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IMOmath - Basic Methods For Solving Functional Equations

This document outlines 10 basic methods for solving functional equations: 1) substituting values for variables, 2) mathematical induction, 3) investigating injectivity/surjectivity of functions, 4) finding fixed points or zeros of functions, 5) using Cauchy's equation, 6) investigating monotonicity and continuity, 7) assuming properties of a function at a point, 8) making recurrent relations, 9) analyzing the set of values a function is equal to, and 10) substituting the function. The document emphasizes guessing solutions and verifying them.

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57 views

IMOmath - Basic Methods For Solving Functional Equations

This document outlines 10 basic methods for solving functional equations: 1) substituting values for variables, 2) mathematical induction, 3) investigating injectivity/surjectivity of functions, 4) finding fixed points or zeros of functions, 5) using Cauchy's equation, 6) investigating monotonicity and continuity, 7) assuming properties of a function at a point, 8) making recurrent relations, 9) analyzing the set of values a function is equal to, and 10) substituting the function. The document emphasizes guessing solutions and verifying them.

Uploaded by

Thang Thang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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7/16/2016 IMOmath: 

Basic Methods For Solving Functional Equations

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Functional equations (Table of contents)

Basic Methods For Solving Functional
Equations
Substituting the values for variables. The most common first attempt is with some
constants (eg. 0 or 1), after that (if possible) some expressions which will make some
part of the equation to become constant. For example if f (x + y)  appears in the
equations and if we have found f (0)  then we plug y = −x. Substitutions become less
obvious as the difficulty of the problems increase.

Mathematical induction. This method relies on using the value f (1)  to find all f (n)  for n


integer. After that we find f ( n1 )  and f (r) for rational r . This method is used in
problems where the function is defined on Q  and is very useful, especially with easier
problems.

Investigating for injectivity or surjectivity of functions involved in the equaiton. In many of
the problems these facts are not difficult to establish but can be of great importance.

Finding the fixed points or zeroes of functions. The number of problems using this
method is considerably smaller than the number of problems using some of the previous
three methods. This method is mostly encountered in more difficult problems.

Using the Cauchy′s equation and equation of its type.

Investigating the monotonicity and continuity of a function. Continuity is usually given as
additional condition and as the monotonicity it usually serves for reducing the problem to
Cauchy′s equation. If this is not the case, the problem is on the other side of difficulty
line.

Assuming that the function at some point is greater or smaller then the value of the
function for which we want to prove that is the solution. Most often it is used as
continuation of the method of mathematical induction and in the problems in which the
range is bounded from either side.

Making recurrent relations. This method is usually used with the equations in which the
range is bounded and in the case when we are able to find a relationship between 
f (f (n)) , f (n) , and n .

Analyzing the set of values for which the function is equal to the assumed solution. The
goal is to prove that the described set is precisely the domain of the function.

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7/16/2016 IMOmath: Basic Methods For Solving Functional Equations

Substituting the function. This method is often used to simplify the given equation and is
seldom of crucial importance.

Expressing functions as sums of odd and even. Namely each function can be
represented as a sum of one even and one odd function and this can be very handy in
treating "linear" functional equations involving many functions.

Treating numbers in a system with basis different than 10 . Of course, this can be used
only if the domain is N .

For the end let us emphasize that it is very important to guess the solution at the
beginning. This can help a lot in finding the appropriate substitutions. Also, at the end of
the solution, DON′T FORGET to verify that your solution satisfies the given condition.

Functional equations (Table of contents)

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