Why don't we multiply generalized functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impossibility of defining a binary multiplication operation for generalized functions in the space ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb{R})## that yields values within the same space. It highlights that while multiplication between generalized functions and smooth functions from ##C^\infty(\mathbb{R})## is well-defined, contradictions arise when attempting to multiply two generalized functions. The example provided illustrates that operations like $$x\delta(x)=0$$ and $$\delta=\Big(x\cdot\frac{1}{x}\Big)\cdot\delta=0$$ demonstrate the failure to maintain standard multiplication properties within this framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of generalized functions and distributions, particularly ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb{R})##.
  • Familiarity with smooth functions in the context of functional analysis, specifically ##C^\infty(\mathbb{R})##.
  • Knowledge of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) and their generalized solutions.
  • Basic concepts of functional integration, particularly involving Dirac delta functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of distributions in functional analysis, focusing on the space ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb{R})##.
  • Study the implications of multiplication of distributions and the conditions under which it is defined.
  • Explore examples of nonlinear PDEs and their generalized solutions as discussed by E. Rosinger.
  • Learn about the integration of Dirac delta functions and their behavior under multiplication with other functions.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students in advanced calculus or functional analysis who are exploring the complexities of generalized functions and their applications in PDEs.

wrobel
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Because it drives to contradictions. Here is a nice example from E. Rosinger Generalized solutions of nonlinear PDE.

We can multiply generalized functions from ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb{R})## by functions from ##C^\infty(\mathbb{R})##. This operation is well defined. For example $$x\delta(x)=0\in \mathcal D'(\mathbb{R}),\quad x\cdot\frac{1}{x}=1\in \mathcal D'(\mathbb{R}),\quad \frac{1}{x}\in \mathcal D'(\mathbb{R}).$$
On the other hand ##C^\infty(\mathbb{R})\subset \mathcal D'(\mathbb{R})##

Ok then:)
$$\delta=\Big(x\cdot\frac{1}{x}\Big)\cdot\delta=\frac{1}{x}\cdot(x\delta)=0.$$
 
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I have interpreted ##x \delta(x)=0## as for support of good behavior function, i.e.
\int f(x) x \delta(x) dx= 0
for f(x) such that f(0) is finite. 1/x does not satisfy it.
 
This example shows that you can not define a binary operation of ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb R)\times \mathcal D'(\mathbb R)## with values in ##\mathcal D'(\mathbb R) ## such that
1) this operation acts on ##C^\infty(\mathbb{R})\times \mathcal D'(\mathbb R)## in the standard way;
2) this operation possesses the standard properties of the arithmetic multiplication
 

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