic
?
 
Because you are wrong and the radius of convergence for that is indeed |z|< 1.

It could never possibly be |z|>1, the radius of convergence is always in the shape of a ball from some center, not an annulus. By the comparison test, if the power series converges for some complex value P, it converges for all |z|<|P|
 
It depends on how you expand the function actually. For example, you can write

[tex]\frac{1}{1-z} = 1+z+z^2+\cdots[/tex]

which converges for |z|<1, but you could also write it as

[tex]\frac{1}{1-z} = \frac{1}{z(1/z-1)} = -\frac{1}{z}\left(1+\frac{1}{z}+\frac{1}{z^2}+\cdots\right) = -\frac{1}{z}-\frac{1}{z^2}-\frac{1}{z^3}-\cdots[/tex]

This series converges for |z|>1.

You didn't tell us what the actual series were in each example, so talking about a radius of convergence doesn't really make sense. All of the functions are analytic everywhere except at the poles.
 
That's a Laurent Series, not a Power Series though. The concept of Radius of Convergence is specific to Power series.
 
the original says the develop exaple2+example3 by 1<|z|<2
 
It sound's like then you are being asked to find Laurent Series for those functions valid in that annulus. Radius of Convergence refers only to Power Series.
 
yess
 
  • #10
Okay then...you should start a new thread with all your working, and this time, with the complete entire original problem. You didn't say anything Laurent series in the original post.
 

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