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Problem Set

Problem 1

Express z=3+iz = -\sqrt{3} + i in polar form and find all values of z1/3z^{1/3}.

Solution

z=3+1=2|z| = \sqrt{3 + 1} = 2. Since Re(z)<0\mathrm{Re}(z) \lt 0 and Im(z)>0\mathrm{Im}(z) \gt 0: arg(z)=ππ/6=5π/6\arg(z) = \pi - \pi/6 = 5\pi/6.

z=2e5πi/6z = 2\,e^{5\pi i/6}.

z1/3=21/3e(5π/6+2πk)/3z^{1/3} = 2^{1/3}\, e^{(5\pi/6 + 2\pi k)/3} for k=0,1,2k = 0, 1, 2.

z0=21/3e5πi/18z_0 = 2^{1/3}\, e^{5\pi i/18}, z1=21/3e17πi/18z_1 = 2^{1/3}\, e^{17\pi i/18}, z2=21/3e29πi/18z_2 = 2^{1/3}\, e^{29\pi i/18}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 1.5 (Roots of Complex Numbers).

Problem 2

Let f(z)=z2+zˉ2f(z) = z^2 + \bar{z}^2. Find where ff is differentiable and where it is analytic.

Solution

f(z)=(x+iy)2+(xiy)2=2(x2y2)f(z) = (x + iy)^2 + (x - iy)^2 = 2(x^2 - y^2). So u=2(x2y2)u = 2(x^2 - y^2), v=0v = 0.

ux=4xu_x = 4x, uy=4yu_y = -4y, vx=0v_x = 0, vy=0v_y = 0.

CR: 4x=0x=04x = 0 \Rightarrow x = 0, 4y=0y=0-4y = 0 \Rightarrow y = 0.

ff is differentiable only at z=0z = 0 and analytic nowhere.

f"(0)=0f"(0) = 0 (verified by direct computation).

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 2.4 and 3.1 (Analyticity and Cauchy-Riemann).

Problem 3

Verify that f(z)=1z2+1f(z) = \frac{1}{z^2 + 1} satisfies the Cauchy-Riemann equations on its domain and Find f(z)f'(z).

Solution

f(z)=1/(z2+1)f(z) = 1/(z^2 + 1) is a rational function with denominator non-zero away from ±i\pm iSo ff Is analytic on C{i,i}\mathbb{C} \setminus \{i, -i\}.

By the quotient rule: f(z)=2z(z2+1)2f'(z) = \frac{-2z}{(z^2 + 1)^2}.

Verify via CR at z=1z = 1: u=x2y2+1(x2y2+1)2+4x2y2u = \frac{x^2 - y^2 + 1}{(x^2 - y^2 + 1)^2 + 4x^2y^2} v=2xy(x2y2+1)2+4x2y2v = \frac{-2xy}{(x^2 - y^2 + 1)^2 + 4x^2y^2}.

ux(1,0)=1/2=f(1)u_x(1, 0) = -1/2 = f'(1). \checkmark

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 3.1 and 3.3 (CR Equations).

Problem 4

Show that u(x,y)=x33xy2+3x23y2u(x, y) = x^3 - 3xy^2 + 3x^2 - 3y^2 is harmonic and find its harmonic conjugate.

Solution

uxx=6x+6u_{xx} = 6x + 6, uyy=6x6u_{yy} = -6x - 6. Δu=0\Delta u = 0. \checkmark

By CR: vy=ux=3x23y2+6xv_y = u_x = 3x^2 - 3y^2 + 6x. v=3x2yy3+6xy+g(x)v = 3x^2 y - y^3 + 6xy + g(x).

vx=uy=6xy+6yv_x = -u_y = 6xy + 6y. 6xy+6y=6xy+6y+g(x)g(x)=0g(x)=C6xy + 6y = 6xy + 6y + g'(x) \Rightarrow g'(x) = 0 \Rightarrow g(x) = C.

