Finding function, simplifying the summation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a bounded function \( f(x) \) defined on the interval \( (0,a) \) and a functional equation relating \( f(x) \) to a summation involving \( f\left(\frac{x+r}{n}\right) \). Participants are tasked with identifying the correct form of \( f(x) \) from given options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in simplifying the summation and seek hints to begin. Others suggest examining the functional equations in the options by substituting them back into the original formula. There is discussion about the implications of the range limit when \( (n-1)a \) is not an integer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the problem. Some have identified potential equivalences among certain options, while others are questioning the implications of the parameters involved. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct approach or interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity regarding whether \( a \) is an integer, which affects the interpretation of the summation limit. This uncertainty is influencing the discussion and the approaches being considered.

Saitama
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Homework Statement


Let ## n \geq 2## be a fixed integer. ##f(x)## be a bounded function defined in ##f:(0,a) \rightarrow R## satisfying
[tex]f(x)=\frac{1}{n^2}\sum_{r=0}^{(n-1)a} f\left(\frac{x+r}{n}\right)[/tex]
then ##f(x)## =
a)-f(x)
b)2f(x)
c)f(2x)
d)nf(x)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I see no way of simplifying the summation. I need a few hints to start with.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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I don't see any way to simplify it at the first glance. If I spot anything, I will edit this post.

Edit: Don't try to simplify the sum, because it won't turn out so nicely anyway. Instead, inspect the functional equations given to you in the options and try substituting them back into the original sum formula.
 
Last edited:
Millennial said:
Don't try to simplify the sum, because it won't turn out so nicely anyway. Instead, inspect the functional equations given to you in the options and try substituting them back into the original sum formula.

That gives a), b) and d), what about the c) option?
 
(a), (b) and (d) are equivalent to f(x)=0, no?
What does the range limit mean when (n-1)a is not an integer?
 
I figured out a), b) and d). :)

haruspex said:
What does the range limit mean when (n-1)a is not an integer?

I can't understand what you ask me here.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
I can't understand what you ask me here.
The OP doesn't say whether a is an integer. If it isn't, (n-1)a need not be either. In that case I'm not sure how to interpret the sum. Does it mean the sum up to the greatest integer <= (n-1)a?
Anyway, assuming a is an integer, I would start by seeing what a constant solution would look like. Since f is not given as continuous, you could then see what changing f at only a countable set of points looks like (e.g. at a2-m, m=1, 2...). That still satisfies (c). Admittedly that's backwards; just because it satisfies (c) does not mean it should satisfy the given condition, but it might yield some insight.
 

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