Why can't $u$ achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$?

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In summary, the maximum value of a function $u$ cannot be achieved in the interior of $\Omega$ due to several reasons such as the function being continuous or differentiable, the shape and size of $\Omega$, and the behavior of $u$ at boundary points. A function $u$ can only have one maximum value in the interior of $\Omega$ and it cannot be achieved at a critical point. The maximum value of $u$ in the interior is significant as it provides information about the behavior of $u$ in the entire set $\Omega$ and can be used to find the minimum value of a related function.
  • #1
Euge
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In case users haven't read the announcement, Ackbach has stepped down as POTW director, and I'll be taking his place. Here is this week's POTW.

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Let $\Omega$ be a bounded domain in $\Bbb R^2$. Suppose $u$ is a nonconstant, nonnegative solution of the PDE $\Delta u = mu$ in $\Omega$ where $m : \Omega \to (0,\infty)$ is continuous. Prove that $u$ cannot achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$.
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This week's problem was solved correctly by Janssens. You can read his solution below.
Suppose $\mathbf{x}_0$ is an interior point of $\Omega$ such that $u_0 := u(\mathbf{x}_0) \ge u(\mathbf{x})$ for all $\mathbf{x} \in \Omega$. If $u_0 = 0$ then the nonnegativity of $u$ implies that $u$ is constantly zero in $\Omega$, which is a contradiction. So, we may assume that $u_0 > 0$ strictly. By the (single-variable) second derivative test, we have $D_i^2 u(\mathbf{x}_0) \le 0$ where $i = 1,2$ indicates the variable. This implies that
$$
\Delta u(\mathbf{x}_0) = D_1^2 u(\mathbf{x}_0) + D_2^2 u(\mathbf{x}_0) \le 0.
$$
On the other hand,
$$
\Delta u(\mathbf{x}_0) = m(\mathbf{x}_0) u_0 > 0,
$$
a contradiction. This shows that $\mathbf{x}_0$ does not exist, so $u$ does not achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$.
 

Related to Why can't $u$ achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$?

1. Why can't $u$ achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$?

There are several reasons why $u$ cannot achieve its maximum in the interior of $\Omega$. One possible reason is that the maximum value of $u$ is at the boundary of $\Omega$, not in the interior. Another reason could be that the function $u$ is not continuous or differentiable in the interior of $\Omega$, making it impossible for it to have a maximum value. Additionally, if $\Omega$ is an open set, then by definition, there are no boundary points in the interior where $u$ can attain its maximum value.

2. Can a function $u$ have multiple maximum values in the interior of $\Omega$?

No, a function $u$ cannot have multiple maximum values in the interior of $\Omega$. By the extreme value theorem, if $u$ is continuous on a closed and bounded set $\Omega$, then it must have a maximum value in $\Omega$. However, if $u$ has multiple maximum values in the interior of $\Omega$, then it would violate the definition of a maximum value as being the greatest value in a set. Therefore, $u$ can only have one maximum value in the interior of $\Omega$.

3. Does the shape or size of $\Omega$ affect the maximum value of $u$ in the interior?

Yes, the shape and size of $\Omega$ can affect the maximum value of $u$ in the interior. If $\Omega$ is a bounded set, then the maximum value of $u$ must occur at a boundary point. However, if $\Omega$ is an unbounded set, then the maximum value of $u$ can occur at infinity. Additionally, the shape of $\Omega$ can also affect the maximum value of $u$ as it can change the boundary points and the behavior of $u$ at those points.

4. Can the maximum value of $u$ in the interior of $\Omega$ be achieved at a critical point?

No, the maximum value of $u$ in the interior of $\Omega$ cannot be achieved at a critical point. A critical point is a point where the derivative of $u$ is equal to zero, and it can only be a maximum or minimum value if it is also a boundary point of $\Omega$. However, since we are looking at the interior of $\Omega$, a critical point cannot be a boundary point, and therefore, it cannot be a maximum or minimum value.

5. What is the significance of the maximum value of $u$ in the interior of $\Omega$?

The maximum value of $u$ in the interior of $\Omega$ is important as it can give us information about the behavior of the function $u$ in the entire set $\Omega$. It can also help us determine the boundary points of $\Omega$ and the behavior of $u$ at those points. Additionally, the maximum value of $u$ can be used to find the minimum value of a related function, such as the minimum distance between two points in $\Omega$.

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