Harmonic conjugate: v(x,y)=3x2yy3+6xy+Cv(x, y) = 3x^2 y - y^3 + 6xy + C.

f(z)=u+iv=z3+3z2f(z) = u + iv = z^3 + 3z^2.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.4 (Harmonic Functions).

Problem 5

Evaluate γ(z2+2z)dz\int_\gamma (z^2 + 2z)\, dz where γ\gamma is the upper half of the unit circle from z=1z = 1 to z=1z = -1.

Solution

Since z2+2zz^2 + 2z is entire, the integral is path-independent. Let F(z)=z3/3+z2F(z) = z^3/3 + z^2.

γ(z2+2z)dz=F(1)F(1)=2343=23\int_\gamma (z^2 + 2z)\, dz = F(-1) - F(1) = \frac{2}{3} - \frac{4}{3} = -\frac{2}{3}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 4.5 and 4.7 (Contour Integrals).

Problem 6

Use the ML inequality to bound γezz2dz\left|\int_\gamma \frac{e^z}{z - 2}\, dz\right| where γ\gamma Is the circle z=1|z| = 1.

Solution

On γ\gamma: z=1|z| = 1So eze|e^z| \leq e and z21|z - 2| \geq 1.

ezz2e\left|\frac{e^z}{z - 2}\right| \leq e. L=2πL = 2\pi.

γezz2dz2πe\left|\int_\gamma \frac{e^z}{z - 2}\, dz\right| \leq 2\pi e.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 4.6 (ML Inequality).

Problem 7

Evaluate γz+1z2zdz\oint_\gamma \frac{z + 1}{z^2 - z}\, dz where γ\gamma is z=2|z| = 2.

Solution

z+1z2z=z+1z(z1)\frac{z + 1}{z^2 - z} = \frac{z + 1}{z(z - 1)}. Simple poles at z=0z = 0 and z=1z = 1Both inside z=2|z| = 2.

At z=0z = 0: Res=limz0z+1z1=1\mathrm{Res} = \lim_{z \to 0} \frac{z + 1}{z - 1} = -1. At z=1z = 1: Res=limz1z+1z=2\mathrm{Res} = \lim_{z \to 1} \frac{z + 1}{z} = 2.

γz+1z2zdz=2πi(1+2)=2πi\oint_\gamma \frac{z + 1}{z^2 - z}\, dz = 2\pi i(-1 + 2) = 2\pi i.

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 8.4 and 8.5 (Residues).

Problem 8

Classify all singularities of f(z)=e1/zz2+1f(z) = \frac{e^{1/z}}{z^2 + 1} and find all residues.

Solution

z=0z = 0: e1/ze^{1/z} has an essential singularity at 00So z=0z = 0 is an essential singularity of ff. z=iz = i: simple pole. z=iz = -i: simple pole.

At z=iz = i: Res=e1/i2i=ei2i\mathrm{Res} = \frac{e^{1/i}}{2i} = \frac{e^{-i}}{2i}. At z=iz = -i: Res=e1/(i)2i=ei2i\mathrm{Res} = \frac{e^{1/(-i)}}{-2i} = \frac{e^{i}}{-2i}.

At z=0z = 0: find the coefficient of 1/z1/z in e1/zz2+1\frac{e^{1/z}}{z^2 + 1}. 1z2+1=1z2+z4\frac{1}{z^2 + 1} = 1 - z^2 + z^4 - \cdots near z=0z = 0. e1/z=1+1/z+1/(2z2)+e^{1/z} = 1 + 1/z + 1/(2z^2) + \cdots. The 1/z1/z coefficient in the product: from 11/z=1/z1 \cdot 1/z = 1/zGiving residue 11.

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 8.1 and 8.4 (Singularities and Residues).

Problem 9

Evaluate 02πcosθ5+4cosθdθ\int_0^{2\pi} \frac{\cos\theta}{5 + 4\cos\theta}\, d\theta.

