Understanding Smooth Extension to Boundary of D in C (or R^2)

In summary, extending smoothly to a boundary in C (or R^2) means that a function is analytic on a domain and can be continuously extended to its boundary. This extension is referred to as a smooth extension and does not necessarily mean that the function is complex differentiable at boundary points.
  • #1
AxiomOfChoice
533
1
What does it mean to say something "extends smoothly" to a boundary in C (or R^2)?

I'm studying Cauchy's integral formula, and one of the assumptions of the theorem is that a function be analytic on a domain D and extend smoothly to the boundary of D. What does that mean, exactly?
 
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  • #2


Let D be an (open) set on which a function f(z) is defined, and denote by D' the closure of D (i.e. D union its boundary).

Then the smooth extension of f to D' is the function g(z) defined by
g(z) = f(z) for all z in D
g(z) is smooth everywhere
 
  • #3


CompuChip said:
Let D be an (open) set on which a function f(z) is defined, and denote by D' the closure of D (i.e. D union its boundary).

Then the smooth extension of f to D' is the function g(z) defined by
g(z) = f(z) for all z in D
g(z) is smooth everywhere

Thanks. And does "smooth" in this context mean "complex differentiable?" And if so, how do we make sense of differentiability at a point on the boundary?
 
  • #4


Exactly, you can't. Smooth simply means it's continuous there (as of course you cannot define higher classes of smoothness on a boundry point)
 

1. What is the concept of "smooth extension" in mathematics?

Smooth extension refers to the process of extending a function or curve to points outside of its defined domain in a way that maintains smoothness and continuity. This is often used in the study of complex numbers and in multivariable calculus.

2. How does smooth extension relate to the boundary of a set in mathematics?

In the context of complex numbers, smooth extension involves extending a function to points on the boundary of a set in the complex plane. This allows for the function to be defined and evaluated at points that were previously undefined within the set.

3. What is the significance of smooth extension in the study of complex analysis?

Smooth extension plays a crucial role in complex analysis as it allows for the study of functions at points outside of their defined domain. This enables the use of powerful tools and techniques such as Cauchy's integral theorem and the Cauchy-Riemann equations.

4. Can smooth extension be applied to functions in multiple dimensions?

Yes, smooth extension can be applied to functions in multiple dimensions, such as in the study of surfaces in three-dimensional space. In this case, the boundary of the set is extended to include points on the surface of the function.

5. What are some real-life applications of smooth extension?

Smooth extension has numerous applications in physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It is used to model and analyze complex systems, such as fluid flow and electromagnetic fields, and to create smooth surfaces and curves in computer-generated images.

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