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Functional Equations Book

Chapter 1 introduces the basics of functions, defining key concepts such as even, odd, injective, surjective, increasing, and decreasing functions. It includes exercises to determine the properties of various functions and solve functional equations. Chapter 2 focuses on Cauchy's functional equation, discussing its solutions under different conditions and providing examples and exercises related to functional equations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
31 views18 pages

Functional Equations Book

Chapter 1 introduces the basics of functions, defining key concepts such as even, odd, injective, surjective, increasing, and decreasing functions. It includes exercises to determine the properties of various functions and solve functional equations. Chapter 2 focuses on Cauchy's functional equation, discussing its solutions under different conditions and providing examples and exercises related to functional equations.

Uploaded by

Anonymous
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 1

FUNCTIONS BASICS

Definition 1. A function is a rule, relation, correspondence from a set, called


domain, to another set, called range, where each element in the domain is
mapped to exactly one element from the range.
Definition 2. A function f is even, if ∀x ∈ Df we have f (−x) = f (x).

Definition 3. A function f is odd, if ∀x ∈ Df we have f (−x) = −f (x).


Definition 4. A function f is injective or 1-1, if ∀x1 , x2 ∈ Df we have x1 6=
x2 =⇒ f (x1 ) 6= f (x2 ).
Definition 5. A function f is surjective or onto, if ∀y ∈ Ef , ∃x ∈ Df such
that f (x) = y.

Definition 6. A function f is increasing, if ∀x1 , x2 ∈ Df we have x1 < x2 =⇒


f (x1 ) < f (x2 ).
Definition 7. A function f is decreasing, if ∀x1 , x2 ∈ Df we have x1 < x2 =⇒
f (x1 ) > f (x2 ).

5
6 CHAPTER 1. FUNCTIONS BASICS

1.1 EXERCISES
1. Determine if the following functions are increasing or decreasing on their
domains.
(a) f (x) = 2x + 3
(b) f (x) = 5 − 3x
2x+3
(c) f (x) = 3x
x
(d) f (x) = 2 + x
12x+5
(e) f (x) = 4x+1
ax+b
(f) f (x) = cx+d where ad − bc > 0.
2. Determine if each of the following function is even or odd.
(a) f (x) = 2x3 + x
(b) f (x) = 2x4 + 3x2 + 7
2|x|+1
(c) f (x) = x4 −1

2x + 1 if x < 0
(d) f (x) =
−2x − 1 if x ≥ 0
3x2 + 1 if x < 0

(e) f (x) =
−3x2 − 1 if x ≥ 0

 x − 1 if x > 3
3. Given that f (x) = x2 − 2x − 3 if 1 < x ≤ 3 . Find f (f (...f (0)...)) .
x + 4 if x ≤ 1
 | {z }
2009times

4. Let f (2x + 1) = 3x + 2. Find f (2), f (−1) and f (a).


5. Let f : R → R and f (x + x1 ) = x2 + 1
x2 for x ∈ R. Find f (3), f (−5) and
f (a) where a ∈
/ (−2, 2) .
6. Let f : R → R and f (x − x1 ) = x3 − 1
x3 . Find f (x).
7. Given that f (x) + f (x + 1) = 2x + 3 and f (1) = 2 find f (99).
8. Let f : R → R and f (x) + 2f (−x) = 2x + 3. Find f (5), f (a).
9. Let f : R → R and f (x) + 3f ( x1 ) = 3x + 2. Find f (2), f (a).
10. Let f : R → R and f (x) + 2f (1 − x) = 2x + 3. Find f (3), f (a).
11. Let f : R\ 21 → R such that f (x) + 2f ( 2x−1
x+2

) = x. Find f (1), f (a).
12. Let f : R → R such that f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) for all x, y ∈ R. Compute
1
f (2009), f ( 2009 ) if f (1) = 3.
13. Let f : R → R such that f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) + 2xy for all x, y ∈ R.
Compute f (n), f ( n1 ) and f ( m
n ) where m, n ∈ N if f (1) = 1.
1.1. EXERCISES 7

14. Let f : [0, 1] → R be a continuous function such that f (f (x)) = x2 . Prove


that x2 < f (x) < x for all x ∈ (0, 1) . Give an example of such a function.
v

u q
15. Solve the equation ut1 + 1 + ... + 1 + x = x.
| {z }
2009times

16. Prove that the sum/product of two increasing functions is also an increas-
ing function.
17. Prove that the sum/product of two even functions is an even function.
18. Prove that the sum of two odd functions is an odd function.