Solution

Substitute z=eiθz = e^{i\theta}:

I=z=1(z+z1)/25+4(z+z1)/2dziz=12iz=1z2+1z(2z2+5z+2)dz=12iz=1z2+1z(2z+1)(z+2)dzI = \int_{|z|=1} \frac{(z + z^{-1})/2}{5 + 4(z + z^{-1})/2} \cdot \frac{dz}{iz} = \frac{1}{2i}\int_{|z|=1} \frac{z^2 + 1}{z(2z^2 + 5z + 2)}\, dz = \frac{1}{2i}\int_{|z|=1} \frac{z^2 + 1}{z(2z + 1)(z + 2)}\, dz.

Poles inside z=1|z| = 1: z=0z = 0 (simple) and z=1/2z = -1/2 (simple).

At z=0z = 0: Res=1(20+1)(0+2)=12\mathrm{Res} = \frac{1}{(2 \cdot 0 + 1)(0 + 2)} = \frac{1}{2}. At z=1/2z = -1/2: Res=1/4+1(1/2)(1+2)=5/41/2=52\mathrm{Res} = \frac{1/4 + 1}{(-1/2)(-1 + 2)} = \frac{5/4}{-1/2} = -\frac{5}{2}.

I=12i2πi(1252)=π(2)=π3I = \frac{1}{2i} \cdot 2\pi i\left(\frac{1}{2} - \frac{5}{2}\right) = \pi(-2) = -\frac{\pi}{3}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 9.4 (Trigonometric Integrals).

Problem 10

Evaluate dx(x2+1)(x2+4)\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{dx}{(x^2 + 1)(x^2 + 4)}.

Solution

f(z)=1(z2+1)(z2+4)f(z) = \frac{1}{(z^2 + 1)(z^2 + 4)}. Poles in upper half-plane: z=iz = i (simple) and z=2iz = 2i (simple).

At z=iz = i: Res=1(2i)(i2+4)=12i3=16i\mathrm{Res} = \frac{1}{(2i)(i^2 + 4)} = \frac{1}{2i \cdot 3} = \frac{1}{6i}. At z=2iz = 2i: Res=1(4i1)(4i)=14i(3)=112i\mathrm{Res} = \frac{1}{(4i - 1)(4i)} = \frac{1}{4i(-3)} = -\frac{1}{12i}.

f(x)dx=2πi(16i112i)=2πi112i=π6\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(x)\, dx = 2\pi i\left(\frac{1}{6i} - \frac{1}{12i}\right) = 2\pi i \cdot \frac{1}{12i} = \frac{\pi}{6}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 9.2 (Rational Function Integrals).

Problem 11

Find the Taylor series of f(z)=zz2+4f(z) = \frac{z}{z^2 + 4} centered at z0=0z_0 = 0 and state the radius Of convergence.

Solution

zz2+4=z411+z2/4=z4n=0(1)nz2n4n=n=0(1)nz2n+14n+1\frac{z}{z^2 + 4} = \frac{z}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{1 + z^2/4} = \frac{z}{4}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n \frac{z^{2n}}{4^n} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^n z^{2n+1}}{4^{n+1}}

For z<2|z| \lt 2. Radius of convergence: distance from 00 to nearest singularity (±2i\pm 2i), which is 22.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.1 (Taylor Series).

Problem 12

Find the Laurent series of f(z)=1(z1)(z2)f(z) = \frac{1}{(z - 1)(z - 2)} in the annulus 1<z<21 \lt |z| \lt 2.

Solution

1(z1)(z2)=1z21z1\frac{1}{(z-1)(z-2)} = \frac{1}{z - 2} - \frac{1}{z - 1}.

For z>1|z| \gt 1: 1z1=1z111/z=n=0zn1\frac{1}{z - 1} = \frac{1}{z} \cdot \frac{1}{1 - 1/z} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} z^{-n-1}.

