To solve the given functional equation for all functions f:R→R:
(f(x)+f(z))(f(y)+f(t))=f(xy−zt)+f(xt+yz),
we start by analyzing specific cases to deduce possible forms for f(x).
1. Testing the Zero Function:
Substitute f(x)=0 for all x. The equation becomes:
(0+0)(0+0)=0+0,
which holds for all x,y,z,t. Thus, f(x)=0 is a solution.
2. Testing the Constant Function:
Assume f(x)=c, where c is a constant. Substituting into the equation gives:
(c+c)(c+c)=c+c,
4c2=2c.
Solving 4c2=2c yields c=0 or c=21. Therefore, f(x)=21 is another solution.
3. Assuming Polynomial Form:
To explore non-constant solutions, assume f(x) takes a polynomial form. Given the symmetry and the construction of the equation, check f(x)=x2:
Substituting f(x)=x2 leads to:
(x2+z2)(y2+t2)=(xy−zt)2+(xt+yz)2.
Expanding both sides:
- Left side: (x2+z2)(y2+t2)=x2y2+x2t2+z2y2+z2t2,
- Right side expand completely:
(xy−zt)2=x2y2−2xyzt+z2t2
(xt+yz)2=x2t2+2xyzt+y2z2
Their sum:
x2y2+x2t2+z2t2+y2z2.
The expanded form matches perfectly, hence f(x)=x2 is a valid solution.
Based on these analyses, the complete set of solutions is:
f(x)=0,f(x)=21,f(x)=x2.