Complex Analysis – |e^a – e^b| ? |a – b| for Complex Numbers with Non-Positive Real Parts

complex-analysisinequality

Came across this problem on an old qualifying exam: Let $a$ and $b$ be complex numbers whose real parts are negative or 0. Prove the inequality $|e^a-e^b| \leq |a-b|$.

If $f(z)=e^z$ and $z=x+iy$, then $|f'(z)|=e^x\leq 1$ given that $x \leq 0$. I played around with the limit definition of the derivative, but wasn't able to get anywhere. Not sure what else to try; a hint would be very helpful!

Best Answer

Consider integrating $f'(z) dz$ along the line segment from $a$ to $b$