A characterization of the identity function with equation \(f(p+q+r)=f(p)+f(q)+f(r)\) (Q2428637)

The following is proved. Theorem. Let \(f(n)\) be a multiplicative function such that there exists a prime \(p_0\) at which \(f\) does not vanish. If \(f(p+q+r) = f(p) + f(q) + f(r)\) for all primes \(p, q\) and \(r\), then \(f(n)=n\) for all integers \(n\geq 1\). This assertion is an extension of \textit{C. Spiro}'s results [J. Number Theory 42, No. 2, 232--246 (1992; Zbl 0756.11027)].