MHB Find Continuous Functions Subject to an Integral Condition

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The discussion focuses on finding continuous functions f: [0,1] → ℝ that satisfy the integral condition ∫_0^1 f(t) φ''(t) dt = 0 for all φ in C_0^{∞}(0,1). The initial approach suggests that if f were twice differentiable, integration by parts could simplify the problem. However, the challenge arises from the restriction against differentiating f. The Fundamental Lemma of the Calculus of Variations is proposed as a potential method to address this issue. The conversation emphasizes the need for a rigorous approach to identify the characteristics of such functions under the given conditions.
evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I want to find all the continuous functions $f: [0,1] \to \mathbb{R}$ for which it holds that:$$\int_0^1 f(t) \phi''(t) dt=0, \forall \phi \in C_0^{\infty}(0,1)$$

If we knew that $f$ was twice differentiable, we could say that $\int_0^1 f(t) \phi''(t) dt= \int_0^1 f''(t) \phi(t) dt+ f(1) \phi'(1)-f(0) \phi'(0)$

What can we do if we are not allowed to differentiate $f$ ? (Thinking)
 
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