MHB What is the Radon-Nikodym derivative of the pushforward of a function?

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    2015
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The discussion centers on evaluating the Radon-Nikodym derivative of the pushforward measure $\mu$ of the Lebesgue measure $m$ under the function $f(x) = x^2$. The problem remains unanswered by participants, indicating a potential challenge in the community's understanding or engagement with the topic. The original poster provides their own solution, suggesting that the problem is solvable but may require advanced knowledge of measure theory. The focus is on the relationship between the pushforward measure and the Radon-Nikodym derivative in this specific context. The lack of responses highlights a gap in discussion regarding this mathematical concept.
Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $f : \Bbb R\to \Bbb R$ be the function $f(x) = x^2$. Let $\mu$ be the pushforward of the Lebesgue measure $m$ with respect to $f$. Evaluate the Radon-Nikodym derivative of $\mu$ with respect to $m$.
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
The Radon-Nikodym derivative at point $x$, $D_m\mu(x)$, shall be found by cases.

Fix $x\in \Bbb R\setminus\{0\}$. Suppose $x > 0$. For $0 < r < x$,

$$\frac{\mu(x-r,x+r)}{m(x-r,x+r)} = \frac{m(\sqrt{x-r},\sqrt{x+r})}{2r} = \frac{\sqrt{x+r} - \sqrt{x-r}}{2r} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x+r} + \sqrt{x-r}}.$$

Since the last expression tends to $\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}$ as $r\to 0$, then $D_m\mu(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}$.

Let $x \le 0$. For all $r > 0$,

$$\frac{\mu(x-r,x+r)}{m(x-r,x+r)} = \frac{m(0,\sqrt{x+r})}{2r} = \frac{\sqrt{x+r}}{2r}.$$

The last expression tends to infinity as $r\to 0$, so $D_m\mu(x) = \infty$.

In summary,

$$D_m\mu(x) = \begin{cases}\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} & \text{if $x > 0$.}\\0& \text{otherwise}\end{cases}$$
 

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