Find all functions such that for all integers
Solution
The two solutions are and . We prove this in three stages. First we show that is self-inverse, that is, for all integers . Secondly we show that is additive. Thirdly, we demonstrate that the stated solutions are the only self-inverse additive functions.
To show the self-inverse property, interchange and in the original equation
then apply again to each side, which gives
Any integer can be represented as hence for all . For additivity, let . By the self-inverse property, any integer can be written in this form, setting . The original equation becomes
Putting implies . It follows by induction that for positive integers . Writing proves that for all negative . Therefore, is linear with slope and -intercept of zero. Finally, the self-inverse property with gives , whence and yielding the two solutions claimed. It is straightforward to check that both indeed are solutions.