Doubt in Partial derivative of complex variables

In summary, the Laplacian satisfies the equation ##\triangle=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}## and can be written in terms of derivatives with respect to ##z## and ##\bar z## using the chain rule. This can be further simplified by using Wirtinger derivatives.
  • #1
smart_worker
131
1
Today, I had a class on Complex analysis and my professor wrote this on the board :

The Laplacian satisfies this equation :

lap.JPG

where,

pla.JPG

So, how did he arrive at that equation?
 
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  • #2
## \triangle=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}##. Now you should just use chain rule to write derivatives w.r.t. x and y, in terms of derivative w.r.t. ## z ## and ## \bar z ##.
 
  • #3
Shyan said:
## \triangle=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}+\frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}##. Now you should just use chain rule to write derivatives w.r.t. x and y, in terms of derivative w.r.t. ## z ## and ## \bar z ##.

x = (z + z¯)/2
and
y = (z - z¯)/2i

How do I solve this further?

EDIT:Sorry, I don't know how to write the latex code to represent the "Bar" above "z"
 
  • #4
I guess, I'll have to use Wirtinger derivatives.
 
  • #5
By the definition $$\frac{\partial}{\partial z}=\frac12\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x} -i \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \right), \qquad \frac{\partial}{\partial\overline z}=\frac12\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x} +i \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \right).$$ So if you multiply these two differential operators and use the fact that $$\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\frac{\partial}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial}{\partial y}\frac{\partial}{\partial x}$$ (equality of mixed partial derivatives), you get exactly the Laplacian.
 
  • #6
I meant ##1/4## of the Laplacian, i.e. $$\frac14\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2} + \frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2} \right).$$
 

FAQ: Doubt in Partial derivative of complex variables

What is a partial derivative of a complex variable?

A partial derivative of a complex variable refers to the rate of change of a complex-valued function with respect to one of its input variables, while keeping the other variables constant. It is denoted by the symbol ∂.

What is the difference between a partial derivative and an ordinary derivative?

A partial derivative is an extension of the concept of an ordinary derivative to multivariate functions. While an ordinary derivative measures the rate of change of a function with respect to a single variable, a partial derivative measures the rate of change with respect to one variable while holding all other variables constant.

How is a partial derivative calculated?

A partial derivative of a complex-valued function can be calculated using the Cauchy-Riemann equations, which describe the relationship between the real and imaginary parts of a complex function. Alternatively, it can be calculated using the limit definition of a derivative.

What is the geometric interpretation of a partial derivative?

The geometric interpretation of a partial derivative is the slope of a tangent line on a surface defined by a complex function. It represents the change in the value of the function in the direction of the variable being differentiated.

Why is partial differentiation important in science?

Partial differentiation is important in science because it allows us to analyze the behavior of multivariate functions, which are common in physical systems. It is used in fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and finance to model and understand complex systems and make predictions about their behavior.

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