Real analysis with exponential functions; given f(x) = f'(x)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differential equation f(x) = f'(x) for all x in R, with the goal of demonstrating that f(x) can be expressed as c exp(x) for some constant c. Participants clarify that the task is not to prove the uniqueness of c but to show that if f'(x) = f(x), then f(x) must be a multiple of the exponential function. The Mean Value Theorem is suggested as a tool to derive a contradiction if c is assumed to be any value other than f(0), emphasizing the importance of real analysis principles over differential equations in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real analysis concepts, particularly exponential functions.
  • Familiarity with the Mean Value Theorem in calculus.
  • Basic knowledge of differential equations and their solutions.
  • Ability to manipulate and analyze functions and their derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Mean Value Theorem in proving properties of functions.
  • Explore the theory of differential equations, focusing on solutions to f'(x) = f(x).
  • Review real analysis texts that cover exponential functions and their properties.
  • Investigate the uniqueness of solutions to differential equations under initial conditions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in real analysis, mathematicians interested in differential equations, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of exponential functions and their applications in mathematical proofs.

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Homework Statement



f(x)=f'(x) for all x in R
S.T there exists a c in R such that f(x) = c exp(x) for all x

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


By defining g = f/c, I was able to show that c= f(0)
But i am also supposed to show that c Not equal to any other value

I tried assuming that c=f(1) and cannot find a contradiction unless I plug it into f(1)=f(1).exp(1).

I am supposed to use Mean value Thm to show the contradiction. How do I go about doing it?
 
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I don't see what your point is. I assume that "S.T" means "show that" rather than the usual "such that".
You are not supposed to show that c is unique. I think you are supposed to show that if f'(x) = f(x) holds, then f(x) must be some multiple of exp(x).

How you are going to do this depends on what you know and can use. For example, using the theory of differential equations you can easily show that the equation f'(x) = f(x) with f(0) = c has a unique solution.
 


CompuChip said:
I don't see what your point is. I assume that "S.T" means "show that" rather than the usual "such that".
You are not supposed to show that c is unique. I think you are supposed to show that if f'(x) = f(x) holds, then f(x) must be some multiple of exp(x).

How you are going to do this depends on what you know and can use. For example, using the theory of differential equations you can easily show that the equation f'(x) = f(x) with f(0) = c has a unique solution.

This is in real analysis in the section on exponential functions. So I can't use differential equations.

The only way, I suppose, is to arrive at a contradiction if c not= f(0).
 

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