[Math] Indeterminate equation and functional equation

functional-equations

I was wondering what differences and relations are between indeterminate equation and functional equation? Are they the same concept? Thanks and regards!

Best Answer

No, they aren't the same concept.

An indeterminate equation is an equation for which there are an infinite number of solutions; that is, there is not enough information within the equation itself to solve the equation, were it not for a "given" value at which to evaluate the function.

E.g. $y = x^2$ is satisfied by ordered pairs $(0,0),(1,1),(-2,4),(2,4)\dots (x,x^2)$.

A solution to a system of equations can also be indeterminate: e.g., the system of two equations, each in three variables, say $x$, $y$, and $z$, is indeterminate.

A functional equation is a function which is defined implicitly in terms of a function or in terms of the function at some value. For a more thorough explanation and examples, reread the links you provide in your question.

[Edited:] Seriously, as Qiaochu states, they are very different. In a functional equation, you need to solve for a function . The functional equation may very well also be an indeterminate equation, in that it admits of more than one solutions (all functions). [Thanks to Qiaochu for pointing out my earlier mis-statement of a functional equation; I've since replaced "equation" with "function"].

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