Unique properties of Gaussians

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unique properties of Gaussian functions, specifically the identity involving the second derivative of the logarithm of a Gaussian function, expressed as \(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2} \log f(x) = \text{const}\). It is established that this identity holds true exclusively for Gaussian functions of the form \(f(x) = A e^{-ax^2}\), where \(a\) and \(A\) are real scalars and \(a\) is positive. The resolution of the differential equation leads to a Gaussian function with a linear shift, confirming the identity's specificity to Gaussians.

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mnb96
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Hello,
let's suppose we are given a Gaussian function [tex]f(x)=Ae^{-ax^2}[/tex] (where a,A are real scalars and a is positive)

Is it possible to (dis)prove that the following identity is true only for Gaussians?

[tex]\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2} log f(x) = const[/tex]

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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If you solve the differential equation you end up with
[tex]f(x) = A e^{const\. x^2 + B x}.[/tex]
So provided the constant is negative, you get a gaussian with a shift in the variable.
 

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