Proving Continuity of Functions on the Reals

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the continuity of a function defined on the reals, given that it is continuous at a specific point (x=0) and satisfies a functional equation involving the sum of its values at two points. Participants are exploring the implications of these conditions for continuity across the entire domain.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how the functional equation f(x1+x2)=f(x1)+f(x2) relates to the continuity of the function. There is discussion about the definition of continuity and how to apply it in this context. Some participants are considering the implications of continuity at x=0 and how it might extend to other points.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the relationship between the functional equation and continuity. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the definition of continuity and the properties of the function, but no consensus has been reached on a specific approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the requirement to prove continuity based on the given conditions without additional information or methods. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of the functional equation and the continuity at a single point.

Math_Geek
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Homework Statement


Prove: If f is defined on the reals and continuous at x=0, and if f(x1+x2)=f(x1)+f(x2) for all x1,x2 in the reals, then f is continuous at all x in the reals.

Homework Equations



Using defn of limits and continuity

The Attempt at a Solution


is this like proving that the sum of two functions is continuous? I am a bit confused, this is the last on of the homework, then I can enjoy my easter.
 
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Math_Geek said:
is this like proving that the sum of two functions is continuous? I am a bit confused, this is the last on of the homework, then I can enjoy my easter.
No. f is a function that satisfies the functional equation f(x_1 + x_2) = f(x_1) + f(x_2). You're told that f is continuous at 0, and you're supposed to use this to conclude that f is continuous everywhere.
 
so show since f is continuous at 0, there exists an epsilion >0 such that and deal with the two functions?
 
There's just one function here: f. You want to prove that it's continuous (on all of R).
 
ok so how does the f(x1)+f(x2) play into it?
 
You also know something else. f is continuous at 0.

Now use the definition of continuity and these two facts. You might also find it helpful to prove that f(-x) = -f(x) [hint: f(0)=0].
 
Math_Geek said:
ok so how does the f(x1)+f(x2) play into it?

Hint: what is f(x + epsilon) - f(x)? :smile:
 
[tex]\lim_{x\rightarrow a} f(x)= \lim_{h\rightarrow 0}f(a+ h)[/tex]
where h= x- a. Then use the fact that f(a+ h)= f(a)+ f(h).
 

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