Prove g(0)=0 from f'(x).(fg)(f(x))=g'(f(x)).f'(x)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stevela
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves differentiable functions f and g, with a focus on proving that g(0) = 0 based on a given integral equation and its derivative. The discussion centers around the implications of the equation f'(x)(fg)(f(x)) = g'(f(x))f'(x) and the conditions under which the proof holds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of setting f'(x) to zero and consider cases where f(x) is constant. They question whether additional assumptions about f, such as f'(x) ≠ 0 or surjectivity, are necessary for the proof to hold.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of certain deductions and the completeness of the problem statement. Some express skepticism about the proof's general applicability, while others suggest that specific conditions may be required for a valid conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of external sources that suggest g(0) = 0 may not always hold, raising concerns about the assumptions made in the original problem. The participants also note the lack of solutions in the referenced solutions book.

Stevela
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hello,
Suppose that f and g are differentiable functions satisfying
##\displaystyle \int_{0}^{f(x)} (fg)(t) \, \mathrm{d}t=g(f(x))##
Prove that g(0)=0
now if f(x)=0 in some point then it's straigh forward that g(f(x))=g(0)=0 anyways:
differentiating the first formula we get the following equation :

f'(x).(fg)(f(x))=g'(f(x)).f'(x)

let's suppose that f'(x)=0 , thus f is constant i.e f(x)=c, if c=0 we are done , g(0)=0 , if c=/=0 then :

##\displaystyle \int_{0}^{c} fg(t) \, \mathrm{d}t##=g(c)

##\displaystyle \int_{0}^{c} g(t) \, \mathrm{d}t##=g(c)/c, **i'm stuck here** , how can we prove that g(0)=0 (or get a contradiction) from this equation?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you sure you mean f(t)g(t) on the left hand side and not f(g(t))? what does the actualy question state
 
I think you need to add the assumption that f'(x)\neq 0 I think then it works, as someone posted on your stack exchange (link you posted)
 
Theorem. said:
I think you need to add the assumption that f'(x)\neq 0 I think then it works, as someone posted on your stack exchange (link you posted)

I'm not convinced yet. If f(x) = 0 for some x then the result is trivial, so suppose f(x) >= c > 0 for all x. The equation f′(x)f(f(x))g(f(x))=g′(f(x))f′(x), after cancelling f'(x), leads to f(f(x))g(f(x))=g′(f(x)). The deduction that f(y)g(y) = g'(y) is only valid for the range of f. In particular, it's not valid for 0 < y < c.
 
haruspex said:
I'm not convinced yet. If f(x) = 0 for some x then the result is trivial, so suppose f(x) >= c > 0 for all x. The equation f′(x)f(f(x))g(f(x))=g′(f(x))f′(x), after cancelling f'(x), leads to f(f(x))g(f(x))=g′(f(x)). The deduction that f(y)g(y) = g'(y) is only valid for the range of f. In particular, it's not valid for 0 < y < c.

Yeah I know, I wasn't too sure about that either...
It seems like the question is missing something: maybe the requirement that f be surjective. Does anyone else have any comments on this?
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K