# Analysis Proof: Sum of odd and even functions.

1. Apr 8, 2010

### The_Iceflash

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Show f(x) can be expressed as the sum of E(x) and an odd function O(x).

f(x) is defined for all x (assume domain D symmetric about 0)

$$f(x) = \frac{f(x)+f(-x}{2}$$
Then:
How does it look if $$f(x) = e^x$$?

2. Relevant equations
N/A

3. The attempt at a solution

So I got $$\frac{f(x)+f(-x)+f(x)-f(-x)}{2}$$

as my solution for that.

From that I need to answer: How does it look if $$f(x) = e^x$$ ? I'm not sure what to do to show that.

2. Apr 8, 2010

### Char. Limit

First: Is that a sum of odd and even functions?

Second: Well, try sticking e^x in for f(x) and see what functions you get.

3. Apr 8, 2010

### The_Iceflash

I stuck in e^x for f(x) and got e^x. Is this supposed to represent something?

4. Apr 8, 2010

### Char. Limit

You should get...

$$f(x)=\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}$$

5. Apr 8, 2010

### Office_Shredder

Staff Emeritus
Well, since the two sides are equal I would hope you get ex back when you cancel everything. But notice without canceling what you get

$$e^x = \frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2} + \frac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2} = cosh(x)+sinh(x)$$ which is a way of writing $$e^x$$ as a sum of an odd and an even function