On a functional equation associated with Simpson's rule (Q678733): Difference between revisions

The functional equation of Pexider type \[ f(x)-g(y)= (x- y)(h(x+y)+\psi(x)+ \varphi(y)), \qquad x,y\in\mathbb{R}, \tag{1} \] is shown to stem from Simpson's rule of integral calculus. The general solution of (1) may be described as follows: \(f\) is an arbitrary polynomial of fourth degree, \(g=f\), \(h\) is the sum of a third degree polynomial and an additive function \(A\), \(\psi\) is the difference of third degree polynomial and \(A\), \(\varphi\) differs from \(\psi\) by a prescribed constant; the coefficients of the polynomials occurring in the formulas for \(h\) and \(\varphi\) being chosen appropriately.