MA 201 Complex Analysis

Lecture 13:
Identity Theorem and Maximum Modulus Theorem

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Suppose that f : D → C is analytic on an open set D ⊂ C.

A point z0 ∈ D is called zero of f if f (z0 ) = 0.

The z0 is a zero of multiplicity/order m if there is an analytic function

g : D → C such that

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z), g (z0 ) 6= 0.

In this case f (z0 ) = f 0 (z0 ) = f 00 (z0 ) = · · · = f (m−1) (z0 ) = 0 but

f m (z0 ) 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Suppose that f : D → C is analytic on an open set D ⊂ C.

A point z0 ∈ D is called zero of f if f (z0 ) = 0.

The z0 is a zero of multiplicity/order m if there is an analytic function

g : D → C such that

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z), g (z0 ) 6= 0.

In this case f (z0 ) = f 0 (z0 ) = f 00 (z0 ) = · · · = f (m−1) (z0 ) = 0 but

f m (z0 ) 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Suppose that f : D → C is analytic on an open set D ⊂ C.

A point z0 ∈ D is called zero of f if f (z0 ) = 0.

The z0 is a zero of multiplicity/order m if there is an analytic function

g : D → C such that

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z), g (z0 ) 6= 0.

In this case f (z0 ) = f 0 (z0 ) = f 00 (z0 ) = · · · = f (m−1) (z0 ) = 0 but

f m (z0 ) 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Suppose that f : D → C is analytic on an open set D ⊂ C.

A point z0 ∈ D is called zero of f if f (z0 ) = 0.

The z0 is a zero of multiplicity/order m if there is an analytic function

g : D → C such that

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z), g (z0 ) 6= 0.

In this case f (z0 ) = f 0 (z0 ) = f 00 (z0 ) = · · · = f (m−1) (z0 ) = 0 but

f m (z0 ) 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Understanding of multiplicity via Taylor’s series: If f is analytic

function in D, then f has a Taylor series expansion around z0
∞
X f n (z0 )
f (z) = (z − z0 )n , |z − z0 | < R.
n=0
n!

If f has a zero of order m at z0 then

∞
X f n (z0 )
f (z) = (z − z0 )m (z − z0 )n−m
n=m
n!

P∞ f n (z0 )
Define g (z) = n=m n!
(z − z0 )n−m , then

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z).

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Understanding of multiplicity via Taylor’s series: If f is analytic

function in D, then f has a Taylor series expansion around z0
∞
X f n (z0 )
f (z) = (z − z0 )n , |z − z0 | < R.
n=0
n!

If f has a zero of order m at z0 then

∞
X f n (z0 )
f (z) = (z − z0 )m (z − z0 )n−m
n=m
n!

P∞ f n (z0 )
Define g (z) = n=m n!
(z − z0 )n−m , then

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z).

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of a non-constant analytic function are isolated: If f : D → C is

non-constant and analytic at z0 ∈ D with f (z0 ) = 0, then there is an R > 0
such that f (z) 6= 0 for z ∈ B(z0 , R) \ {z0 }.

Proof.
Assume that f has a zero at z0 of order m. Then

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z)

where g (z) is analytic and g (z0 ) 6= 0.

|g (z0 )|
Since g is continuous at z0 thus for  = > 0, we can find a δ > 0
2
such that
|g (z0 )|
|g (z) − g (z0 )| < ,
2
whenever |z − z0 | < δ .
Therefore whenever |z − z0 | < δ, we have
|g (z0 )| 3|g (z0 )|
0< < |g (z)| < . Take R = δ.
2 2

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of a non-constant analytic function are isolated: If f : D → C is

non-constant and analytic at z0 ∈ D with f (z0 ) = 0, then there is an R > 0
such that f (z) 6= 0 for z ∈ B(z0 , R) \ {z0 }.

Proof.
Assume that f has a zero at z0 of order m. Then

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z)

where g (z) is analytic and g (z0 ) 6= 0.

|g (z0 )|
Since g is continuous at z0 thus for  = > 0, we can find a δ > 0
2
such that
|g (z0 )|
|g (z) − g (z0 )| < ,
2
whenever |z − z0 | < δ .
Therefore whenever |z − z0 | < δ, we have
|g (z0 )| 3|g (z0 )|
0< < |g (z)| < . Take R = δ.
2 2

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of analytic functions

Zeros of a non-constant analytic function are isolated: If f : D → C is

non-constant and analytic at z0 ∈ D with f (z0 ) = 0, then there is an R > 0
such that f (z) 6= 0 for z ∈ B(z0 , R) \ {z0 }.