19. Prove that an increasing function is injective.


20. Let f be an increasing function with f (n) (x) = x for all x ∈ Df . Prove
that f (x) = x.
21. Solve the equation x + x3 + x5 = x2 + x6 + x10 .
2
22. Solve the equation 2x − x2 = 2x − x.
√ √
23. Solve the equation x − 3 + 21 − x = x2 − 24x + 150.
24. Let f : R → R such that 2f (x) + f (1 − x) = x2 for all x ∈ R. Find f (x).

25. Find all functions f : R → R satisfying af (x) + f ( x1 ) = ax where x 6= 0,


a 6= ±1.
4x
26. Given that f (x) = 4x +2 . Compute the sum

1 2 2008
f (0) + f ( ) + f( ) + ... + f ( ) + f (1).
2009 2009 2009
Chapter 2

CAUCHY
FUNCTIONAL
EQUATION

A functional equation is an equation whose variables range over functions.


Thus, to solve a functional equation means to find all functions satisfying
the equation. One of the most basic functional equation is

f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y)

which is called Cauchy functional equation. It is not that difficult to see


that any function of the form f (x) = cx satisfies the equation. But the
problem is to find all the solutions. If the domain of f (x) is the set of
rational numbers, then f (x) = cx is the only solution. But if we extend
the domain to reals, there are many noncontinuous solutions. We will give
this as a theorem.

Theorem 1. Let f : Q → Q satisfy f (x+y) = f (x)+f (y) then f (x) = cx


where c = f (1).

Proof. x = y = 0 =⇒ f (0 + 0) = f (0) + f (0) =⇒ f (0) = 0.


By the trivial induction, f (nx) = nf (x) (*) for all n ∈ N and for all x ∈ Q.
x = −y =⇒ f (x−x) = f (x)+f (−x) since f (0) = 0 we get f (x) = −f (−x)
for all x ∈ Q.(f is odd.)
Replacing x = n1 in (*), we get that f ( n1 ) = f (1)
n for all n ∈ N.
1 n n
Finally x = m in (*) gives f ( m ) = (m )f (1) for all n, m ∈ N.
So if we let f (1) = c, we have shown that f (x) = cx for all x ∈ Q+ .
Since f is odd, we have f (−x) = −f (x) = −cx = c(−x).
So for all x ∈ Q, f (x) = cx.

9
10 CHAPTER 2. CAUCHY FUNCTIONAL EQUATION

To extend the problem to the set of real numbers we need some extra
conditions such as monotoniticity, continuity.

Theorem 2. Let f : R → R satisfy f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) then f (x) = cx


where c = f (1) if one of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) f is monotone increasing (decreasing)
(ii) f is continuous.

Proof. (i) By Theorem 1, we know that f (x) = cx for all x ∈ Q. Also by


density theorem, for all x ∈ R, ∃an , bn ∈ Q such that an ≤ x ≤ bn and
lim an = lim bn = x. Since f is monotone increasing (or decreasing)

an ≤ x ≤ bn =⇒ f (an ) ≤ f (x) ≤ f (bn ) or f (an ) ≥ f (x) ≥ f (bn )

if f is monotone decreasing.
Since an , bn ∈ Q, f (an ) = can and f (bn ) = cbn .
So can ≤ f (x) ≤ cbn or can ≥ f (x) ≥ cbn . Taking limits,in either case,
the sandwich theorem gives f (x) = cx.
(ii) We know that if f is continuous, then lim f (an ) = f (lim an ).
By density theorem again, for all x ∈ R, ∃an ∈ Q such that lim an = x.
Hence, f (x) = f (lim an ) = lim f (an ) = lim can = cx.

Using Induction To Solve Functional Equations


What we needed to prove Cauchy functional equation is mathematical
induction. In this part, we will have a look at some functional equations
which can be solved by using mathematical induction.
Remember that, the domain in the Cauchy functional equation is Q. This
is a very big hint. When the domain of the function is Q, most probably
our tool is induction.

