Understanding Theorem 3.4: Mean Value Theorem & Cauchy Riemann Equations

In summary, Theorem 3.4, also known as the Mean Value Theorem, is a fundamental result in calculus that connects the concepts of continuity and differentiability. It states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval and differentiable on the open interval, then there exists a point where the derivative of the function is equal to the average rate of change over the interval. This theorem is significant in mathematics as it is used to prove important results such as the existence of critical points and has applications in other areas such as optimization and differential equations. The Cauchy-Riemann equations, named after mathematicians Augustin-Louis Cauchy and Georg Friedrich Bernhard Riemann, are a set of conditions for a complex
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I am reading "Complex Analysis for Mathematics and Engineering" by John H. Mathews and Russel W. Howell (M&H) [Fifth Edition] ... ...

I am focused on Section 3.2 The Cauchy Riemann Equations ...

I need help in fully understanding the Proof of Theorem 3.4 ...The start of Theorem 3.4 and its proof reads as follows:View attachment 9350In the above proof by Mathews and Howell we read the following:

" ... ... The partial derivatives \(\displaystyle u_x\) and \(\displaystyle u_y\) exist, so the mean value theorem for real functions of two variables implies that a value \(\displaystyle x*\) exists between \(\displaystyle x_0\) and \(\displaystyle x_0 + \Delta x\) such that we can write the first term in brackets on the right side of equation (3-17) as

\(\displaystyle u(x_0 + \Delta x, y_0 + \Delta y) - u(x_0, y_0 + \Delta y) = u_x(x*, y_0 + \Delta y) \Delta x \) ... ... "

Can someone please explain how exactly the mean value theorem for real functions of two variables implies that a value \(\displaystyle x*\) exists between \(\displaystyle x_0\) and \(\displaystyle x_0 + \Delta x\) such that we can write the first term in brackets on the right side of equation (3-17) as

\(\displaystyle u(x_0 + \Delta x, y_0 + \Delta y) - u(x_0, y_0 + \Delta y) = u_x(x*, y_0 + \Delta y) \Delta x\) ... ...
Peter[ NOTE ... ... In Wendell Fleming's book: "Functions of Several Variables" (Second Edition) the Mean Value Theorem reads as follows:View attachment 9351... ... ]
 

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The Mean Value Theorem for real functions of two variables states that if a function f(x,y) is continuous on some rectangle R and differentiable on the interior of R then there exists some point (x*,y*) in the interior of R such that f(x_2,y_2)-f(x_1,y_2) =f_x(x*,y_2)(x_2-x_1)andf(x_2,y_2)-f(x_2,y_1)=f_y(x_2,y*)(y_2-y_1). In our case, we are dealing with a function u(x,y) which is assumed to be differentiable on some region. Applying the Mean Value Theorem to this function, we see that there exists some point (x*,y_0+\Delta y) in the interior of the region such that u(x_0 + \Delta x, y_0 + \Delta y) - u(x_0, y_0 + \Delta y) = u_x(x*, y_0 + \Delta y) \Delta x. We can see from this that x* must lie between x_0 and x_0+\Delta x, since otherwise the right side of the equation would not be equal to the left side.
 
  • #3


Hi Peter,

The mean value theorem for real functions of two variables states that if a function f(x,y) is continuous on a closed and bounded region R and has continuous partial derivatives u_x and u_y at every point in R, then there exists a point (x*, y*) in R such that:

f(x_2,y_2) - f(x_1,y_1) = u_x(x*, y*) (x_2 - x_1) + u_y(x*, y*) (y_2 - y_1)

In this case, the function u(x,y) is continuous on the closed and bounded region R = [x_0, x_0 + \Delta x] x [y_0, y_0 + \Delta y] and has continuous partial derivatives u_x and u_y at every point in R. Therefore, the mean value theorem can be applied to the first term in brackets on the right side of equation (3-17) to obtain:

u(x_0 + \Delta x, y_0 + \Delta y) - u(x_0, y_0 + \Delta y) = u_x(x*, y_0 + \Delta y) \Delta x

where (x*, y_0 + \Delta y) is a point in the region R = [x_0, x_0 + \Delta x] x [y_0, y_0 + \Delta y]. This is because the mean value theorem guarantees the existence of such a point x* between x_0 and x_0 + \Delta x, and since u_x is continuous, it can be evaluated at this point.

I hope this helps clarify the proof for you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy studying!
 

1. What is the Mean Value Theorem?

The Mean Value Theorem is a fundamental theorem in calculus that states that for a continuous function on a closed interval, there exists a point within that interval where the instantaneous rate of change (derivative) of the function is equal to the average rate of change of the function over that interval.

2. How is the Mean Value Theorem related to the Cauchy Riemann Equations?

The Mean Value Theorem is closely related to the Cauchy Riemann Equations, which are a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a complex-valued function to be differentiable. In particular, the Cauchy Riemann Equations can be derived from the Mean Value Theorem for complex functions.

3. What is the significance of Theorem 3.4 in mathematics?

Theorem 3.4, also known as the Mean Value Theorem for Complex Functions, is significant in mathematics because it provides a powerful tool for analyzing and understanding complex-valued functions. It allows us to make conclusions about the behavior of these functions based on their derivatives, which can be easier to calculate and work with.

4. How can Theorem 3.4 be applied in real-world situations?

Theorem 3.4 has many practical applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. For example, it can be used to analyze the motion of objects, optimize production processes, or model the behavior of financial markets. It can also be used to prove other important theorems in complex analysis.

5. Are there any limitations to Theorem 3.4?

Like any mathematical theorem, Theorem 3.4 has its limitations. It only applies to continuous functions on closed intervals, and it may not hold for functions that are not differentiable. Additionally, it does not give any information about the behavior of a function outside of the interval in question. It is important to carefully consider the assumptions and conditions of the theorem before applying it.

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