Proof.
Assume that f has a zero at z0 of order m. Then

f (z) = (z − z0 )m g (z)

where g (z) is analytic and g (z0 ) 6= 0.

|g (z0 )|
Since g is continuous at z0 thus for  = > 0, we can find a δ > 0
2
such that
|g (z0 )|
|g (z) − g (z0 )| < ,
2
whenever |z − z0 | < δ .
Therefore whenever |z − z0 | < δ, we have
|g (z0 )| 3|g (z0 )|
0< < |g (z)| < . Take R = δ.
2 2

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Identity Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is analytic. If there

exists an infinite sequence {zk } ⊂ D, such that f (zk ) = 0, ∀k ∈ N and
zk → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.
Proof.
Case I: If D = {z ∈ C : |z − z0 | < r } then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n , for all z ∈ D.
n=0

We will show that f n (z0 ) = 0 for all n. If possible assume that f n (z0 ) 6= 0
for some n > 0.
Let n0 be the smallest positive integer such that f n0 (z0 ) 6= 0. Then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n = (z − z0 )n0 g (z),
n=n0

where g (z0 ) = an0 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Identity Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is analytic. If there

exists an infinite sequence {zk } ⊂ D, such that f (zk ) = 0, ∀k ∈ N and
zk → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.
Proof.
Case I: If D = {z ∈ C : |z − z0 | < r } then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n , for all z ∈ D.
n=0

We will show that f n (z0 ) = 0 for all n. If possible assume that f n (z0 ) 6= 0
for some n > 0.
Let n0 be the smallest positive integer such that f n0 (z0 ) 6= 0. Then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n = (z − z0 )n0 g (z),
n=n0

where g (z0 ) = an0 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Identity Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is analytic. If there

exists an infinite sequence {zk } ⊂ D, such that f (zk ) = 0, ∀k ∈ N and
zk → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.
Proof.
Case I: If D = {z ∈ C : |z − z0 | < r } then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n , for all z ∈ D.
n=0

We will show that f n (z0 ) = 0 for all n. If possible assume that f n (z0 ) 6= 0
for some n > 0.
Let n0 be the smallest positive integer such that f n0 (z0 ) 6= 0. Then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n = (z − z0 )n0 g (z),
n=n0

where g (z0 ) = an0 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Identity Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is analytic. If there

exists an infinite sequence {zk } ⊂ D, such that f (zk ) = 0, ∀k ∈ N and
zk → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.
Proof.
Case I: If D = {z ∈ C : |z − z0 | < r } then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n , for all z ∈ D.
n=0

We will show that f n (z0 ) = 0 for all n. If possible assume that f n (z0 ) 6= 0
for some n > 0.
Let n0 be the smallest positive integer such that f n0 (z0 ) 6= 0. Then
∞
X
f (z) = an (z − z0 )n = (z − z0 )n0 g (z),
n=n0

where g (z0 ) = an0 6= 0.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Identity Theorem

Since g is continuous at z0 , there exist  > 0 such that g (z) 6= 0 for all
z ∈ B(z0 , ).

There exists some k such that z0 6= zk ∈ B(z0 , ) and f (zk ) = 0. This

forces g (zk ) = 0 which is a contradiction.

Case II: If D is a domain.

Since z0 ∈ D therefore there exists δ > 0 such that B(z0 , δ) ⊂ D.

By Case I, f (z) = 0, ∀ z ∈ B(z0 , δ).

Now take z ∈ D join z and z0 by a line segment. Cover the line segments
by open balls in such a way that center of a ball lies in the previous ball.
Apply the above argument to get f (z) = 0 for all z ∈ D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Uniqueness Theorem

Uniqueness Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f , g : D → C is analytic.

If there exists an infinite sequence {zn } ⊂ D, such that f (zn ) = g (zn ), ∀n ∈ N
and zn → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = g (z) for all z ∈ D.

Find all entire functions f such that f (r ) = 0 for all r ∈ Q.