Example 1. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that

f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) + 2xy

for all x, y ∈ Q.

Solution 1. x = y = 0 =⇒ f (0) = 0
x = −y =⇒ f (−x) = −f (x) + 2x2 (1)
x = y =⇒ f (2x) = 2f (x) + 2x2
y = 2x =⇒ f (3x) = f (x) + f (2x) + 4x2 = 3f (x) + 6x2
It is easy to see that f (nx) = nf (x) + n(n − 1)x2 (*) and to prove it by
induction.
It is obviously true for n = 1. Assume that it is true for n = k, we will
show that it is true for n = k + 1.
11

y = kx =⇒ f (x + kx) = f (x) + f (kx) + 2x · kx

f ((k + 1)x) =f (x) + f (kx) + 2kx2


=f (x) + kf (x) + (k 2 − k)x2 + 2kx2
=(k + 1)f (x) + (k 2 + k)x2
=(k + 1)f (x) + (k + 1)(k)x2

Hence, (*) is true for all n ∈ N, for all x ∈ Q.


Replacing x = n1 in (*) we get that

1 c 1
f( ) = + 2 (**)
n n n
where c = f (1) − 1.
1
x= m in (*) gives

n 1 1
f( ) =nf ( ) + (n2 − n) 2
m m m
c 1 n2 − n
=n( + 2 ) + by (**)
m m m2
n n 2
=c( ) + ( )
m m
So, for all x ∈ Q+ , f (x) = cx + x2 .
Now let x > 0. By using (1) we get:

f (−x) = −f (x) + 2x2 = −cx − x2 + 2x2 = −cx + x2 = c(−x) + 2(−x)2 .

Hence, for all x ∈ Q, f (x) = cx + x2 . And that is obviously a solution to


the equation.

This problem can be solved in a more elegant way. The first solution was
to practice induction and to be able to appreciate the second solution.

Solution 2. Observe that f (x) = x2 is a solution to the given equation.


Now let f (x) be the solution of the eqution. Define g(x) = f (x) − x2 .
We see that g(x + y) = g(x) + g(y).
So by Thm.1, we get that g(x) = cx =⇒ f (x) = cx + x2 .
12 CHAPTER 2. CAUCHY FUNCTIONAL EQUATION

2.1 EXERCISES
27. Find all functions f : Q → R such that f (x+y) = f (x)f (y) for all x, y ∈ Q.
28. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) + xy for
all x, y ∈ Q.
29. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that
f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) + xy(x + y)
for all x, y ∈ Q.
30. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that f (1) = 2 and
f (xy) = f (x)f (y) − f (x + y) + 1
for all x, y ∈ Q.
31. Find all continuous functions f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ Q:
p
f ( x2 + y 2 ) = f (x)f (y).

32. Find all functions f : Q+ → Q+ satisfying the both conditions:


(a) f (x + 1) = f (x) + 1
(b) f (x)2 = f (x2 ) for all x ∈ Q+ .
33. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that f (x2 + y) = xf (x) + f (y) for all
x, y ∈ Q.
34. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that
f (x − y) + f (x + y) = 2f (x)
for all x, y ∈ Q.
35. Find all functions f : R → R satisfying the both conditions:
(a) f (xy) = f (x)f (y)
(b) f (x + y) = f (x) + f (y) + 2xy
for all x, y ∈ R.
36. (Estonia 2007/5)Find all continuous functions f : R → R such that for all
x, y ∈ R:
f (x + f (y)) = y + f (x + 1).
37. Find all functions f : N → N such that f (f (m + n) + f (m − n)) = 8m for
all m ∈ N, n ∈ N0 with m > n.
38. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that
f (x + y + z) = f (x) + f (y) + f (z) + 3(x + y)(y + z)(z + x)
for all x, y, z ∈ Q.
Chapter 3

INJECTIVITY-
SURJECTIVITY

Example 2. Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x) + f (x + f (y)) = 2x + y

for all x, y ∈ R.

Solution 1. Replacing x = 0 in the original equation we get

f (0) + f (f (y)) = y.

