Hey guys,
I'm taking the subject test in April and I am wondering how much work should I put in studying for complex analysis? I haven't taken the course so if I decide to study for it I'd have to start from scratch. I want some opinions on whether it is worth the effort. Thank you.
complex analysis in the math gre
Re: complex analysis in the math gre
No, it is not worth it -- I was asked exactly one CA question during my test. Your efforts are better spent elsewhere.
Re: complex analysis in the math gre
There is not a lot of complex analysis in the subject GRE - the amount of stuff to learn is pretty small. (A couple of facts about analytic functions and the Cauchy-Riemann functions were the main things, IIRC). Whether this is worthwhile for the expected gain of maybe a question is up to you =)
A book about the subject GRE syllabus (I used the Princeton one, and it seemed pretty good) will help you study the right things.
A book about the subject GRE syllabus (I used the Princeton one, and it seemed pretty good) will help you study the right things.
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Re: complex analysis in the math gre
Cauchy-Riemann equations and the residue theorem were the complex analysis questions that I had. Just know those and a little bit of how to deal with analytic functions, and that should be fine.
Re: complex analysis in the math gre
Thank you so much, guys! This is very helpful. 

Re: complex analysis in the math gre
It will literally not change the level of your performance in any non-negligible way unless you really split hairs and are aiming for the topmost score.
However, it is definitely a "free" few questions, as the questions on topics like complex analysis are (as you can yourself see on sample exams) pretty easy.
However, it is definitely a "free" few questions, as the questions on topics like complex analysis are (as you can yourself see on sample exams) pretty easy.
Re: complex analysis in the math gre
Hi,
I think if you study these three aspects of complex analysis, you should be able to answer the GRE questions:
1) Cauchy-Riemann equations
(i.e. u_x=v_y, u_y=-v_x)
2) Cauchy residue theorem
3) Roots of unity sum up to zero (needed for one GRE question)
Hope it helps!
I think if you study these three aspects of complex analysis, you should be able to answer the GRE questions:
1) Cauchy-Riemann equations
(i.e. u_x=v_y, u_y=-v_x)
2) Cauchy residue theorem
3) Roots of unity sum up to zero (needed for one GRE question)
Hope it helps!