Maximum/mimimum of a complex function

If you have, then you know that the answer is yes, they do give the same critical points. This is because the absolute value function does not change the location of the critical points, it just ensures that the output is always positive. In summary, finding the critical points of the absolute value of a function will give the same results as finding the critical points of the original function.
  • #1
mvillagra
22
0
Hi, I have the following problem

given a function f(k) defined on the reals and a complex constant z0, what is the maximum of the following function?

[tex]z_0f(k)[/tex]

The maximum of the module is clearly the value k such that

[tex]z_0f'(k)=0[/tex]

right? because when you take the module, the squares of the real and imaginary parts are maximum and hence the module is maximum.

But what happens when you cannot factorize the complex constants? e.g., given the following fuction

[tex]g(k)=\sqrt{z_1+z_2\sin k}[/tex]

where k is real, and z1 and z2 are complex constants. Can we still derivate g, make it equal to 0 and still say we can find a critical point? i.e., does solving
[tex]g'(k)=0[/tex]
gives you a critical point?

thanks in advance for the help :shy:
 
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  • #2
Well, first of all, you seem to want the maximum of the absolute value. In this case, you'll need to find the critical points not of [tex]z_0f(k)[/tex] (or for the second case, g(k)), but of [tex]|z_0f(k)|[/tex] (or for the second case, |g(k)|).
 
  • #3
I didn't write it down correctly, but the question is

does solving |g(k)|'=0 and g'(k)=0 give the same critical points?
 
  • #4
Have you tried finding the critical points of each and comparing them?
 

FAQ: Maximum/mimimum of a complex function

1. What is the definition of a maximum/minimum of a complex function?

A maximum/minimum of a complex function is a point on the complex plane where the function reaches its highest/lowest value. It can also be referred to as a local maximum/minimum, as it is the highest/lowest point within a specific range of the function.

2. How do you find the maximum/minimum of a complex function?

To find the maximum/minimum of a complex function, you must first take the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable. Then, set these partial derivatives equal to zero and solve for the variables. The resulting values will be the coordinates of the maximum/minimum point.

3. Can a complex function have multiple maximum/minimum points?

Yes, a complex function can have multiple maximum/minimum points. These points can be local or global, with local points being the highest/lowest within a specific range and global points being the overall highest/lowest points.

4. What is the difference between a maximum/minimum and an inflection point in a complex function?

A maximum/minimum point is where the function reaches its highest/lowest value, while an inflection point is where the curvature of the function changes. An inflection point does not necessarily correspond to a maximum/minimum point.

5. How can the maximum/minimum of a complex function be used in real-world applications?

The maximum/minimum of a complex function can be used in a variety of real-world applications, such as optimization problems in engineering and economics, finding the most efficient solution to a problem, and identifying the highest/lowest point in a data set.

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