Find Sum of Solutions to Functional Equation

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In summary, to solve the given equation, we can use the substitutions $u=x^2+7x+10$ and $v=x^2+11x+24$. This will simplify the equation and allow us to find the sum $f(2)+f(3)+\cdots+f(400)$ by plugging in values for $x$.
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Given that $(x+1)f(x^2+7x+10)+\left(\dfrac{1-x}{4x}\right)f(x^2+11x+24)=\dfrac{100(x^2+4)}{x}$, find $f(2)+f(3)+\cdots+f(400)$.
 
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Hello,

To solve this problem, we can use the substitution $u=x^2+7x+10$ and $v=x^2+11x+24$. This will transform the original equation into:

$(u+1)f(u)+\left(\dfrac{1-\sqrt{u}}{4\sqrt{u}}\right)f(v)=\dfrac{100(u+4)}{\sqrt{u}}$

Now, we can use the fact that $u+1=(x+1)^2$ and $u+4=(x+4)^2$ to simplify the equation to:

$(x+1)^2f(u)+\left(\dfrac{1-\sqrt{u}}{4\sqrt{u}}\right)f(v)=\dfrac{100(x+4)^2}{\sqrt{u}}$

Next, we can substitute back in for $u$ and $v$ to get:

$(x+1)^2f(x^2+7x+10)+\left(\dfrac{1-\sqrt{x^2+7x+10}}{4\sqrt{x^2+7x+10}}\right)f(x^2+11x+24)=\dfrac{100(x+4)^2}{\sqrt{x^2+7x+10}}$

Finally, we can use the fact that $x+1=2,3,\cdots,400$ to find $f(2)+f(3)+\cdots+f(400)$. Plugging in these values for $x$ and solving the resulting equations will give us the desired sum.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.


 

What is a functional equation?

A functional equation is an equation that involves functions rather than just variables. It involves finding the relationship between two or more functions.

What is the sum of solutions to a functional equation?

The sum of solutions to a functional equation refers to the total value of all possible solutions that satisfy the given equation.

How do you find the sum of solutions to a functional equation?

The process of finding the sum of solutions to a functional equation involves solving the equation for all possible values of the variables, and then adding up all the solutions to get the final sum.

Are there any specific strategies or methods for finding the sum of solutions to a functional equation?

Yes, there are various strategies and methods that can be used to find the sum of solutions to a functional equation. Some common methods include substitution, elimination, and graphing.

Can the sum of solutions to a functional equation have multiple values?

Yes, depending on the given equation, the sum of solutions can have multiple values. This can occur when the equation has multiple solutions or when there are multiple ways to express the solutions.

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