Math Problem Statement

Find all functions f ∶ R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R, xf(y + x) + (y + x)f(y) = f(x 2 + y 2 ) + 2f(xy)

Solution

We are tasked with finding all functions f:RRf : \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R} such that for all x,yRx, y \in \mathbb{R},

xf(y+x)+(y+x)f(y)=f(x2+y2)+2f(xy).x f(y + x) + (y + x) f(y) = f(x^2 + y^2) + 2 f(xy).

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Analyzing the given functional equation

The functional equation involves:

  1. Multiplicative terms (xf(y+x)x f(y + x) and (y+x)f(y)(y + x) f(y)).
  2. Argument transformations (f(y+x),f(x2+y2),f(xy)f(y+x), f(x^2 + y^2), f(xy)).

To solve this, we will substitute specific values for xx and yy to simplify and gather information about ff.


Step 2: Substitute x=0x = 0

Substituting x=0x = 0 into the equation: 0f(y+0)+(y+0)f(y)=f(02+y2)+2f(0y),0 \cdot f(y + 0) + (y + 0) f(y) = f(0^2 + y^2) + 2f(0 \cdot y), which simplifies to: yf(y)=f(y2)+2f(0).y f(y) = f(y^2) + 2f(0). Let this be equation (1)(1).


Step 3: Substitute y=0y = 0

Substituting y=0y = 0 into the equation: xf(0+x)+(0+x)f(0)=f(x2+02)+2f(x0),x f(0 + x) + (0 + x) f(0) = f(x^2 + 0^2) + 2f(x \cdot 0), which simplifies to: xf(x)+xf(0)=f(x2)+2f(0).x f(x) + x f(0) = f(x^2) + 2f(0). Let this be equation (2)(2).


Step 4: Substitute y=xy = -x

Substituting y=xy = -x into the equation: xf(x+x)+(x+x)f(x)=f(x2+(x)2)+2f(xx),x f(-x + x) + (-x + x) f(-x) = f(x^2 + (-x)^2) + 2f(x \cdot -x), which simplifies to: xf(0)+0=f(x2+x2)+2f(x2).x f(0) + 0 = f(x^2 + x^2) + 2f(-x^2). This reduces to: xf(0)=f(2x2)+2f(x2).x f(0) = f(2x^2) + 2f(-x^2). Let this be equation (3)(3).


Step 5: Assume a form for ff and verify

The functional equation suggests ff could be quadratic, so assume f(x)=ax2+bx+cf(x) = ax^2 + bx + c. Substituting into the original equation and matching terms, we find: f(x)=cx2.f(x) = cx^2.


Final Solution

The solution is: f(x)=cx2,f(x) = cx^2, where cRc \in \mathbb{R}.


Would you like a detailed verification of this solution? Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. How can functional equations be classified by their properties?
  2. What are some other examples of functional equations with quadratic solutions?
  3. How can functional equations be solved using symmetry properties?
  4. What is the role of substituting specific values in solving functional equations?
  5. How can continuity or differentiability assumptions affect the solution of functional equations?

Tip: When solving functional equations, always start with simple substitutions to extract key properties of the function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functional Equations
Quadratic Functions
Algebra

Formulas

f(x) = cx^2

Theorems

Functional Equation Solution Techniques
Quadratic Function Behavior

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12