Why isn't $\ln z = \ln z + 2k\pi\mathrm{i}$ a contradiction?

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Define $$\operatorname{Ln} z = \operatorname{Ln} |z| + \mathrm{i}\operatorname{Arg}(z), \ \ \ \ \ z\in\Bbb{C}\backslash\{0\}, \ \ \ \ \ -\pi< \operatorname{Arg}(z) \leq \pi$$ where $\operatorname{Ln}|z|$ is the usual real-valued natural logarithm. Furthermore, we state $$\ln z = \operatorname{Ln} |z| + \mathrm{i}\arg(z) = \operatorname{Ln} |z| + \mathrm{i}\left[\operatorname{Arg} (z) + 2k\pi\right], \ \ \ \ \ k\in\Bbb{Z}.$$ Distributing the imaginary unit $\mathrm{i}$ yields $$\ln z = \operatorname{Ln} z + 2k\pi\mathrm{i}, \ \ \ \ \ k\in \Bbb{Z}.$$ Exponential function is defined as $$\mathrm{e}^z = \sum_{n=0}^\infty\frac{z^n}{n!}.$$


From SCIPP's notes, in particular this handout on pages 6$-$7, it is seen that

$$\ln(\mathrm{e}^z) = z + 2k\pi\mathrm{i} \neq z \ \ \ \ \text{unless}\ \ k = 0.\tag1$$

This is in line with the definition as stated above. However, they go on to assert

$$\ln w = \ln w + 2k\pi\mathrm{i}, \ \ \ \ w \in \Bbb{C}\backslash\{0\}.\tag2$$

  • Why is $(2)$ not a contradiction?

Assume instead $(2)$ is valid. Then substract $2k\pi\mathrm{i}$ from both sides of $(1)$ and $(2)$:

$$\ln(\mathrm{e}^z) - 2k\pi\mathrm{i} = z\tag{3}$$ $$\ln w - 2k\pi\mathrm{i} = \ln w.\tag{3'}$$

Take $w = e^z$ in $(3')$ and plug the result back into $(3)$. We arrive at

$$\ln(e^z) = z \overset{(1)}{\implies} z \neq z.$$

Where have I gone wrong?

2

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  • In the world of real numbers, one always has $$ e^{\ln x}=\ln(e^x)=x $$ for $x>0$. However, one should not expect the same thing happens in the world of complex numbers.

  • (2) is not a contradiction by "definition" of the complex logarithm and the sentence "In fact, the latter is completely valid as a set equality in light of eq. (43)." in the handout. It is very similar to saying that
    $$ \int f(x)\ dx=\int f(x)\ dx+C\tag{*} $$ which is indeed very confusing! One should really understand (using you notation in the post) $\ln z$ as a set, not a complex number. Thus one should avoid doing "cancellation" in (2) just as in (*) one could easily get the nonsense $0=1$ by doing cancellation (let $C=1$).

  • "Where have I gone wrong?" The identity $\ln(e^z)=z$ and the very last "$\Rightarrow$" sign are incorrect. One needs to be careful that in (1), there is a phrase "unless $k=0$".

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$$\ln w=\ln w+2k\pi i$$ is said nowhere to be an identity (which would make no sense).

Mind the nuances between $\ln z,\ln|z|,\text{Ln } z$ and $\text{Ln }|z|$.