Find all entire functions f such that f (x) = cos x + i sin x for all
x ∈ (0, 1).

Find all analytic functions f : B(0, 1) → C such that

f ( n1 ) = sin( n1 ), ∀n ∈ N.

There does not exists an analytic function f defined on B(0, 1) such that
f (x) = |x|3 for all x ∈ (−1, 1)?

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Uniqueness Theorem

Uniqueness Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f , g : D → C is analytic.

If there exists an infinite sequence {zn } ⊂ D, such that f (zn ) = g (zn ), ∀n ∈ N
and zn → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = g (z) for all z ∈ D.

Find all entire functions f such that f (r ) = 0 for all r ∈ Q.

Find all entire functions f such that f (x) = cos x + i sin x for all
x ∈ (0, 1).

Find all analytic functions f : B(0, 1) → C such that

f ( n1 ) = sin( n1 ), ∀n ∈ N.

There does not exists an analytic function f defined on B(0, 1) such that
f (x) = |x|3 for all x ∈ (−1, 1)?

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Uniqueness Theorem

Uniqueness Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f , g : D → C is analytic.

If there exists an infinite sequence {zn } ⊂ D, such that f (zn ) = g (zn ), ∀n ∈ N
and zn → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = g (z) for all z ∈ D.

Find all entire functions f such that f (r ) = 0 for all r ∈ Q.

Find all entire functions f such that f (x) = cos x + i sin x for all
x ∈ (0, 1).

Find all analytic functions f : B(0, 1) → C such that

f ( n1 ) = sin( n1 ), ∀n ∈ N.

There does not exists an analytic function f defined on B(0, 1) such that
f (x) = |x|3 for all x ∈ (−1, 1)?

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Uniqueness Theorem

Uniqueness Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f , g : D → C is analytic.

If there exists an infinite sequence {zn } ⊂ D, such that f (zn ) = g (zn ), ∀n ∈ N
and zn → z0 ∈ D, f (z) = g (z) for all z ∈ D.

Find all entire functions f such that f (r ) = 0 for all r ∈ Q.

Find all entire functions f such that f (x) = cos x + i sin x for all
x ∈ (0, 1).

Find all analytic functions f : B(0, 1) → C such that

f ( n1 ) = sin( n1 ), ∀n ∈ N.

There does not exists an analytic function f defined on B(0, 1) such that
f (x) = |x|3 for all x ∈ (−1, 1)?

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Maximum Modulus Theorem

Maximum Modulus Theorem: Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≤ |f (z0 )|, ∀z ∈ D,
then f is constant on D.
Proof. Choose a r > 0 such that B(z0 , r ) ⊂ D. Let γ(t) = z0 + re it for
0 ≤ t ≤ 2π. By Cauchy integral formula
Z Z 2π
1 f (z) 1
f (z0 ) = dz = f (z0 + re it ) dt.
2πi γ z − z0 2π 0

Hence Z 2π
1
|f (z0 )| ≤ |f (z0 + re it )| dt ≤ |f (z0 )|.
2π 0
This gives Z 2π h i
|f (z0 )| − |f (z0 + re it )| dt = 0.
0

It follows that |f (z0 )| = |f (z0 + re it )| for all t. Now f analytic and |f | is

constant gives f is constant on B(z0 , r ). Applying identity theorem we get f is
constant through out the domain D.

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions

Consequences of Maximum Modulus Theorem

If f is analytic in a bounded domain D and continuous on ∂D then |f (z)|

attains its maximum at some point on the boundary ∂D.
z
Define f (z) = e e for z ∈ D = {z ∈ C : |Im z| < π
2
}. Then for
a + ib ∈ ∂D = {ζ ∈ C : |Im ζ| = π2 },
a±i π a
f (a + ib) = e e = e ±ie
2
= 1.

x
Again if x ∈ R ⊂ D then, f (x) = e e → ∞ as x → ∞.

Minimum Modulus Theorem Let D ⊂ C be a domain and f : D → C is

analytic. If there exists a point z0 ∈ D, such that |f (z)| ≥ |f (z0 )| for all
z ∈ D, then either f is constant function or f (z0 ) = 0.

Hint. Apply maximum modulus theorem on 1/f .

Lecture 13 Zeros of analytic functions