Is $f$ Constant if Distance Between Points is Raised to a Power Greater than 1?

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In summary, a power function, also known as a polynomial function, has a general form of f(x) = ax<sup>n</sup>, where a is a constant and n is the power to which x is raised. It can have a negative power, resulting in a reciprocal function. The values of a and n affect the shape of the function, with a determining the vertical stretch or compression and n determining the steepness of the curve. A power function cannot be constant if the distance between points is raised to a power greater than 1, as it will always have a changing slope.
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Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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If $f$ is a function from $\Bbb R$ into a metric space $(X,d)$ such that for some $\gamma > 1$, $d(f(x),f(y)) \le |x - y|^{\gamma}$ for all $x,y\in \Bbb R$, show that $f$ must be constant.

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Congratulations to castor28 and Opalg for their correct solutions. You can read Opalg’s solution below.

Let $x\ne0$. By the triangle inequality $$\begin{aligned} d(f(x),f(0)) &\leqslant \sum_{k=0}^{n-1}d\bigl(f\bigl(\tfrac{kx}{n}\bigr), f\bigl(\tfrac{(k+1)x}{n}\bigr)\bigr) \\ &\leqslant \sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\Bigl|\frac xn\Bigr|^\gamma = \frac{n|x|^\gamma}{n^\gamma} \to0\ \text{as }n\to\infty \end{aligned}$$ (because $\gamma>1$). Therefore $d(f(x),f(0)) = 0$ and so $f(x) = f(0)$. Since that holds for all $x$, it follows that $f$ is constant.
 

FAQ: Is $f$ Constant if Distance Between Points is Raised to a Power Greater than 1?

Is there a specific name for this type of function?

Yes, this type of function is known as a power function or a polynomial function.

What is the general form of a power function?

The general form of a power function is f(x) = axn, where a is a constant and n is the power to which x is raised.

Can a power function have a negative power?

Yes, a power function can have a negative power. This results in a reciprocal function, where the variable is in the denominator.

How do the values of a and n affect the shape of a power function?

The value of a determines the vertical stretch or compression of the function, while the value of n determines the steepness of the curve. A higher value of n results in a steeper curve, while a lower value of n results in a flatter curve.

Can a power function ever be constant if the distance between points is raised to a power greater than 1?

No, a power function cannot be constant if the distance between points is raised to a power greater than 1. This is because the function will always have a changing slope, making it non-constant.

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