Prove that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not holomorphic.

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In summary, f(z) = |z| is not holomorphic because it is not complex-differentiable, as shown by the fact that the partial derivatives of its real and imaginary components do not satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann equations. The equivalent condition using the partial derivative with respect to the conjugate of z is not reliable because it would incorrectly suggest that f is differentiable at the origin. This is not the case according to the Riemann conditions.
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littleHilbert
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Prove that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not holomorphic.

We have [itex]f(z) = \sqrt {x^2 + y^2} + i0[/itex], so [itex]\frac {\partial{u}}{\partial{x}} = x(x^2 + y^2)^{ - \frac {1}{2}},\frac {\partial{u}}{\partial{y}} = y(x^2 + y^2)^{ - \frac {1}{2}}, \frac {\partial{v}}{\partial{x}} = \frac {\partial{v}}{\partial{y}} = 0[/itex]

One sees that if either x or y, but not both, were zero, either condition would be satisfied and the other not. So there are no such points, for which the Riemann conditions would hold.

Since holomorphic functions are complex-differentiable, and f is not differentiable, it follows that f is not holomorphic.

It strikes me that the equivalent condition [itex]\frac {\partial{f}}{\partial{\bar{z}}} = 0[/itex] is not trustworthy, because using only this one could say that f is differentiable only in the origin, which is false if we work with Riemann. Why is it so?
 
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  • #2
But your other definition is satisfied at the origin too. I'm not sure I see your point.
 

FAQ: Prove that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not holomorphic.

What is the definition of a holomorphic function?

A holomorphic function is a complex-valued function that is differentiable at every point in its domain. This means that the function must have a well-defined derivative at every point.

What is the domain of [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex]?

The domain of [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is the entire complex plane, [itex]\mathbb{C}[/itex].

How can we prove that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not differentiable at every point?

We can prove this by using the Cauchy-Riemann equations, which state that a function is holomorphic if and only if its real and imaginary parts satisfy certain partial differential equations. However, when we apply these equations to [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex], we find that they are not satisfied at the point [itex]z=0[/itex]. Therefore, [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not differentiable at this point, and is therefore not holomorphic.

Can [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] be made holomorphic by restricting its domain?

No, [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] cannot be made holomorphic by restricting its domain. The function is not differentiable at the point [itex]z=0[/itex], which is in the domain [itex]\mathbb{C}[/itex]. Therefore, no matter what domain we choose, the function will not be holomorphic.

Are there any other ways to prove that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not holomorphic?

Yes, there are other ways to prove this. Another approach is to consider the Cauchy-Riemann integral formula, which states that if a function is holomorphic on a closed, simply connected region [itex]D[/itex], then its integral around any simple closed curve in [itex]D[/itex] is equal to zero. However, if we apply this formula to [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex], we find that the integral is not equal to zero for certain curves, such as a circle centered at the origin. This shows that [itex]f(z) = |z|[/itex] is not holomorphic on [itex]\mathbb{C}[/itex].

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