The temperature T(x) at each point x on the surface of Mars (a sphere) is a continuous function. Show that there is a point x on the surface such that T(x)=T(−x)

Baladdaa9

Baladdaa9

Answered question

2022-07-23

The temperature T ( x ) at each point x on the surface of Mars (a sphere) is a continuous function. Show that there is a point x on the surface such that T ( x ) = T ( x )
(Hint: Represent the surface of Mars as { x R 3 : | | x | | = 1 }.)
Consider the function f ( x ) = T ( x ) T ( x )
So.....
I consider an unit sphere is locating at the origin of a x y z-plane.
As | | x | | = 1, I can say with r a d i u s = 1 = x 2 + y 2 + z 2
To find there is a point T ( x ) = T ( x ), we use the formula f ( x ) = T ( x ) T ( x ) and show somehow f ( x ) will equal to 0 ???
It will be a point in the upper hemisphere and another point with the exactly opposite vector (if using i j k plane) on the lower hemisphere

Answer & Explanation

tykoyz

tykoyz

Beginner2022-07-24Added 17 answers

Hint: Pick some point x. If you are lucky, f ( x ) = 0, but probably this does not occur. In the other case, what can you say about the relation between f ( x ) and f ( x )? Now connect x and x using a path along the sphere...
Bernard Boyer

Bernard Boyer

Beginner2022-07-25Added 5 answers

If f ( x ) = T ( x ) T ( x ) is zero, we are done. Assume there does not exist an x that makes f ( x ) zero. Then f ( x ) > 0 or < 0 for all x. If say f ( x ) > 0 is never satisfied, then replacing x by x we get a contradiction. Similarly if f ( x ) < 0 never holds. So there must be points for which f ( x ) > 0 and points for which f ( x ) < 0. The intermediate value theorem then implies there must exist a point y at which f ( y ) = 0 (contradiction).

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?