Investigating Test Functions: \psi(x) & \phi(x2)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the investigation of two functions, \psi(x) and \phi(x2), to determine if they qualify as test functions. The context involves understanding the properties of these functions under the framework of test function spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the smoothness and support properties of the functions in question. There are attempts to clarify the assumptions regarding the function \phi and its implications for determining the status of \psi as a test function.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes differing opinions on whether the functions are test functions, with some participants suggesting that both could be considered as such, while others emphasize the need for precise definitions and conditions that must be satisfied. The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the assumptions about the function \phi, which is critical for the evaluation of \psi. Participants highlight the importance of understanding the specific criteria that define test functions in different contexts.

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Homework Statement


Investigate whether [tex]\psi[/tex](x) = [tex]\phi[/tex](c(x - [tex]\eta[/tex])) & [tex]\psi[/tex](x) = [tex]\phi[/tex](x2) are test functions.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The first function is smooth but has no contact support as it is only 0 at x = [tex]\eta[/tex] so this is not a test function.
The second function is smooth but is not 0 at any interval, so this is not a test function.
 
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But you did not say what are the assumptions about [tex]\phi[/tex]. Without knowing them one can't answer these questions.
 
Sorry, assume that [tex]\phi[/tex](x) is a test function on (-[tex]\infty[/tex],[tex]\infty[/tex])
 
They are both test functions I think.
 
Last edited:
You see, there are many kinds of test function spaces. You probably have learned about just one. To see that some function is a test function in the sense you know it, you need to check the precise definition of your test function space. Which conditions a given function must satisfy to be a test function? Differentiable? How many times? Compact support? Or vanishing sufficiently fast at infinity?
 

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