# Root bracketing in complex space

I have some function $F(\omega): \mathbb R\to\mathbb C$. The function $F(\omega)$ has both roots and singularities. Fortunately, I can calculate positions of singularities analytically.

So my problem is to find roots inside domain between singularities. Here I have difficulty, because I cannot estimate if there is one, many or none roots inside the domain. Now I scan $\omega$ through the domain for change of simultaneous change of real and imaginary part of $F(\omega)$, what is both inaccurate and ineffective.

If there some method to estimate number of roots inside a domain?

I don't know if this is a right place to post questions about computational math, so don't hesitate to show me the right place to post :)

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If $C$ is a closed contour that does not enclose any singularity then the number of zeroes inside $C$ is given by $$\int_C\frac{F'}{F}d\omega.$$ If there are poles enclosed by $C$ you have to add them to the result to get the only the number of zeroes. –  WimC Jun 1 '12 at 16:29
Thank you for your answer. I'll try this technique, the problem here is computation of $F'$. Am I right that contour can be just a segment in real axis? –  galadog Jun 1 '12 at 16:46
I forgot the factor $(2 \pi i)^{-1}$. –  WimC Jun 1 '12 at 16:49
@galadog no, the contour must be a closed loop in the plane. That integral calculates the number of zeros inside the loop. –  Antonio Vargas Jun 1 '12 at 16:59

@OldJohn: good point. Could still work, but that would depend a bit on the actual form of $F$. –  WimC Jun 1 '12 at 16:52