Quick/easy question about analytic (holomorphic) functions

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In summary: This is indeed the case, as the class of complex analytic functions coincides with the class of holomorphic functions, a major theorem in complex analysis. Additionally, a function can be considered analytic or holomorphic at a specific point or in a neighborhood of a point, similar to being continuous or differentiable. However, there are exceptions where a function may be continuous or differentiable at a point without being so in a neighborhood. One example is f(x) = x^2 if x is rational and 0 if x is irrational.
  • #1
AxiomOfChoice
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Is saying "[itex]f[/itex] is differentiable" equivalent to saying "[itex]f[/itex] is analytic/holomorphic?"

Also, does it make sense to talk about functions being analytic/holomorphic at a POINT, or do we always need to talk about them being analytic in some NEIGHBORHOOD of a point (i.e., on an open set)?
 
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holomorphic_function

The term analytic function is often used interchangeably with “holomorphic function”. The fact that the class of complex analytic functions coincides with the class of holomorphic functions is a major theorem in complex analysis.

Being holomorphic at a point is also the same as saying it's holomorphic in some neighborhood of that point. (Just like being differentiable or continuous at a point).
 
  • #3
Tac-Tics said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holomorphic_function



Being holomorphic at a point is also the same as saying it's holomorphic in some neighborhood of that point. (Just like being differentiable or continuous at a point).

A function can actually be continuous or differentiable at a point without being continuous or differentiable in a neighborhood. One example is f(x)=x2 if x is rational, 0 if x is irrational.
 
  • #4
AxiomOfChoice said:
Is saying "[itex]f[/itex] is differentiable" equivalent to saying "[itex]f[/itex] is analytic/holomorphic?"

Also, does it make sense to talk about functions being analytic/holomorphic at a POINT, or do we always need to talk about them being analytic in some NEIGHBORHOOD of a point (i.e., on an open set)?

The function [itex]f(z) = |z|^2[/itex] has a derivative at z = 0, but not at any other point (verification is left as an exercise). Therefore, although the derivative exists at z = 0, the function isn't analytic at z = 0.

Petek
 

FAQ: Quick/easy question about analytic (holomorphic) functions

Question 1: What is an analytic (holomorphic) function?

An analytic function is a complex-valued function that is differentiable at every point in its domain. It can be represented as a power series, and its derivative exists at every point.

Question 2: What is the difference between analytic and holomorphic functions?

Analytic functions are a subset of holomorphic functions. While all analytic functions are holomorphic, not all holomorphic functions are analytic. Holomorphic functions are complex-valued functions that are differentiable at every point in an open set, while analytic functions are defined as those that can be represented by a convergent power series.

Question 3: Can an analytic function have a singularity?

Yes, an analytic function can have a singularity. A singularity is a point in the complex plane where the function is not defined or is not analytic. These can occur at points where the function is not differentiable, such as poles or branch points.

Question 4: Are all polynomials analytic functions?

Yes, all polynomials are analytic functions. They can be represented as a power series with coefficients that are equal to the derivatives of the function at the origin. Therefore, they are differentiable at every point and are considered to be analytic.

Question 5: What is the Cauchy-Riemann equations and how are they related to analytic functions?

The Cauchy-Riemann equations are a set of two partial differential equations that must be satisfied for a complex-valued function to be analytic. They relate the real and imaginary parts of a function and are used to test the differentiability of a function at a given point. If the Cauchy-Riemann equations are satisfied, then the function is analytic at that point.

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