So,

f (a) = f (b) =⇒ f (f (a)) = f (f (b)) =⇒ a − f (0) = b − f (0) =⇒ a = b

Which means that, f is injective.

x = y = 0 =⇒ f (0) + f (f (0)) = 0 =⇒ f (0) = −f (f (0)) (1)


 
x = f (0), y = −2f (0) =⇒ f (f (0)) + f f (0) + f (−2f (0)) = 0 (2)
 
(1) and (2) =⇒ f f (0)+f (−2f (0)) = f (0) =⇒ f (0)+f (−2f (0)) = 0 due to injectivity

(1) =⇒ f (−2f (0)) = f (f (0)) =⇒ −2f (0) = f (0) =⇒ f (0) = 0


by injectivity again.
Finally, putting y = 0 in the original equation, we see that f (x) = x for
all x ∈ R, which satisfies the equation.

Solution 2. Replacing x = 0 in the original equation we get

f (0) + f (f (y)) = y.

13
14 CHAPTER 3. INJECTIVITY-SURJECTIVITY

So, f is surjective. That is, for all y ∈ R, ∃x (that x = f (y + f (0))) such


that f (x) = y. Hence, there is x0 such that f (x0 ) = 0.
Replacing y = x0 in the original equation we get f (x) = x + x20 . And the
original equation forces x0 to be 0.
So, f (x) = x for all x ∈ R.
Example 3. (BMO 2000/1) Find all functions f : R → R such that
 
f xf (x) + f (y) = f (x)2 + y

for all x, y ∈ R.

Solution. x = 0 =⇒ f (f (y)) = f (0)2 +y which means that f is surjective,


since for all y ∈ R, ∃x (that x = f (y − f (0)2 )) such that f (x) = y.
So, there is x0 such that f (x0 ) = 0.
x = x0 =⇒ f (f (y)) = y for all y ∈ R. (1)
y = x0 =⇒ f (xf (x)) =f (x)2 + x0  (2)
x := f (x) in (2) =⇒ f f (x)f (f (x)) = f (f (x))2 + x0 .
 
By using (1) we get that f f (x)x = x2 + x0 . (3)
Comparing (2) and (3) we have f (x)2 = x2 . And that implies f (0) = 0.
Due to (1) we have injectivity. So, f (0) = 0 = f (x0 ) =⇒ x0 = 0. That is,
f (x) = 0 ⇐⇒ x = 0.

f (x)2 = x2 =⇒ f (x) = ±x for each x.

Namely,

x if x ∈ A
f (x) =
−x if x ∈
/A

We will show that, either A = {0} or A = R.


Assume contrary, i.e ∃a, b 6= 0 s.t f (a) = a and f (b) = −b.
x = a, y = b in the original equation gives f (a2 − b) = a2 + b.
Since, f (x) = ±x for each x,
either a2 − b = a2 + b or −(a2 − b) = a2 + b.
a2 − b = a2 + b =⇒ b = 0 and −(a2 − b) = a2 + b =⇒ a = 0.
Hence, contradiction.
Therefore, for all x ∈ R, f (x) = x or for all x ∈ R, f (x) = −x.
Obviously, both functions satisfy the equation.
3.1. EXERCISES 15

3.1 EXERCISES
39. Determine all function f : R → R such that ∀x, y ∈ R:

f xf (x) + f (y) = f (x2 ) + y.




40. Find all function f : R → R such that ∀x, y ∈ R:


 2
f xf (x) + f (y) = f (x) + y.

41. Find all function f : R → R such that ∀x, y ∈ R:

f x2 + f (y) = xf (x) + y.

Chapter 4

MIXED PROBLEMS

42. Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x − y) + f (x + y) = 2f (x)

for all x, y ∈ R and f (x) > f (0) for all x > 0.


43. Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x2 + y) = xf (x) + f (y)

for all x, y ∈ R.
44. Find all functions f : R → R such that

(x − y)f (x + y) − (x + y)f (x − y) = 4xy(x2 − y 2 )

for all x, y ∈ R.
45. Find all functions f : R → R such that

xf (y) + yf (x) = (x + y)f (x)f (y)

for all x, y ∈ R.
46. Find all functions f : R → R such that

xf (y) − yf (x) = (x − y)f (x + y)

for all x, y ∈ R.
47. (Austria 2001/4)Find all functions f : R → R such that

f ((f (x))2 + f (y)) = xf (x) + y

for all x, y ∈ R.

