Is the Implicit Function Theorem Applicable to F=K?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Implicit Function Theorem to the equation F = xy*e^x + y*e^y = K. The key conclusion is that while the derivative F_y = x*e^x + (y+1)e^y can indicate local solvability, it does not guarantee a unique solution for y given x, particularly when K >= 0. The example provided demonstrates that for certain values of x, multiple corresponding y values exist, thus highlighting the limitations of the theorem in this context.

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deluks917
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Can anyone check if this argument works. I just made up this problem to check if I understand what's going on.

Consider F = xy*e^x + y*e^y = K. I want to see if there is a unique solution.

Fy = x*e^x + y*e^y + e^y.

Since we are on the surface x*e^x + y*e^y = K.

So if K >= 0 then Fy ≠ 0. So given any x we can find a unique y.

Did I understand the theorem correctly?
 
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deluks917 said:
Can anyone check if this argument works. I just made up this problem to check if I understand what's going on.

Consider F = xy*e^x + y*e^y = K. I want to see if there is a unique solution.

Fy = x*e^x + y*e^y + e^y.

Since we are on the surface x*e^x + y*e^y = K.

So if K >= 0 then Fy ≠ 0. So given any x we can find a unique y.

Did I understand the theorem correctly?

You're missing a few things here. Firstly, if F = xy e^x + y e^y = K, then F_y = x e^x + (y+1) e^y = 0. That's an implicit function. And secondly, given any x, there's not necessarily a unique y. For example, take x=0.05. For this point x, there are two solutions to y satisfying the derivative F_y (namely y=-4.06616... and y=-1.16923...).

Is that what you mean?
 
deluks, you are correct.

The implicit function theorem implies that F=K is LOCALLY solvable for y as a function of x. That is, for each point there exists a neighbourhood of that point where y can be written as a function of x. In this case, F is only 2 variables, so "Locally solvable everywhere" is equivalent to "globally solvable" and so your conclusion is correct, but this would not be valid if F had more than 2 variables.

To the other poster: He is referring to the Curve F=K having a unique x for each y, not anything about the derivative.
 

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