How Does Sincov's Functional Equation Validate the Condition F(x,y) = F(0, y-x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Sincov's functional equation, specifically the equation F(x,y) + F(y,z) = F(x,z) and its implications for the condition F(x,y) = F(0,y-x). Participants explore the general solution and seek to prove the relationship between these equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references Aczel's book, stating the general solution of Sincov's equation is F(x,y) = g(x) - g(y) and questions how to prove it satisfies F(x,y) = F(0,y-x).
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the validity of the condition F(x,y) = F(0,y-x), providing an example where F(a,b) = ∫_a^b f(u)du does not equal F(0,b-a) unless f(u) is periodic.
  • A different participant notes a discrepancy in the general solution as stated in Aczel's book, suggesting it should be F(x,y) = g(y) - g(x).
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the implications of the equation, suggesting that F(0,y-x) can be expressed as f(y-x) and relates to Cauchy's equation.
  • Another participant elaborates on the implications of assuming F(A,B) = f(B-A) and how it leads to the conclusion that f satisfies Cauchy's functional equation f(x+y) = f(x) + f(y).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the condition F(x,y) = F(0,y-x) and the general solution of Sincov's equation. There is no consensus on the implications or correctness of the statements made.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the dependence on specific forms of functions and the conditions under which the equations hold, indicating that assumptions about periodicity or specific function forms may affect the validity of the claims.

filip97
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I read Aczel book "Lectures of functional equations an their applications".

On page 223. (Sincov's equation) is equation :

##F(x,y)+F(y,z)=F(x,z)##

and general solution of this

##F(x,y)=g(x)−g(y)##

, but how I prove that this function satisfies conditions

##F(x,y)=F(0,y−x)##

??
 
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I am skeptical whether your last equation holds.
For example
F(a,b)=\int_a^b f(u)du
satisfies the first and the second equations but
F(a,b)=\int_a^b f(u)du \neq \int_0^{b-a} f(u)du=F(0,b-a)
unless f(u) is periodic, i.e.
f(u)=f(u+a)
for any a, so constant.
F(a,b)=c(b-a)
 
Last edited:
filip97 said:
and general solution of this

##F(x,y)=g(x)−g(y)##

My copy of Aczel says the general solution is ##F(x,y) = g(y) - g(x)##.
 
filip97 said:
, but how I prove that this function satisfies conditions

##F(x,y)=F(0,y−x)##

??

Aczel's book doesn't say explicitly that the equation

##F(x,y) + F(y,z) = F(x,z)## implies ##F(x,y) = F(0,y-x)##

The book states
Equation (1) can also be considered as a generalization or as an inhomogeneous form of Cauchy's basic equation 2.2.1 (1) into which it is transformed with:
##F(x,y) = F(0,y-x) = f(y-x)##
In fact, this involves ##f(y-x) + f(z-y) = f(z-x)##, that is 2.1.1(1).

Cauchy's equation 2.2.1 (1) is ##f(x+y) = f(x) + f(y)##
 
I think Aczel asserts implications in the following direction:

Assume ##F(A,B) = f(B-A)##

Then ##F(0, y-x) = f(y-x-0) = f(y-x) = F(x,y)##
and
##F(A,B) + F(B,C) = f(B-A) + f(C-B)##.

If we also assume ## F(A,B) + F(B,C) = F(A,C)## then we must have
##f(B-A) + f(C-B) = f(C-A)##.
Letting ##x = B-A, y = C-B## this implies
##f(x) + f(y) = F( A,C) = f(C-A) = f( (y+B) - (B-x)) = f(y+x) = f(x+y)##
So ##f## satisifes ##f(x+y) = f(x) + f(y)##
 

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