17
18 CHAPTER 4. MIXED PROBLEMS

48. Determine all continuous function f : R → R such that ∀x, y ∈ R:


3
f x2 f (x) + f (y) = f (x) + y.


49. Find all functions f : N → N such that

f (f (m) + f (n)) = m + n

for all m, n ∈ N.
50. (Macedonia 2007/4)Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x3 + y 3 ) = x2 f (x) + yf (y 2 )

for all x, y ∈ R.
51. (Macedonia 2006/2)Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x + y 2 + z) = f (f (x)) + yf (y) + f (z)

for all x, y, z ∈ R.
52. Find all functions f : R → R such that f (x3 + y) = x2 f (x) + f (y) for all
x, y ∈ R.
53. (IMO 87/4)Does there exist a function f : N0 → N0 such that

f (f (n)) = n + 1987

for all n ∈ N0 ?
54. (IMO 99/6)Determine all functions f : R → R such that

f (x − f (y)) = f (f (y)) + xf (y) + f (x) − 1

for all x, y ∈ R.
55. (Iran 99)Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (f (x) + y) = f (x2 − y) + 4f (x)y

for all x, y ∈ R.
56. (BMO 2007/2)Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (f (x) + y) = f (f (x) − y) + 4f (x)y

for all x, y ∈ R.
57. Find all functions f : R → R that satisfy

f (x)f (y) = f (x − y)

for all x, y ∈ R and f (2009) = 1.


19

58. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that

f (x + f (y)) = f (x) + y

for all x, y ∈ Q.

59. (BMO 87/1) Let a be a real number and f : R → R be a function such


that f (0) = 12 and

f (x + y) = f (x)f (a − y) + f (y)f (a − x)

for all x, y ∈ R. Prove that f is constant.

60. (China 96) Let f : R → R be a function such that for all x, y ∈ R,

f (x3 + y 3 ) = (x + y)(f (x)2 − f (x)f (y) + f (y)2 ).

Prove that for all x ∈ R, f (1996x) = 1996f (x).

61. Find all functions f : Q+ → Q+ satisfying

(a) f (x + 1) = f (x) + 1
(b) f (x)3 = f (x3 ) for all x ∈ Q+ .

62. Let f : N → N be a function such that f (n) + f (f (n)) = 6n for all n ∈ N.


Find f (n).

63. Find all functions f : Q → Q such that

f (x + y) + f (x − y) = 2f (x) + 2f (y)

for all x, y ∈ R.

64. Find all functions f : R → R that satisfy

f (x)f (y) − f (x + y) = x + y

for all x, y ∈ R.

65. (Italy TST 2006/3) Find all functions f : Z → Z that satisfy

f (m − n + f (n)) = f (m) + f (n)

for all m, n ∈ Z.

66. (Italy TST 2007/3) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (xy + f (x)) = xf (y) + f (x)

for all x, y ∈ R.
20 CHAPTER 4. MIXED PROBLEMS

67. (IMO Shortlist 2003) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (f (x) + y) = 2x + f (f (y) − x)

for all x, y ∈ R.
68. (IMO 92/2) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x2 + f (y)) = y + (f (x))2

for all x, y ∈ R.
69. (Irish 95) Find all functions f : R → R such that

xf (x) − yf (y) = (x − y)f (x + y)

for all x, y ∈ R.
70. Find all functions f : R → R such that

(x + y)[f (x) − f (y)] = f (x2 ) − f (y 2 )

for all x, y ∈ R.
71. (Korea 2000/2) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x2 − y 2 ) = (x − y)(f (x) + f (y))

for all x, y ∈ R.
72. (Turkey 2004)Find all functions f : Z → Z such that

f (n) − f (n + f (m)) = m

for all m, n ∈ Z.
73. Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (xf (y) + x) = xy + f (x)

for all x, y ∈ R.
74. (Japan 2006) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x)2 + 2yf (x) + f (y) = f (y + f (x))

for all x, y ∈ R.
75. (Czech Rep. 2004/6) Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that

