matematicas visuales visual math
Multifunctions: Two Branch Points


We have already seen a multifunction. It is the case of the cubic root that has three values and the point z=0 is called a branch point. Fractional powers are multifunctions.

Now we are considering the two-valued multifunction

Two-valued multifunction with two branch points  | matematicasvisuales

We can draw a path on the left panel and see how this path is transformed on the right panel.

If z travels along a closed loop like in this picture, not encircling any of the two branch points, its image f(z) travels along a closed loop and returns to its original value.

Two branch points: a closed loop not encircling any of the two branch points  | matematicasvisuales

However, if z instead travels along a closed loop which goes round only one of the branch points, then f(z) does not return to its original value but instead ends up at a different value of the multifunction.

Two branch points: a closed loop going round one of the branch points once | matematicasvisuales

Similarly, if z travels along a closed loop encircling one of the branch points twice, then f(z) returns to its original value again.

Two branch points: a closed loop going round one of the branch points twice | matematicasvisuales

The same happens if the closed loop goes round both branch points.

Two branch points: a closed loop encircling both branch points | matematicasvisuales

REFERENCES

Tristan Needham - Visual Complex Analysis. (pag. 96) - Oxford University Press

MORE LINKS

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