Writing a function of x and y as a function of z

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ericm1234
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Is there a general method for this?
I remember in complex analysis going the other direction; that is, a function of z becoming a function of x and y.
But I need to turn a complex function in a function of just z, for the purpose of integrating with respect to z.
In particular, the function is
x^2/2-cx-y^2/2+ i(x-c)y where c is a constant.
 
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When you say z, are you referring to z, as in the third coordinate of an x,y,z system or the complex variable z, as in z= x + iy?
 
In fact I now see how to write this in terms of z but it is from recognizing the form. Is there a more general method?
Please no one reply with "well if you recognize the form in this particular equation.", because again, I already see it.
General method please?
 
Hi, try:

x= (z+ z^)/2 , where z^ is the conjugate, i.e. if z=x+iy, then z^= x-iy

y=( z- z^)/2i

It comes from z=x+iy
 
Be aware that you cannot necessarily write a function f(x,y) solely as a function of ##z = x + i y##. You may find that the complex conjugate ##z^\ast = x - iy## does not cancel out of your expression.

You will only be left with a function of z (and not z*) if your function is analytic in the complex plane.