Verify Complex Derivative Cauchy-Riemann Eqn.

In summary, the conversation discusses verifying the Cauchy-Riemann equations and finding the derivative of w with respect to z. The Cauchy-Riemann equations are satisfied and the derivative is manipulated to get 1/z^2. The solution is found by squaring 1/z, which leads to the correct derivatives.
  • #1
mattmns
1,128
6
The question is as follows.

Let w = 1/z. Check that for [itex]z \neq 0[/itex] the Cauchy-Riemann equations are satisfied and verify that[itex]dw/dz = -1/z^2[/itex]
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So I let z = x + iy

Then, [tex]\frac{1}{z} = \frac{1}{x + iy} = \frac{1}{x + iy}\frac{x - iy}{x - iy} = \frac{x - iy}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]

let w = u + iv
so [tex]u = \frac{x}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex] and [tex]v = \frac{-y}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = \frac{-x^2 + y^2}{(x^2 + y^2)^2} = \frac{\partial v}{\partial y}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{ - \partial u}{\partial y} = \frac{2xy}{(x^2 + y^2)^2 } = \frac{\partial v}{\partial x}[/tex]

I really don't want to write everything out, but the Cauchy-Riemann equations are satisfied, and thus we can find [tex]dw/dz = \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + i\frac{\partial v}{\partial x}[/tex]

My problem is right here when I am trying to manipulate this [tex] \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + i\frac{\partial v}{\partial x} [/tex] to get [tex] \frac{1}{z^2} = \frac{1}{(x + iy)^2} = \frac{1}{x^2 + i2xy - y^2}[/tex]

Is there some trick I am missing or did I take the partial derivatives wrong? I just seem to be stuck here with no ideas. Thanks
 
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  • #2
You're going to say "duh!". The first thing you found is that

[tex]\frac{1}{z} = \frac{x - iy}{x^2 + y^2}[/tex]

remember? Square that, and you get exactly

[tex] -\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} - i\frac{\partial v}{\partial x} [/tex]
 
  • #3
:smile: Duh!

Thank you!
 

FAQ: Verify Complex Derivative Cauchy-Riemann Eqn.

What is the Cauchy-Riemann equation?

The Cauchy-Riemann equation is a set of two partial differential equations that describe the relationship between the real and imaginary parts of a complex-valued function. It is used to determine if a function is differentiable at a given point in the complex plane.

Why is it important to verify the Cauchy-Riemann equation for complex derivatives?

Verifying the Cauchy-Riemann equation is important because it guarantees that the function is holomorphic, meaning it is differentiable at every point in the complex plane. This is a key property in complex analysis and allows for the use of powerful tools and techniques in solving problems involving complex functions.

How do you verify the Cauchy-Riemann equation?

To verify the Cauchy-Riemann equation, you must first express the complex function in terms of its real and imaginary parts. Then, you can take the partial derivatives of each part with respect to the real and imaginary variables. If the resulting equations satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann equation, then the function is differentiable at that point.

What happens if the Cauchy-Riemann equation is not satisfied?

If the Cauchy-Riemann equation is not satisfied, then the function is not differentiable at that point and is therefore not holomorphic. This means that traditional methods of calculus cannot be used to analyze the function and more advanced techniques must be employed.

Are there any other applications of the Cauchy-Riemann equation?

Yes, the Cauchy-Riemann equation has many other applications in mathematics and physics. It is used in the study of fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. It also plays a crucial role in the theory of conformal mappings, which has applications in engineering and image processing.

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