x2 (f (x) + f (y)) = (x + y)f (yf (x))

for all x, y ∈ R+ .
21

76. (Czech Rep. 2002/6) Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that

f (xf (y)) = f (xy) + x

for all x, y ∈ R+ .
77. (Czech-Slovak-Polish Match2001/5) Find all functions f : R → R such
that
f (x2 + y) + f (f (x) − y) = 2f (f (x)) + 2y 2
for all x, y ∈ R.
78. (Iran 2006/6) Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that

x2 f (f (x) + f (y)) = (x + y)f (yf (x))

for all x, y ∈ R+ .
79. (Usamo 2002) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x2 − y 2 ) = xf (x) − yf (y)

for all x, y ∈ R.
80. (Belarussia 95) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (f (x + y)) = f (x + y) + f (x)f (y) − xy

for all x, y ∈ R.
81. (India 2005/6) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x2 + yf (z)) = xf (x) + zf (y)

for all x, y, z ∈ R.
82. (Nordic 2003/4) Determine all the functions f : R∗ → R∗ such that

f (x) + f (y) = f (xyf (x + y))

for all x, y 6= 0 and x + y 6= 0.


83. (Korea 2002/2) Find all functions f : R → R such that

f (x − f (y)) = f (x) + xf (y) + f (f (y))

for all x, y ∈ R.
84. (Spain 2000/6) Prove that there is no function f : N → N such that

f (f (n)) = n + 1

for all n ∈ N.
22 CHAPTER 4. MIXED PROBLEMS

85. (Spain 98/5) Find all strictly increasing functions f : N → N such that

f (n + f (n)) = 2f (n)

for all n ∈ N.

86. (Canada 2002/5) Find all functions f : N0 → N0 such that

xf (y) + yf (x) = (x + y)f (x2 + y 2 )

for all x, y ∈ N0 .

87. (Romania 2004/3) Find all injective functions f : N → N such that

n + f (n)
f (f (n)) ≤
2
for all n ∈ N.

88. (Romania TST 92/1) Suppose that f : N → N is an increasing function


such that f (f (n)) = 3n for all n ∈ N. Find f (1992).

89. (IMO 2008/4) Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that

(f (w))2 + (f (x))2 w 2 + x2
=
f (y 2 ) + f (z 2 ) y2 + z2

for all positive real numbers x, y, z, w satisfying wx = yz.

90. (Slovenia 97) Find all functions f : Z → Z such that for all m ∈ Z:

f (f (m)) = m + 1.

91. (Austria 89) Find all functions f : N0 → N0 such that for all n ∈ N0 :

f (f (n)) + f (n) = 2n + 6.

92. Find all functions f : N → N such that for all n ∈ N:

f (f (f (n))) + f (f (n)) + f (n) = 3n.

93. Find all functions f : N → N such that for all n ∈ N:

f (f (n)) + f (n) = 6n

94. Find all strictly increasing functions f : N → N such that for all n ∈ N:

f (f (n)) = 3n.
23

95. Find all functions f : Z − {0} → Q such that for all x, y ∈ Z − {0} :
x+y f (x) + f (y)
f( )= .
3 2

96. (Poland 2008/3)Find all functions f : R → R such that for all real x, y:

f (f (x) − y) = f (x) + f (f (y) − f (−x)) + x.

97. Find all functions f : R → R such that for all real x, y,

f (x + y) − f (x − y) = f (x)f (y).

98. Find all functions f : Q+ 7→ Q+ such that for all x, y ∈ Q+ ,


f (xy)
f (x) + f (y) + 2xyf (xy) = .
f (x + y)

99. Find all functions f : R → R such that for all real x, y,


y
xf (y) − yf (x) = f .
x

100. Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that ∀x, y ∈ R+ :


  
1
f (f (x) + x + y) = xf 1 + xf .
x+y

101. Find all f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R:

f f (x) − f (y) = (x − y)2 · f (x + y).




102. (Hong-Kong 99/4)Find all functions f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R:

f (x + yf (x)) = f (x) + xf (y).

103. Find all function f : Z → Z such that for all x, y ∈ Z:

f (x + y + f (y)) = f (x) + 2y.

