Find all functions (so is a function from the positive real numbers) such that
for all positive real numbers satisfying
Author: Hojoo Lee, South Korea
Find all functions (so is a function from the positive real numbers) such that
for all positive real numbers satisfying
Author: Hojoo Lee, South Korea
To find all functions satisfying the given functional equation:
for all positive real numbers such that , we proceed as follows:
### Step 1: Analyze the Functional Equation
The equation provides a relationship between the values of the function at different points. Considering , the form suggests symmetry relationships, which often hints at the possibility of the function being of a simple form, such as a power function.
### Step 2: Assume Specific Forms for
Assume for some real number . Substitute into the functional equation:
Simplify the expressions:
This equation should hold for all such that .
### Step 3: Analyze Specific Cases
1. **Case 1: **
- Substituting gives:
which holds true.
2. **Case 2: **
- Substituting gives:
Simplifying the left side:
Cross-multiplying confirms equality, as the terms match.
Thus, both functions satisfy the given equation. Therefore, the solutions to the functional equation are:
These are the only functions from the positive reals to the positive reals satisfying the given condition.