Complex Variables
PHYS223
Dr. Sudipta Koley
Importance of Complex Numbers
• Solving Algebraic Equations: Extending the real number system to allow roots for equations like (x2 + 1 =
0).
• Unified Perspective: Naturally link exponential and trigonometric functions, simplifying mathematical
analysis.
• Physics Applications: Crucial for modeling oscillations, wave motion, electromagnetism, and quantum
mechanics.
• Vector Representation: Provide a powerful 2D framework for simultaneous tracking of magnitude and
phase.
Graphical Representation
• Argand Diagram: Represents complex numbers as points in a 2D Euclidean plane (the Complex Plane).
• Axes Definitions: The horizontal axis represents the real part, and the vertical axis represents the
imaginary part.
• Vector Interpretations: A complex number (z = x + iy) can be viewed as a position vector from the origin
((0,0)) to the point ((x,y)).
• Polar Coordinates: Visualized using modulus (r) (distance from origin) and argument (theta) (angle from
positive real axis).
De-Moivre’s Theorem & Euler’s Formula
• Euler’s Formula: (eiθ = cosθ+ i sinθ ), providing the bridge between exponential and trigonometric forms.
• De-Moivre’s Theorem: ((cosθ + i sinθ )n = cos(nθ) + i sin(nθ)).
• Utility: Simplifies raising complex numbers to powers and finding roots, as (zn = rn einθ).
• Roots of Unity: Euler's formula allows the roots of zn = 1 to be represented as vertices of a regular
polygon.
Functions of Complex Variables
• Function Mapping: A function (f(z)) maps a point in the (z)-plane (domain) to a point in the (w)-plane
(codomain).
• Analytic Functions: A function is analytic (or holomorphic) at a point if it has a derivative there and in
some neighborhood around it.
• Cauchy-Riemann Equations: Necessary conditions for a function (f(z) = u(x,y) + iv(x,y)) to be analytic.
• Harmonic Functions: If (f(z)) is analytic, then its real ((u)) and imaginary ((v)) parts satisfy Laplace's equation
((nabla^2 u = 0)).
Core Theorems
• Morera’s Theorem: If (f(z)) is continuous in a domain and ∫f(z)dz = 0 for every closed contour, then (f(z)) is
analytic.
• Cauchy’s Inequality: Provides an upper bound for the (n)-th derivative of an analytic function:
where M is the maximum modulus on a circle of radius R.
• Liouville’s Theorem: If a function is analytic and bounded in the entire complex plane, then it must be a
constant.
• Implication: These theorems define the rigidity and unique behavior of analytic functions compared to real
functions.
Series and Multiple Values
• Power Series: An analytic function (f(z)) can be represented by a Taylor series within its radius of
convergence.
• Multiple Valued Functions: Functions like ln(z) or z1/n take multiple values for a single z, requiring "branch
cuts".
• Branch Points: Singular points where paths encircling them lead to a change in the function value.
• Convergence: Power series of complex variables converge uniformly within their disk of convergence.
Questions
?
Thank you for your attention.