104. Find all functions f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R:

f (x2 + y + f (y)) = (f (x))2 + 2y.

105. (Vietnam TST 2004)Find all real values of a, for which there exists one
and only one function f : R → R satisfying the equation

f (x2 + y + f (y)) = (f (x))2 + ay

for all x, y ∈ R.
24 CHAPTER 4. MIXED PROBLEMS

106. (Turkey 2005/1)Find all f : [0, ∞) → [0, ∞) such that for all x ≥ 0:
(a) 4f (x) ≥ 3x,
(b) f (4f (x) − 3x) = x.
107. (India TST 2001/3)Find all functions f : R+ → R+ such that for all x > 0:
f (f (x) − x) = 2x.

108. Find all f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R:


f f (x) − y 2 = (f (x))2 − 2f (x)y 2 + f (f (y)).


109. Find all f : R → R such that for all x, y ∈ R:



f x − f (y) = 4f (x) − f (y) − 4x.

110. Find all a ∈ R for which the functional equation f : R → R


 
f x − f (y) = a f (x) − x − f (y)
has a unique solution.
111. (Brazil 2006)Find all functions f : R → R such that for every reals x, y:

f xf (y) + f (x) = 2f (x) + xy.

112. (Germany 2008)Determine all functions f : R 7→ R with x, y ∈ R such


that
f (x − f (y)) = f (x + y) + f (y).

113. (Germany 2007)Determine all functions f : R+ 7→ R+ which satisfy


 
f (x) x
f = ∀x, y > 0.
yf (x) + 1 xf (y) + 1

114. (Germany 2006)Find all functions f : R+ → R+ which have the property:


f (x) f (y) = 2f (x + yf (x))
for all positive real numbers x and y.
115. (Germany 2006)Find all functions f : R → R such that
f (x + y) + f (x) f (y) = f (xy) + 2xy + 1
for all real numbers x and y.
116. Find all functions f : R → R such that ∀x, y ∈ R:

f (xf (y)) + f f (x) + f (y) = yf (x) + f (x + f (y)).

Common questions

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If the domain of the function f: R → R is the set of real numbers and f is continuous, then the solution to the Cauchy functional equation f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) is f(x) = cx, where c = f(1).

When extending the Cauchy functional equation to real numbers, challenges arise due to the existence of many non-continuous solutions. Without additional conditions such as monotonicity or continuity, the equation can admit solutions that are pathological and non-linear, which do not conform to expectations based on rational domain solutions .

Induction can be applied to prove that the equation f(nx) = nf(x) + n(n-1)x^2 holds for all n ∈ N by demonstrating it for n = 1 and assuming it holds for n = k to prove it for n = k + 1 .

The solution to f(x)f(y) - f(x+y) = x + y generally involves identifying transformations that align the terms considering each side of the equation equally, seeking functions that represent the interactions and satisfies given constraints .

Symmetry, particularly in the form of f(x) = cx, plays a pivotal role in solutions to functional equations like f(x+y) = f(x) + f(y). This symmetry simplifies the equation by ensuring that operations maintain equality under addition, exploiting consistent transformations across the equation's terms .

Yes, the sum of two increasing functions is also an increasing function because for any inputs x and y where x < y, the inequality f(x) + g(x) ≤ f(y) + g(y) holds if both f and g are increasing, thus preserving the property of increase .

For the equation f(x+y) = f(x) + f(y) + 2xy, the approach involves recognizing patterns, using initial conditions like f(0) = 0, and employing techniques like induction to establish f(nx) = nf(x) + n(n-1)x^2. This differs from the simpler Cauchy equation f(x+y) = f(x)+f(y), which directly leads to solutions of the form f(x) = cx .

For a function f : R → R to satisfy f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) and be expressed as f(x) = cx, it must be either monotone or continuous. These conditions ensure that the many non-continuous solutions are excluded .

The condition that f is monotone increasing allows the solution f(x) = cx because this property constrains the function's behavior, ensuring that it cannot have wild oscillations or non-linearities that other solutions might exhibit on the reals .

An example of such a function isn't explicitly provided, but it could be constructed by defining functions that satisfy the transformations and continuity over the defined interval, ensuring that x^2 < f(x) < x for x ∈ (0,1).

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