# Which $f$ satisfy the equation $\,\,f(x)\,f(y)-f(x+y)=\sin x\,\sin y\,$?

Find all continuous functions $f$ which satisfy the functional equation $$f(x)\,f(y)-f(x+y)=\sin x\,\sin y,$$ for all $x,y\in\mathbb R$.

I can prove that $f(n\pi)=\cos\left(n\pi\right)$ for all $n\in\mathbb Z$.

First attempt. I have tried to prove that: $$f\left(\frac{\pi}n\right)=\cos\left(\frac{\pi}n\right),\quad \text{for all}\,\,\, n\in\mathbb Z\smallsetminus\{0\} \tag{1},$$ but I have failed.

If I prove $(1)$, then the functional equation will be solved completely using the continuity of $f$.

So how do we solve this functional equation?

• Proving the claim would not prove all of it. How do you figure? Dec 20, 2013 at 6:32
• Note that $f(x)f(kx)+f((k+1)x)=\sin x\sin kx$ then $x=\frac{\pi}n$ we deduce $f(\frac kn\pi)=\cos(\frac kn\pi)$ then using continuity. Dec 22, 2013 at 14:24

Setting $x=y=0$, we obtain that $\,\,f(0)f(0)-f(0)=0$, and thus $\,\,f(0)=0$ or $1$.

If $f(0)=0$, then setting $y=0$, we get $-f(x)=0$, which is a contradiction. Therefore $f(0)=1$.

Set $y=-x$, and get $$f(x)f(-x)=1-\sin^2 x=\cos^2x.$$ Letting above $x=\pi/2$ we get that $f(\pi/2)=0$ or $f(-\pi/2)=0$, while letting $y=\pi/2$ or $-\pi/2$ in the original relation we get, respectively: $$-f(x+\pi/2)=\sin x,$$ or $$-f(x-\pi/2)=-\sin x,$$ which in both cases imply that $$f(x)=\sin(x+\pi/2)=\cos x.$$

Note. The continuity of the function $f$ has not been used in the proof.

If you want a much more heavy-handed solution which uses continuity: first show that the function is periodic (easy, using growth at infinity). Then, a periodic function can be expanded (uniquely) in a Fourier series, from which the result follows by equating left and right sides.

• Can you elaborate on the last part? How does the result follow by equating the left and right sides? Dec 23, 2013 at 2:09
• Well, the sines/cosines are a basis for $L^2,$ which means there is uniqueness of representation. Dec 23, 2013 at 15:32
• Yes I understand that fact. But then what? We can prove that the function is periodic and has a period $\pi$, so we have a unique representation $f(x) = a_0 + \sum_{n} (a_n\cos(2nx) + b_n\sin(2nx))$. From this and the functional equation, how do you conclude that $f(x) = \cos x$? Dec 23, 2013 at 21:59