# Thread: Possible values for a complex integral

1. ## Possible values for a complex integral

Hello,
How many possible values are there for the following integral-

$\oint_{C}\frac{dz}{(z-z_1)(z-z_2)..(z-z_n)}$

(I'm guessing the answer is not n, but don't see why)

Should also add that C is a closed contour that does not go through any of the points $z_i$

2. Looks like $2^n$ to me if the poles are simple and residues do not cancel one or more of each other.

3. Originally Posted by dudyu
Hello,
How many possible values are there for the following integral-

$\oint_{C}\frac{dz}{(z-z_1)(z-z_2)..(z-z_n)}$

(I'm guessing the answer is not n, but don't see why)

Should also add that C is a simple closed contour that does not go through any of the points $z_i$
Otherwise there are infinitely many possible values!

4. Thanks for the replies.
Well, assuming poles are simple and residues don't cancel each other, I take it there are 2 possible values per point $z_i$ . Why's that?

5. Just start drawing circles around each combination of poles and include one circle that does not include any and keep in mind I would have gotten this one wrong as per Bruno up there.

6. Got it. Thanks very much!