What is the derivative of a complex function?

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SUMMARY

The derivative of the complex function (z - i)/(z + i) at the point z = i is calculated using the quotient rule for differentiation. The correct application of the formula F'[\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}] = \frac{f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)}{g(x)^{2}} leads to the derivative being expressed as 2i/(z + i)². Substituting z = i into this expression results in the final value of -i/2. The discussion clarifies common mistakes in applying differentiation rules for complex functions.

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Pyrokenesis
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I am having trouble with the following question, any help would be blinding.

Find the value of ther derivative of:

(z - i)/(z + i) at i.

I tried to use the fact that f'(z0) = lim z->z0 [f(z) - f(z0)]/z - z0. I also tried using the fact that z = x + iy and rationalising the denominator, but had no joy either way.

Probably just being stupid!

Dexter
 
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Well:
<br /> F&#039;[\frac{f(x)}{g(x)}] = \frac{f&#039;(x)g(x) - f(x)g&#039;(x)}{g(x)^{2}}<br />
so then...
<br /> \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \left(\frac{(z - i)}{(z + i)} \right) = \frac{(z + i) - (z - i)}{(z-i)^{2}} <br />
and if you order it...

<br /> \frac{2}{(z-i)^{2}}i
 
Last edited:
Cheers

Thanks.

I was being stupid, that formula and fact that differentiation rules for real calculus and complex calculus is the same, was on the previous page to that question.
 
no one is stupid here.
 
MiGui... I am confused as to why it is (z-i)^2 and not (z+2)^2... because you set your g(x)=z+i... g(x)^2=(z+i)^2... why the negative?
 
Thanks TheElectricChild.

Ebolamonk3y, I think MiGUi, just got the functions mixed up, an easy mistake to make. You are right, g(x)=z+i... g(x)^2=(z+i)^2, therefore, the answer is:

2i/(z + i)^2, which after substituting i for z, yields:

-i/2.
 

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