Instructor:

Complex Variables & Transforms (MATH- 232)

Dr. Naila Amir
 Complex Functions and Mappings
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

• Chapter: 2
• Sections: 2.1, 2.2
 Complex Functions
Graph of a real-valued function 𝑓(𝑥) is defined
to be the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥)) in the two-
dimensional Cartesian plane.

If 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑧) is a complex function, then

both 𝑧 and 𝑤 lie in a complex plane. It
follows that the set of all points
(𝑧, 𝑓(𝑧)) lies in four-dimensional space
(two dimensions from the input 𝑧 and two
dimensions from the output 𝑤).
 Example:
Determine the image of the vertical line 𝑥 = 1 under the complex mapping defined
by: 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧 2 and represent the mapping graphically.
Solution:
Let 𝐶 be the set of points on the vertical line 𝑥 = 1 or, equivalently, the set of points
𝑧 = 1 + 𝑖𝑦 with −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞. The real and imaginary parts of 𝑤 = 𝑧 2 are: 𝑢 𝑥 , 𝑦
= 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 and 𝑣(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2𝑥𝑦, respectively. For a point 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑖𝑦 in 𝐶, we have
𝑢 1 , 𝑦 = 1 − 𝑦 2 and 𝑣(1, 𝑦) = 2𝑦. This implies that the image of 𝐶 is the set of
points 𝑤 = 𝑢 + 𝑖𝑣 satisfying the simultaneous equations:
𝑢 = 1 − 𝑦2 (1)
and
𝑣 = 2𝑦 2
for −∞ < 𝑦 < ∞. Equations (1) and (2) are parametric equations in the real
parameter 𝑦, and they define a curve in the 𝑤 −plane.
Solution:
We can find a Cartesian equation in 𝑢 and 𝑣 for this curve by eliminating the
parameter 𝑦. In order to do so, we solve (2) for 𝑦 and then substitute this
expression into (1):

𝑣2
𝑢 = 1− (3)
4

Since 𝑦 can take on any real value and 𝑣 = 2𝑦, thus it follows that 𝑣 can take
on any real value in (3). Consequently, 𝐶 ′ —the image of the set 𝐶—is a
parabola in the 𝑤 −plane with vertex at (1,0) and 𝑣 −intercepts at (0, ±2). In
conclusion, we have shown that the vertical line 𝑥 = 1 is mapped onto the
𝑣2
parabola: 𝑢 = 1 − by the complex mapping 𝑤 = 𝑧 2 .
4
Solution:
 Practice
Determine the image of the vertical line 𝑦 = 1 under the complex
mapping defined by: 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑧 2 and represent the mapping
graphically.
 Parametric Curves in the Complex Plane
▪ For a simple complex function, the manner in which the complex plane is mapped
might be evident after analyzing the image of a single set, but for most functions
an understanding of the mapping is obtained only after looking at the images of a
variety of sets.
▪ We can often gain a good understanding of a complex mapping by analyzing the
images of curves (one-dimensional subsets of the complex plane) and this process
is facilitated by the use of parametric equations.
▪ If 𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑡) and 𝑦 = 𝑦(𝑡) are real-valued functions of a real variable 𝑡, then the
set 𝐶 of all points (𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦(𝑡)), where 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏, is called a parametric curve.
The equations 𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦 = 𝑦(𝑡), and 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏 are called parametric
equations of 𝐶.
▪ A parametric curve can be regarded as lying in the complex plane by letting 𝑥 and
𝑦 represent the real and imaginary parts of a point in the complex plane.
 Parametric Curves in the Complex Plane
▪ In other words, if 𝑥 = 𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦 = 𝑦(𝑡), and 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏 are parametric
equations of a curve 𝐶 in the Cartesian plane, then the set of points:
𝑧 𝑡 =𝑥 𝑡 +𝑖𝑦 𝑡 ; 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏,
is a description of the curve 𝐶 in the complex plane.

▪ For example, consider the parametric equations:

𝑥 = cos 𝑡 , 𝑦 = sin 𝑡 ; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋,
of a curve 𝐶 in the 𝑥𝑦 −plane. The curve 𝐶 is a circle centered at (0,0) with radius
1. The set of points: 𝑧(𝑡) = cos 𝑡 + 𝑖 sin 𝑡, 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋, describes the curve 𝐶 in
the complex plane. If, 𝑡 = 0, then the point 𝑧 0 = cos 0 + 𝑖 sin 0 = 1 represents
the point (1, 0) on 𝐶 in the complex plane.
 Parametric Curves in the Complex Plane
▪ In general, if 𝑥(𝑡) and 𝑦(𝑡) are real-valued functions of a real variable 𝑡, then the
set 𝐶 consisting of all points 𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑥 𝑡 + 𝑖 𝑦 𝑡 ; 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏, is called a
parametric curve or a complex parametric curve.

▪ The complex valued function of the real variable 𝑡, 𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑥 𝑡 + 𝑖 𝑦(𝑡), is called a

parametrization of the curve 𝐶.

▪ Two of the most elementary curves in the plane are lines and circles.

▪ Parametrizations of these curves in the complex plane can be derived from

parametrizations in the Cartesian plane.

