Find the formula for an affine function

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An affine function from R² to R is expressed as f(x, y) = ax + by + c, where a, b, and c are real constants. The discussion highlights confusion about the properties of affine functions, particularly in relation to parallelograms, where the relationship u(P) + u(R) = u(Q) + u(S) holds true. Understanding this relationship can be clarified by considering vector differences within the affine space. The formula derived in the discussion is F = 3x - y + 2, and there is a question about whether lines defined by u = constant are perpendicular or parallel to the vector [1, 3]. The suggestion is made to verify this by substituting values into the equations of the lines.
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Homework Statement



Schermata 2018-04-12 11:02:55.png

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand what an affine function \mathbb{R}^{2}\rightarrow \mathbb{R} expresses... I don't know if it's a coordinate function.

And i also don't understand (i'm sorry) why for any parallelogram, u(P) + u(R) = u(Q) + u(S)
 

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Aleoa said:
I don't understand what an affine function \mathbb{R}^{2}\rightarrow \mathbb{R} expresses...
It's a function of the form ##\pmatrix{x\\y}\mapsto ax+by+c## for some real constants ##a,b,c##.
And i also don't understand (i'm sorry) why for any parallelogram, u(P) + u(R) = u(Q) + u(S)
This may be easier to understand if you deduct (u(R)+u(Q)) from both sides and then think of it in terms of vectors that are edges of the parallelogram.

An affine space is one in which the difference of any two elements is a vector, so it's usually easier to work with things in an affine space when they are expressed in terms of the difference of two elements. Performing the operation described in the previous paragraph does just that.
 
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andrewkirk said:
It's a function of the form ##\pmatrix{x\\y}\mapsto ax+by+c## for some real constants ##a,b,c##.

This may be easier to understand if you deduct (u(R)+u(Q)) from both sides and then think of it in terms of vectors that are edges of the parallelogram.

An affine space is one in which the difference of any two elements is a vector, so it's usually easier to work with things in an affine space when they are expressed in terms of the difference of two elements. Performing the operation described in the previous paragraph does just that.

Thanks so much. The formula is F=3x-y+2.

And, the lines u = constant in R^2 are all the lines perpendicular to the vector [1,3]. Is it correct ?
 
Aleoa said:
the lines u = constant in R^2 are all the lines perpendicular to the vector [1,3]. Is it correct ?
Perpendicular? or Parallel? Check which it is by substituting in a couple of values on the line y=3x, then a couple on a line perpendicular to that, and see for which pair the function gives the same value.
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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