For z<2|z| \lt 2: 1z2=1211z/2=n=0zn2n+1\frac{1}{z - 2} = -\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{1 - z/2} = -\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{2^{n+1}}.

f(z)=n=0zn2n+1n=0zn1f(z) = -\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^n}{2^{n+1}} - \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} z^{-n-1}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 7.4 (Laurent Series).

Problem 13

Using Rouché’s theorem, determine the number of roots of z55z+1=0z^5 - 5z + 1 = 0 in z<1|z| \lt 1.

Solution

On z=1|z| = 1: 5z=5>z5+12|-5z| = 5 \gt |z^5 + 1| \leq 2.

By Rouché with f(z)=5zf(z) = -5z and g(z)=z5+1g(z) = z^5 + 1: z55z+1z^5 - 5z + 1 has the same number of zeros In z<1|z| \lt 1 as 5z-5zWhich has exactly one zero (at z=0z = 0).

So exactly one root in z<1|z| \lt 1.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 12.2 (Rouché’s Theorem).

Problem 14

Find the Möbius transformation that maps 101 \mapsto 0, i1i \mapsto 1, 1-1 \mapsto \infty.

Solution

T(z)=(z1)(i(1))(z(1))(i1)=(z1)(i+1)(z+1)(i1)T(z) = \frac{(z - 1)(i - (-1))}{(z - (-1))(i - 1)} = \frac{(z - 1)(i + 1)}{(z + 1)(i - 1)}.

Simplify: i+1i1=(i+1)(i1)(i1)(i1)=i22i1i2+1=2i2=i\frac{i + 1}{i - 1} = \frac{(i+1)(-i-1)}{(i-1)(-i-1)} = \frac{-i^2 - 2i - 1}{-i^2 + 1} = \frac{-2i}{2} = -i.

T(z)=iz1z+1T(z) = -i \cdot \frac{z - 1}{z + 1}.

Verify: T(1)=0T(1) = 0 \checkmark, T(i)=ii1i+1=i(i)=1T(i) = -i \cdot \frac{i-1}{i+1} = -i \cdot (-i) = -1.

That gives 1-1Not 11. Let me recompute.

T(z)=(zz1)(z2z3)(zz3)(z2z1)T(z) = \frac{(z - z_1)(z_2 - z_3)}{(z - z_3)(z_2 - z_1)} with z1=1z_1 = 1, z2=iz_2 = i, z3=1z_3 = -1.

T(z)=(z1)(i+1)(z+1)(i1)T(z) = \frac{(z - 1)(i + 1)}{(z + 1)(i - 1)}.

T(i)=(i1)(i+1)(i+1)(i1)=1T(i) = \frac{(i - 1)(i + 1)}{(i + 1)(i - 1)} = 1. \checkmark

T(1)=0T(1) = 0. \checkmark. T(1)=T(-1) = \infty. \checkmark.

So T(z)=(z1)(i+1)(z+1)(i1)T(z) = \frac{(z - 1)(i + 1)}{(z + 1)(i - 1)}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 10.5 (Cross-Ratio).

Problem 15

Evaluate γz3z2+1dz\int_\gamma \frac{z^3}{z^2 + 1}\, dz where γ\gamma is z=2|z| = 2.

Solution

z3z2+1\frac{z^3}{z^2 + 1} has simple poles at z=±iz = \pm iBoth inside z=2|z| = 2.

At z=iz = i: Res=i32i=i2i=12\mathrm{Res} = \frac{i^3}{2i} = \frac{-i}{2i} = -\frac{1}{2}. At z=iz = -i: Res=(i)32i=i2i=12\mathrm{Res} = \frac{(-i)^3}{-2i} = \frac{i}{-2i} = -\frac{1}{2}.

γz3z2+1dz=2πi(1212)=2πi\int_\gamma \frac{z^3}{z^2 + 1}\, dz = 2\pi i\left(-\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2}\right) = -2\pi i.

