Is it possible to solve this without guessing the function?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a functional equation defined by f(f(x)) = 2^x - 1, with the goal of calculating f(1) + f(0). Participants are exploring whether this can be solved without explicitly determining the function f(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of differentiating the equation and question the meaning of differentiation. Some suggest considering f(f(f(x))) to derive further relationships. Others explore the injectivity of the function and its implications for the values of f(0) and f(1).

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of different approaches, with hints and suggestions being shared. Some participants express uncertainty about their reasoning, while others appear to gain clarity from the discussion. No explicit consensus has been reached regarding the function or its properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of not guessing the function and are attempting to derive properties and values based on the given functional equation.

Drao92
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We know f(f(x))=2^x-1;
We must calculate f(1)+f(0)
Its posible to solve this without guessing the function? If i derivate i get to f(0)=f(0) or f(1)=f(1).
 
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Drao92 said:
We know f(f(x))=2^x-1;
We must calculate f(1)+f(0)
Its possible to solve this without guessing the function? If i derivate i get to f(0)=f(0) or f(1)=f(1).
What does derivate mean?

Yes, it's possible to solve without knowing what f(x) is.

Hint: Consider f(f(f(x))) to show that ##f(2^x-1) = 2^{f(x)}-1##.
 
Isnt f(2x-1)=2f(f(x))-1? And in this case it becamse very easy.
The hint leads me to f(0)=f(0)f(0)-1 , so f(0)=0 or 1.
Same result for f(1).
I guess the function is injective so the sum is 1?
Actually i solved the function but with diferential equation and obviously i don't know the constant :D.
Is this correct?
f(f(f(x)))=2^(f(f(x)))-1
f(f(f(x)))=f(2^x-1)=2^(f(f(x)))-1=f(2^x-1)=2^(2^x-1)-1
x=0=>f(2^0-1)=2^(2^0-1) -1<=>f(0)=0;
x=1=>f(2^1-1)=2^(2^1-1)-1<=>f(1)=1;
f(1)+f(0)=1;
 
Last edited:
How'd you get that?
 
No, sorry you are right. I messed up the argument of the function :D
Thanks, i understood .
 
Last edited:

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