Solving Functional Equation Homework

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a functional equation, specifically examining the function f(x) under the assumption of continuity. It identifies trivial solutions such as f(x) = 1 and f(x) = 0, and proposes that if f(c) ≠ 0 for some real number c, then f(x) must equal f(|x|) for all real x. The conversation suggests defining g(x) = f(√x) for x ≥ 0, which satisfies Cauchy's exponential equation g(x + y) = g(x)g(y) for x, y ≥ 0, and encourages further exploration based on this framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of functional equations
  • Knowledge of Cauchy's exponential equation
  • Familiarity with continuity in mathematical functions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Cauchy's exponential equation in depth
  • Explore the implications of continuity on functional equations
  • Study examples of non-trivial solutions to functional equations
  • Investigate the role of symmetry in functional equations
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Mathematics students, researchers in functional analysis, and anyone interested in solving complex functional equations will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement



Is the solution correct

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




all are in the file
 

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Last edited:
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That does not look like a complete solution. For one, f(x) = 1 for all x and f identically equal to 0 are trivial solutions, and these can be cited by inspection. I'll keep trying things, but it would help if there were any additional assumptions on f, such as continuity perhaps?
 
All right, here is a rough sketch for the case where f is continuous. As before, f identically equal to zero is a trivial solution. Now suppose there exists a real number c for which f(c) =/= 0. Then

[tex]f(x)f(c) = f(\sqrt{x^2 + c^2}) = f(-x)f(c).[/tex]

This implies that f(x) = f(|x|) for all real x. Define [itex]g(x) = f(\sqrt{x})[/itex] for [itex]x \geq 0[/itex]. Note that g satisfies Cauchy's exponential equation: g(x + y) = g(x)g(y) for [itex]x,y \geq 0.[/itex]

Now see if you can complete the argument based off of the proof for Cauchy's exponential equation. For reference, attached is something I wrote awhile ago when I was still interested in functional equations.
 

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