Characterizations of polynomials with mean value properties (Q2367990)

It is shown in this paper that if \(f:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}\) is Lebesgue integrable and its \(n\)'th divided difference \(f[x_ 1,x_ 2,\ldots,x_ n]\) is a function of \(x_ 1+x_ 2+\cdots+x_ n\), then \(f\) is a polynomial of degree at most \(n\). The proof is inductive, using results of \textit{J. Aczél} [Mathematics Magazine 58, 42-45 (1985; Zbl 0571.39005)]. Readers of this paper have to fill in some details. For example, equation (7) holds for distinct \(x_ 1,x_ 2,\ldots,x_ N\), all different from 0. Thus, the next equation on \(h\) and \(g\) holds for distinct \(x_ 1,x_ 2,\ldots,x_ N\), all different from 0. Before applying the induction hypothesis, one should extend this relation on \(h\) and \(g\) to cover the case where one of \(x_ 1,\ldots,x_ N\) is equal to 0. The continuity of \(g\) at 0 can be used for this purpose. Results in an algebraic setting are reported by J. Schwaiger in ISFE 31 (Debrecen, 1993), in a paper to appear in Aequationes Math.