Question:medium

The value of the integral \( \int_C \frac{e^z}{z^3} \, dz \), where \( C : |z| = 1 \) is \dots\dots.

Show Hint

For contour integrals containing a pole at the origin of order \(m\), the numerator must be differentiated exactly \(m-1\) times. Here, the denominator is \(z^3\), so differentiate \(e^z\) twice before applying the \(2\pi i / 2!\) scale factor.
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • \( 0 \)
  • \( 1 \)
  • \( \pi i \)
  • Other value
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Understanding the Concept: According to Cauchy's Integral Formula for higher-order derivatives, if a function \( f(z) \) is analytic inside and along a simple closed contour \( C \), and \( a \) is a point enclosed within \( C \), then: \[ \oint_C \frac{f(z)}{(z-a)^{n+1}} \, dz = \frac{2\pi i}{n!} f^{(n)}(a) \] where \( f^{(n)}(a) \) is the \(n\)-th derivative of \( f(z) \) evaluated at the point \( a \).

Step 1: Identify Singularities and Contour Boundaries

The integrand expression is: \[ \frac{e^z}{z^3} \] The singularity occurs where the denominator equals zero: \[ z^3 = 0 \implies z = 0 \] This represents a pole of order \( 3 \) located at the origin \( z = 0 \). The given integration contour is the circle \( C: |z| = 1 \), which is centered at the origin with a radius of 1. Since the pole at \( z = 0 \) lies inside this unit circle, it contributes to the contour integral.

Step 2: Map parameters to Cauchy's Formula

Comparing the given integral with the generalized formula: \[ \oint_C \frac{e^z}{(z-0)^3} \, dz \] We identify:
• \( f(z) = e^z \) (which is an entire function and analytic everywhere)
• Singular point \( a = 0 \)
• Power exponent \( n + 1 = 3 \implies n = 2 \)

Step 3: Differentiate and Evaluate

Find the second derivative (\( n = 2 \)) of the function \( f(z) \): \[ f'(z) = \frac{d}{dz}(e^z) = e^z \] \[ f''(z) = \frac{d^2}{dz^2}(e^z) = e^z \] Evaluate this derivative at the singular point \( a = 0 \): \[ f''(0) = e^0 = 1 \] Substitute these values into Cauchy's derivative theorem formula: \[ \oint_C \frac{e^z}{z^3} \, dz = \frac{2\pi i}{2!} \cdot f''(0) = \frac{2\pi i}{2} \cdot (1) = \pi i \] The integral evaluates to \( \pi i \), matching Option (C).
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