Proof using continuous f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y)

[ripcity4545]

Homework Statement

Let f be a continuous function lR (all real numbers) --> lR such that f(x+y) = f(x) + f (y) for x, y in lR.
prove that f(n) = n*f(1) for all n in lN (all natural numbers)

Homework Equations

f is continuous

also note and prove that f(0) = 0

The Attempt at a Solution

Edit:
I figured out the general proof using induction, assuming that the base case f(0) is true:

Assuming f(n) = nf(1), prove that f(n+1) = (n+1)f(1):

we know f(x+y) =f(x) + f (y)
so f(n+1) =f(n) + f (1)
and according to inductive hypothesis, f(n) = nf(1)
s0 f(n) + f (1)
= nf(1) + f (1)
=(n+1)f(1).

But I still don't understand why the base case f(0) = 0 is true..?

 

[radou]

f(0) = f(0 + 0) = f(0) + f(0) => f(0) = 0.