Even and odd function question

[mindauggas]

Homework Statement

Show that the only function which is both even and odd is [itex]f(x)=0[/itex]

2. The attempt at a solution

Since [itex]f(x)=0[/itex] is [itex]f(x)=0x[/itex] it is not hard to show that it is odd and even. In order to complete the proof I need to show that this is the only funcion. I know intuitively that if in [itex]f(x)=Ax[/itex] [itex]A\neq0[/itex] then the function is always either odd, even or neither. How should I complete the proof? What should I write?

Maybe: "Since, it is obvious that if [itex]A\neq0[/itex] the function is either ... " But is it really that obvious? Should I use proof by exhaustion and show that in all posible cases this is true (when A is positive, negative, fraction)?

 

[A. Bahat]

If a function f is both odd and even, then f(-x)=f(x) and f(-x)=-f(x), so...

 

[tiny-tim]

hi mindauggas!

start "suppose f(x) is not 0 for all x, then …"