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9768 Problem# 53

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:31 pm
by Swimguy112
Hey, I was wondering if anyone managed to solve problem 53 on the practice test GR9768? The problem is:

In the complex plane, let C be the circle |z|=2 with positive (counterclockwise) orientation. Then the line integral of a scalar-valued function 1/((z-1)*(z+3)^2) over path C is

(A) 0

(B) 2*pi*i

(C) (pi*i)/2

(D) (pi*i)/8

(E) (pi*1)/16


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The answer is supposed to be (D), however after several attempts I continue to get (A).
Could someone possible show the first one or two steps of this problem? Don't worry about writing the whole thing out. Thanks!

Re: 9768 Problem# 53

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:19 pm
by diogenes
Are you using the Residue Theorem?
Notice that we have one (simple) pole at z = 1 within the circle.
So, we can say the value of the integral is 2*Pi*i*Res(f,1) = 2*Pi*i*(1/16).

Re: 9768 Problem# 53

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 1:07 pm
by Swimguy112
Thanks!