Find All Functions $F(x)$ with $(x-y)^2$ Inequality

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on identifying all functions \( F(x):\mathbb{R}\longrightarrow \mathbb{R} \) that satisfy the inequality \( F(x)-F(y)\leq (x-y)^2 \) for all \( x,y\in \mathbb{R} \). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of function properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially presents the problem of finding functions \( F(x) \) under the given inequality.
  • Another participant questions the formulation, suggesting a potential confusion regarding the domains of \( x \) and \( y \) in relation to the function \( F \).
  • A correction is made to clarify that the inequality applies for all \( x,y \in \mathbb{R} \).
  • A participant proposes a method of proof by interchanging \( x \) and \( y \) to derive that \( |F(x) - F(y)| \leq (x-y)^2 \), leading to a conclusion that \( |F(x) - F(0)| = 0 \) as \( n \) approaches infinity, suggesting that \( F \) must be a constant function.
  • Another participant acknowledges the previous contribution positively and hints at an alternative approach without elaborating on it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be some agreement on the conclusion that \( F \) must be a constant function based on the reasoning provided, but the alternative approach mentioned remains unspecified, indicating that multiple perspectives may exist.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the potential implications of the inequality or the nature of the functions beyond the conclusion of constancy, leaving open questions about the uniqueness or other forms of \( F \).

Fallen Angel
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Find all functions $F(x):\Bbb{R}\longrightarrow \Bbb{R}$ such that

$F(x)-F(y)\leq (x-y)^2$ for all $x,y\in \Bbb{R}$
Edited for correct a typo.
 
Last edited:
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Something wrong $x,y \in R^2 $ but $F: R \rightarrow R$ how we can define $F(x), F(y)$ then ?
 
Oh sorry, it was a typo, it should read

$F(x)-F(y)\leq (x-y)^2, \ \forall x,y \in \Bbb{R}$
 
Fallen Angel said:
Find all functions $F(x):\Bbb{R}\longrightarrow \Bbb{R}$ such that

$F(x)-F(y)\leq (x-y)^2$ for all $x,y\in \Bbb{R}$
[sp]
Interchange $x$ and $y$ to see that $|F(x) - F(y)| \leqslant (x-y)^2$ for all $x,y\in \Bbb{R}$.

Divide the interval $[0,x]$ into $n$ subintervals $\bigl[\frac{k-1}nx,\frac knx\bigr]$. Then $$|F(x) - F(0)| = \Bigl|\sum_{k=1}^n F\bigl(\tfrac knx\bigr) - F\bigl(\tfrac{k-1}nx\bigr) \Bigr| \leqslant \sum_{k=1}^n \bigl| F\bigl(\tfrac knx\bigr) - F\bigl(\tfrac{k-1}nx\bigr) \bigr| \leqslant \sum_{k=1}^n \bigl(\tfrac1nx\bigr)^2 = \tfrac1nx^2.$$ Now let $n\to\infty$ to see that $|F(x) - F(0)| = 0$. In other words, $F$ must be a constant function.[/sp]
 
Well done Opalg.

Another way

Divide by $|x-y|$ to get
$\dfrac{F(x)-F(y)}{|x-y|}\leq |x-y|$, and now letting $x-y \to 0$ this implies the derivative of $F$ exists and equals zero, by Fundamental theorem of Calculus, $F$ is constant
 

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