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Problem Set | Mathematics - Wyatt's Notes

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).

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).

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 i So 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).

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).

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).

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| = 1 So 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).

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).

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 00 So 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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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 1/6-1/6 So Res(f,0)=16\mathrm{Res}(f, 0) = -\frac{1}{6}.

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

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).

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 = -2 And 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).

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).

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

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

Complex analysis is the study of functions that respect the geometry of the complex plane. Unlike real functions, which can wiggle freely, holomorphic functions are astonishingly rigid: knowing their values on any small region determines them everywhere. The residue theorem encapsulates this rigidity by saying that contour integrals depend only on what singularities lie inside, not on the path taken. This is why complex analysis solves real integrals that resist elementary methods: the integral becomes a counting problem for poles, weighted by their residues.

  • 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.
flowchart TD
A[15_Problem Set] --> B[Key Concepts]
A --> C[Core Principles]
A --> D[Practical Applications]
B --> E[Fundamental definitions]
C --> F[Design patterns]
D --> G[Real-world usage]
  • 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.
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