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Liouville theorem via the Cauchy estimate

Question

Let ff be analytic on the whole complex plane and bounded, say ∣f(z)∣≤M|f(z)|\le M for all zz. Show that ff must be constant.

Short answer

Show f′≡0f'\equiv0. By Cauchy's integral formula on the circle of radius RR about any z0z_0, ∣f′(z0)∣≤M/R|f'(z_0)|\le M/R. Letting R→∞R\to\infty gives f′(z0)=0f'(z_0)=0 for every z0z_0, so ff is constant.

Adapted from Joshi, Denson & Downes, Quant Job Interview Questions and Answers, Q6.12, p.190; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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