▪ It is also relatively easy to find these parametrizations directly by using the

geometry of the complex plane.
 Common Parametric Curves in the Complex Plane
▪ Line: A parametrization of the line containing the points 𝑧0 and 𝑧1 is:
𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑧0 1 − 𝑡 + 𝑧1 𝑡; −∞ < 𝑡 < ∞.
▪ Line Segment: A parametrization of the line segment from 𝑧0 to 𝑧1 is:
𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑧0 1 − 𝑡 + 𝑧1 𝑡; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1.
▪ Ray: A parametrization of the ray emanating from 𝑧0 and containing 𝑧1 is:
𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑧0 1 − 𝑡 + 𝑧1 𝑡; 0 ≤ 𝑡 < ∞.
▪ Circle: A parametrization of the circle centered at 𝑧0 with radius 𝑟 is:
𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑧0 + 𝑟 cos 𝑡 + 𝑖 sin 𝑡 ; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋.
In exponential notation, this parametrization is: 𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑧0 + 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑡 ; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋.
Image of a Parametric Curve under a Complex Mapping
If 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑧) is a complex mapping and if 𝐶 is a curve parametrized by:

𝑧(𝑡), 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏,
then
𝑤(𝑡) = 𝑓(𝑧(𝑡)), 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏.
is a parametrization of the image, 𝐶 ′ of 𝐶 under 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑧 .

Note: In some situations, it is convenient to represent a complex mapping using a

single copy of the complex plane. We do so by super imposing the 𝑤 −plane on top of
the 𝑧 −plane, so that the real and imaginary axes in each copy of the plane coincide.
Because such a figure simultaneously represents both the 𝑧 and the 𝑤 −planes, we
omit all labels 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑢, and 𝑣 from the axes.
Example:
Determine the image of the line segment from 1 to 𝑖 under the complex mapping:
ഥ
𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑖𝑧.
Solution:
ഥ
Let 𝐶 represent the line segment from 1 to 𝑖 and let 𝐶 ′ be its image under 𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑖𝑧.
By identifying 𝑧0 = 1 and 𝑧1 = 𝑖, we obtain a parametrization:
𝑧 𝑡 = 1 − 𝑡 + 𝑖𝑡; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1,
of 𝐶. The image 𝐶 ′ is then given by:
𝑤 𝑡 =𝑓 𝑧 𝑡 = 𝑖 1 − 𝑡 + 𝑖𝑡 = −𝑖 1 − 𝑡 − 𝑡; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1.
With the identifications 𝑧0 = −𝑖 and 𝑧1 = −1, we note that 𝑤(𝑡) is a parametrization
of the line segment from −𝑖 to −1. Therefore, 𝐶 ′ is the line segment from −𝑖 to −1.
Solution:

The given mapping is depicted in the above figure using a single copy of the complex
plane. The line segment shown in color is mapped onto the line segment shown in
ഥ
black by the mapping 𝑤 = 𝑖𝑧.
 Use of Software
▪ Computer algebra systems such as Maple, Matlab and Mathematica perform
standard algebraic operations with complex numbers. This capability combined with
the ability to graph a parametric curve makes these systems excellent tools for
exploring properties of complex mappings.
▪ In Mathematica, for example, a complex function can be defined using the command:
𝐟[𝐳− ] ∶= 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑧 .
▪ A complex parametrization can be defined similarly using the command:
𝐠[𝐭 − ] ∶= 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡 .

▪ Thus, it follows that 𝐰[𝐭 − ] ∶= 𝐟[𝐠[𝐭 − ]] is a parametrization of the image of the curve.
This image can be graphed using the parametric plot command:

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭[ {𝐑𝐞[𝐰[𝐭]], 𝐈𝐦[𝐰[𝐭]]}, {𝐭, 𝐚, 𝐛}]

where 𝐚 and 𝐛 are the upper and lower bounds on 𝐭 respectively.
 Use of Software
• We can also use several other widgets that
are available online for graphing of complex
mappings.

• For example, we can use wolfram alpha to

determine the image of the circle |𝑧| = 2
under the complex mapping:
𝑤 = 𝑧 2 + 𝑖𝑧 − Re 𝑧 .

Link for software:

Wolfram|Alpha Widgets: "Conformal
mapping" - Free Mathematics Widget
(wolframalpha.com)
 Practice Questions
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

Chapter: 2

Exercise: 2.1
Q # 1 – 26

Exercise: 2.2
Q # 1 – 26
Linear Mappings
 Complex Functions and Mappings
Book: A First Course in Complex Analysis with Applications by
Dennis G. Zill and Patrick D. Shanahan.

• Chapter: 2
• Sections: 2.3
 Linear Mappings
▪ Recall that a real function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are any
real constants is called a linear function.

▪ Keeping in view the similarities between real and complex analysis, we define
a complex linear function to be a function of the form 𝑓(𝑧) = 𝑎𝑧 + 𝑏 where
𝑎 and 𝑏 are any complex constants.

