Find a 2-arguments function from six constraints on its derivatives

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a two-arguments function u(x,y) that meets six specific constraints on its derivatives, focusing on the conditions for first and second derivatives, as well as crossed derivatives. The context includes theoretical exploration within mathematics and economics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • GreenZorg proposes a specific function u(x,y)=xy+1-exp(θ-x-y) as a potential solution but expresses uncertainty about its uniqueness and suggests it may belong to a known category of functions.
  • Another participant challenges the validity of GreenZorg's proposed function, citing a specific case where the x-derivative is negative, thus failing to meet the first derivative condition.
  • A later reply suggests that for any solution u(x,y), there exists a set of solutions v(x,y) that can be constructed by adding functions f(x) and g(y) under certain conditions, which could yield multiple valid functions.
  • Participants discuss the implications of setting θ=0 and how this simplifies the search for solutions, while also noting that the conditions for f and g must satisfy specific derivative constraints.
  • There is a clarification regarding the constraints that x and y must always be non-negative, and that θ is also greater than zero, which alters the context of the problem significantly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the proposed function or the general approach to finding a solution. Multiple competing views and methods for constructing solutions are presented, indicating an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of specific conditions on the derivatives and the implications of the threshold θ, which affects the nature of the solutions. The discussion also highlights the need for bounded derivatives in constructing additional solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mathematical functions, particularly in the context of economics, as well as individuals exploring derivative constraints and their implications in theoretical frameworks.

GreenZorg
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Hello,
I need to find a two-arguments function u(x,y) which satisfies six constraints on its derivatives. x and y are quantities so always positive.

1&2: On the first derivatives:
du/dx>0 for all x & du/dy>0 for all y (so u is increasing in x and y)

3&4: On the second derivatives:
d²u/dx²<0 for all x & d²u/dy²<0 for all y (so u is concave in x and y)

5&6: On the crossed derivatives:
d²u/dxdy<0 for all x+y<θ (or at least y<θ) & d²u/dxdy>0 for all x+y>θ (or at least y>θ) (θ is a threshold)

I found one specific function that satisfies those conditions: u(x,y)=xy+1-exp(θ-x-y)

But I don't think this is the only one. I would like to find the most general function that satisfies those six conditions. The best would be that this specific function that I found, belong to a pretty well-known category of functions. Don't know if it is possible. Maybe Weibull functions? Did not try yet.
Could you help me please?

Thanks a lot

GreenZorg
 
Last edited:
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u(x,y)=xy+1-exp(θ-x-y) is not a solution. The x-derivative at y=-5, x=5+θ is negative (-4).

With "x+y<θ" and "x+y>θ":
If u(x,y) is a solution for θ=0, then u(x-θ/2,y-θ/2) is a solution for θ. Therefore, it is sufficient to look for solutions with θ=0. In a similar way, if you want y=θ as threshold, it is sufficient to look for solutions for θ=0.Let f:R->R, and see if there is a solution for u(x,y)=f(x+y):
The first four conditions are just f'>0, f''<0.
The last conditions become f''<0 for x+y<0, and f''>0 for x+y>0. Obviously, that does not work together with f''<0. u has to be more complicated.
 
I am doing a PhD in economics so I work with quantities and I forgot to tell you that x>=0 and y>=0 all the time. Sorry for this missing information and thanks for your answer
As a matter of fact theta>0 too
 
Oh, that changes a lot.

For every solution u(x,y), there is a set of solutions v(x,y)=u(x,y)+f(x)+g(y) if f'>0, f''<0, g'>0, g''<0. You can add everything which does not give a cross-derivative, and satisfies the first 4 conditions.
Even better: For every function u(x,y) which satisfies the cross-solution conditions with bounded derivatives, you can find functions f,g such that the first four conditions are satisfied.

How to construct many solutions:
Let f:R->R be a function with f''(z)<0 for z<θ and bounded f''(z)>0 for z>θ
Consider v(x,y)=f(x+y)+g(x)+h(y): It satisfies the cross-derivative conditions.
d/dx v = (d/dx f(x+y))+g'(x) and d2/dx2 v = (d2/dx2 f(x+y))+g''(x): Find a function g such that the first is >0 and the second is <0.
In the same way, find a function h (can be the same as g, if you like).
 
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Thanks again
 
Last edited:

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