Showing uniqueness of complex ODE

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The discussion revolves around proving the uniqueness of the solution to the complex ordinary differential equation (ODE) (1-z)*f'(z) - 3*f(z) = 0 with the initial condition f(0) = 2. The hint suggests finding a factor that transforms the left-hand side into the derivative of a product, leading to the equation (1-z)^3*f'(z) - 3(1-z)^2*f(z) = 0. The participant attempts to integrate both sides but struggles to establish uniqueness, reflecting on the role of analyticity in their reasoning. They realize that if (1-z)^3*f(z) is constant, it implies a unique solution exists, but they express confusion over the process. The thread highlights the challenge of applying existence and uniqueness concepts in complex ODEs, particularly when not previously covered in class.
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Homework Statement



We are given (1-z)*f'(z)-3*f(z) = 0, f(0) = 2 valid on the open disk centered at 0 with radius 1 and told to prove there is a unique solution to the differential equation. The hint he gave was to find a factor that makes the left side the derivative of a product, but that didn't really help me.

Homework Equations



The found factor was (1-z)^2, so you now have (1-z)^3*f'(z)-3(1-z)^2*f(z) = 0.

The Attempt at a Solution



I integrated both sides as I thought you would do after making the LHS a derivative and you can solve it, but that doesn't tell me that it is unique or not... although it has been a long time since I've done existence/uniqueness so maybe that is all I have to do. I also tried looking at it as f'(z)=3/(1-z)*f(z) and I figured it had something to do with the analyticity of 3/(1-z), but I could never get anywhere with that idea.

It was just an extra credit problem on the last homework so we haven't gone into ODE's in the complex plane, but with Spring Break this week, won't get to see the solution for awhile so was just curious if anyone knew how to prove it, or could tell me if I was using the hint correctly.
 
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hidochalladay32! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)

(1-z)*f'(z) - 3*f(z) = 0

(1-z)3*f'(z) - 3(1-z)2*f(z) = 0​

if the second equation is true, then either the first equation is true or z = 1 :wink:
 
Well yes, that is true, but what I'm not able to figure out is how to show uniqueness, whether with the original equation or the new one.
 
well, the new equation is the same as

d/dt (1-z)3*f(z) = 0 …​

surely that means (1-z)3*f(z) is a constant, and sooo … ? :smile:
 
God... I feel stupid hahaha. I completely missed that when I wrote that down before.
 
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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