What can I say about this simple functional equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the functional equation f(x) = e^{x} f(-x) with the condition that f(x) > 0. Participants explore the implications of this equation on the general shape and properties of the function f, including potential solutions and their characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the equation provides a way to express the derivative of f at zero in terms of f(0), indicating a focus on the function's behavior up to a multiplicative constant.
  • Another participant identifies specific non-trivial solutions, such as f(x) = e^{x/2} and f(x) = e^{-(x-1)^2/4, while expressing a preference for normalizable solutions.
  • A different participant proposes a general solution by expressing f(x) as f(x) = e^{g(x)}, leading to the equation g(x) = g(-x) + x. They suggest that if g(x) can be represented as a power series, certain coefficients must meet specific conditions for normalizability.
  • Further elaboration on the general solution includes the form f(x) ∝ exp(1/2 x + Σ a_{2n} x^{2n}), with a note that the coefficients for even powers can be arbitrary, provided the highest power has a negative coefficient.
  • Another participant highlights the symmetry in the equation, suggesting a different approach to analyzing g(x) by relating g(x) and g(-x) through their respective transformations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the solutions and properties of the function f, with no consensus reached on a definitive form or characterization of f.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the form of g(x) and the conditions for normalizability, which may not be universally accepted or resolved among participants.

nonequilibrium
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[itex]f(x) = e^{x} f(-x)[/itex] with f(x) > 0

Is there anything I can say about the general shape of this function (defined on the real axis)? For example the formula gives the derivative of f in zero in terms of f(0) (which is okay assuming I'm only interested in f up to a multiplicative constant).
 
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EDIT: Note by the way that a non-trivial solution is [itex]f(x) = e^{x/2}[/itex] (although I'm more interested in normalizable solutions)

EDIT2: Another non-trivial solution is [itex]f(x) = e^{-(x-1)^2/4}[/itex]
 
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Alright I think I've found the general solution.

Since f(x) > 0, we can write [itex]f(x) = e^{g(x)}[/itex]. The functional equation becomes [itex]e^{g(x) - g(-x)} = e^x[/itex] such that [itex]g(x) = g(-x) + x[/itex]. If we assume we can write g(x) as a power series, we have [itex]g(x) = \sum a_n x^n[/itex]. Substituting it in the functional equation: [itex]\left\{ \begin{array}{ll}<br /> a_1 = \frac{1}{2} & \\<br /> a_{n} = 0 & \textrm{for $n > 1$ odd}<br /> \end{array} \right.[/itex]
The coefficients for the even powers are arbitrary. If we want the solution to be normalizable, we only need to demand that the coefficient of highest power is even with negative coefficient.

More general: [itex]f(x) \propto \exp \left( \frac{x}{2} + \sum_{n=1}^{+ \infty} a_{2n} x^{2n} \right)[/itex]

EDIT: perhaps a more insightful formulation [itex]f(x) = e^{x/2} \cdot h(x)[/itex] with h > 0 an even function.
 
Last edited:
mr. vodka said:
[itex]g(x) = g(-x) + x[/itex]. If we assume we can write g(x) as a power series, …

easier is to notice the symmetry, and write g(x) - x/2 = g(-x) - (-x)/2 :wink:
 

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