Alternatively: z3z2+1=zzz2+1\frac{z^3}{z^2 + 1} = z - \frac{z}{z^2 + 1}. γzdz=0\int_\gamma z\, dz = 0 (entire), and γzz2+1dz=2πi(1/2+1/2)=2πi\int_\gamma \frac{z}{z^2 + 1}\, dz = 2\pi i(1/2 + 1/2) = 2\pi i. So the integral equals 02πi=2πi0 - 2\pi i = -2\pi i. \checkmark

If you get this wrong, revise: Sections 8.4 and 8.5 (Residues).

Problem 16

Show that cos2xx2+1dx=πe2\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{\cos 2x}{x^2 + 1}\, dx = \frac{\pi}{e^2}.

Solution

Consider e2ixx2+1dx\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{e^{2ix}}{x^2 + 1}\, dx.

f(z)=e2izz2+1f(z) = \frac{e^{2iz}}{z^2 + 1} has a simple pole at z=iz = i in the upper half-plane.

Res ⁣(e2izz2+1,i)=e2ii2i=e22i\mathrm{Res}\!\left(\frac{e^{2iz}}{z^2 + 1}, i\right) = \frac{e^{2i \cdot i}}{2i} = \frac{e^{-2}}{2i}.

e2ixx2+1dx=2πie22i=πe2\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{e^{2ix}}{x^2 + 1}\, dx = 2\pi i \cdot \frac{e^{-2}}{2i} = \frac{\pi}{e^2}.

Taking real parts: cos2xx2+1dx=πe2\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{\cos 2x}{x^2 + 1}\, dx = \frac{\pi}{e^2}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 9.7 (Fourier-Type Integrals).

Problem 17

Find the residue of f(z)=sinzz4f(z) = \frac{\sin z}{z^4} at z=0z = 0.

Solution

sinz=zz3/6+z5/120\sin z = z - z^3/6 + z^5/120 - \cdots

f(z)=zz3/6+z5/120z4=1z316z+z120f(z) = \frac{z - z^3/6 + z^5/120 - \cdots}{z^4} = \frac{1}{z^3} - \frac{1}{6z} + \frac{z}{120} - \cdots

The coefficient of 1/z1/z is 1/6-1/6So Res(f,0)=16\mathrm{Res}(f, 0) = -\frac{1}{6}.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 8.4 (Computing Residues).

Problem 18

Evaluate γdz(z1)2(z2)\int_\gamma \frac{dz}{(z - 1)^2(z - 2)} where γ\gamma is z1=1/2|z - 1| = 1/2.

Solution

Only z=1z = 1 is inside γ\gamma (a pole of order 22). z=2z = 2 is outside.

Res(f,1)=ddz[1z2]z=1=1(z2)2z=1=1\mathrm{Res}(f, 1) = \frac{d}{dz}\left[\frac{1}{z - 2}\right]_{z=1} = -\frac{1}{(z-2)^2}\Big|_{z=1} = -1.

γfdz=2πi(1)=2πi\int_\gamma f\, dz = 2\pi i \cdot (-1) = -2\pi i.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 6.2 (CIF for Derivatives) and 8.4 (Residues).

Problem 19

Use the Cauchy-Riemann equations to show that f(z)=z2+2zˉf(z) = |z|^2 + 2\bar{z} is differentiable at Exactly one point and find f(z)f'(z) there.

Solution

f(z)=x2+y2+2x2iyf(z) = x^2 + y^2 + 2x - 2iy. So u=x2+y2+2xu = x^2 + y^2 + 2x, v=2yv = -2y.

ux=2x+2u_x = 2x + 2, uy=2yu_y = 2y, vx=0v_x = 0, vy=2v_y = -2.

CR: 2x+2=2x=22x + 2 = -2 \Rightarrow x = -2And 2y=0y=02y = 0 \Rightarrow y = 0.

ff is differentiable only at z=2z = -2.

f(2)=ux(2,0)+ivx(2,0)=(2(2)+2)+0=2f'(-2) = u_x(-2, 0) + iv_x(-2, 0) = (2(-2) + 2) + 0 = -2.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 3.1 (Cauchy-Riemann Equations).