▪ Before looking at a general complex linear mapping 𝑓 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑧 + 𝑏, we

investigate three special types of linear mappings called translations,
rotations, and magnifications, because every non-constant complex linear
mapping can be described as a composition of these three mappings.
 Translations
A complex linear function
𝑇 𝑧 = 𝑧 + 𝑏; 𝑏 ≠ 0, (1)
is called a translation. If we set 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦 and 𝑏 = 𝑥0 + 𝑖𝑦0 in (1), then we obtain

𝑇(𝑧) = (𝑥 + 𝑖𝑦) + (𝑥0 + 𝑖𝑦0 ) = 𝑥 + 𝑥0 + 𝑖(𝑦 + 𝑦0 ).

<<<

Thus, the image of the point (𝑥, 𝑦) under 𝑇 is the point 𝑥 + 𝑥0 , 𝑦 + 𝑦0 . Therefore,
the linear mapping 𝑇(𝑧) = 𝑧 + 𝑏 can be visualized in a single copy of the complex
plane as the process of translating the point 𝑧 along the vector 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 to the point
𝑇(𝑧). The mapping 𝑇(𝑧) = 𝑧 + 𝑏 is also called a translation by 𝑏.

Note: a translation does not change the shape or size of a figure in

the complex plane. A mapping with this property is sometimes called
a rigid motion.
Example:
Find the image 𝑆 ′ of the square 𝑆 with vertices at 1 + 𝑖, 2 + 𝑖, 2 + 2𝑖, and 1 + 2𝑖
under the linear mapping 𝑇(𝑧) = 𝑧 + 2 − 𝑖.
Solution:
We will represent 𝑆 and 𝑆 ′ in the same copy of the complex
plane. For the present case, the mapping 𝑇 is a translation
with 𝑏 = 2 − 𝑖. Therefore,
𝑇 1 + 𝑖 = 1 + 𝑖 + 2 − 𝑖 = 3;
𝑇 2 + 𝑖 = 2 + 𝑖 + 2 − 𝑖 = 4;
𝑇 2 + 2𝑖 = 2 + 2𝑖 + 2 − 𝑖 = 4 + 𝑖;
𝑇 1 + 2𝑖 = 1 + 2𝑖 + 2 − 𝑖 = 3 + 𝑖.

Therefore, the square 𝑆 shown in color is mapped onto the

square 𝑆 ′ shown in black by means of the linear mapping
(translation) 𝑇(𝑧) = 𝑧 + 2 − 𝑖.
 Rotations
A complex linear function:
𝑅 𝑧 = 𝑎𝑧; 𝑎 = 1, (2)
is called a rotation. Keep in mind that the constant 𝑎 in (2) is a complex constant.
Case1:
Consider the rotation 𝑅 given by (2) and assume that Arg(𝑎) > 0. Since |𝑎| = 1 and
Arg(𝑎) > 0, we can write 𝑎 in exponential form as 𝑎 = 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 with 0 < 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋. If we set
𝑧 = 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜑 , then from (2) we obtain the following description of 𝑅:
𝑅 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝜑 = 𝑟𝑒 𝑖(𝜃+𝜑) . (3)
From (3), we see that the 𝑅(𝑧) = 𝑟 = 𝑧 , therefore, if 𝑧 and 𝑅(𝑧) are plotted in the
same copy of the complex plane, then both points lie on a circle centered at 0 with radius
𝑟. Also, argument of 𝑅(𝑧) is 𝜃 + 𝜑, which is 𝜃 radians greater than an argument of 𝑧.
Therefore, the linear mapping 𝑅(𝑧) = 𝑎𝑧 can be visualized in a single copy of the
complex plane as the process of rotating the point 𝑧 counterclockwise through an angle
of 𝜃 radians about the origin to the point 𝑅(𝑧).
 Rotations
Case2:
In a similar manner, if Arg(𝑎) < 0, then the linear mapping 𝑅(𝑧) = 𝑎𝑧 can be
visualized in a single copy of the complex plane as the process of rotating points
clockwise through an angle of 𝜃 radians about the origin. For this reason, the angle
𝜃 = Arg(𝑎) is called an angle of rotation of 𝑅.

Note: As with translations, rotations will not change the

shape or size of a figure in the complex plane. Thus, the
image of a line, circle, or triangle under a rotation will
also be a line, circle, or triangle, respectively.
Example:
Find the image of the real axis 𝑦 = 0 under the linear mapping
1
𝑅(𝑧) = 1 + 𝑖 𝑧.
2
Solution: Let 𝐶 denote the real axis 𝑦 = 0 and let 𝐶 ′ denote the image of 𝐶 under 𝑅.
1
Here, 𝑎 = 1+𝑖 = 1, the complex mapping 𝑅(𝑧) is a rotation. In order to
2
determine the angle of rotation, we express 𝑎 in exponential form 𝑎 = 𝑒 𝑖𝜋/4 . If 𝑧 and
𝑅(𝑧) are plotted in the same copy of the complex plane, then the point 𝑧 is rotated
counterclockwise through 𝜋/4 radians about the origin to the
point 𝑅(𝑧). The image 𝐶 ′ is, therefore, the line 𝑣 = 𝑢, which
contains the origin and makes an angle of 𝜋/4 radians with
the real axis.