Problem 20

Evaluate γezsinz(zπ)3dz\int_\gamma \frac{e^z \sin z}{(z - \pi)^3}\, dz where γ\gamma is z=4|z| = 4.

Solution

Only z=πz = \pi is inside γ\gamma (a pole of order 33).

By CIF for derivatives: γf(z)(zπ)3dz=2πi2!f(π)\int_\gamma \frac{f(z)}{(z - \pi)^3}\, dz = \frac{2\pi i}{2!}\,f''(\pi) Where f(z)=ezsinzf(z) = e^z \sin z.

f(z)=ezsinz+ezcosz=ez(sinz+cosz)f'(z) = e^z \sin z + e^z \cos z = e^z(\sin z + \cos z). f(z)=ez(sinz+cosz)+ez(coszsinz)=2ezcoszf''(z) = e^z(\sin z + \cos z) + e^z(\cos z - \sin z) = 2e^z \cos z.

f(π)=2eπcosπ=2eπf''(\pi) = 2e^\pi \cos\pi = -2e^\pi.

γezsinz(zπ)3dz=πi(2eπ)=2πieπ\int_\gamma \frac{e^z \sin z}{(z - \pi)^3}\, dz = \pi i \cdot (-2e^\pi) = -2\pi i\, e^\pi.

If you get this wrong, revise: Section 6.2 (Cauchy’s Integral Formula for Derivatives).

Worked Examples

Example 1: Complex integration

Problem. Evaluate z=2ezz1dz\oint_{|z|=2} \frac{e^z}{z - 1} \, dz.

Solution. The integrand has a simple pole at z=1z = 1 with residue e1=ee^1 = e. By Cauchy’s residue theorem: z=2ezz1dz=2πie=2πei.\oint_{|z|=2} \frac{e^z}{z - 1} \, dz = 2\pi i \cdot e = 2\pi e i.

\blacksquare

Example 2: Taylor series

Problem. Find the Taylor series of f(z)=1zf(z) = \frac{1}{z} about z0=1z_0 = 1.

Solution. f(z)=11+(z1)=n=0(1)n(z1)nf(z) = \frac{1}{1 + (z-1)} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} (-1)^n(z-1)^n for z1<1|z - 1| < 1.

\blacksquare

Common Pitfalls

  • Confusing complex conjugate and complex inverse. zˉ=abi\bar{z} = a - bi; z1=zˉ/z2=(abi)/(a2+b2)z^{-1} = \bar{z}/|z|^2 = (a - bi)/(a^2 + b^2). Fix: The conjugate is NOT the inverse; the inverse involves division by z2|z|^2.
  • Wrong branch of the logarithm. logz=lnz+i(argz+2kπ)\log z = \ln|z| + i(\arg z + 2k\pi) is multi-valued; the principal branch restricts argz(π,π]\arg z \in (-\pi, \pi]. Fix: Always specify the branch when working with complex logarithms and powers.
  • Cauchy’s theorem conditions. The function must be analytic on and inside the contour. Fix: If the function has singularities inside the contour, use the residue theorem instead.

Summary

  • Cauchy-Riemann equations: ux=vyu_x = v_y, uy=vxu_y = -v_x; necessary condition for analyticity.
  • Cauchy’s integral theorem: γf(z)dz=0\oint_\gamma f(z)\, dz = 0 for ff analytic on and inside γ\gamma.
  • Residue theorem: γf(z)dz=2πiRes(f,zk)\oint_\gamma f(z)\, dz = 2\pi i \sum \text{Res}(f, z_k).
  • Taylor and Laurent series: power series representations; Laurent series include negative powers for singularities.

Cross-References

TopicSiteLink
[Complex Numbers]A-LevelView
[Complex Numbers]IBView
[Complex Numbers]UniversityView