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Let's $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ be continuous functions on $[0,1]$.

Show an example of the maximum of $f(x)$ and $g(x)$ does not equal to the maximum of $(f+g)(x)$ on $[0,1]$.

Now I have tried to find an example, but for each time, the maximum of $f(x) +$ the maximum of $g(x)$ would equal to the maximum of $(f+g)(x)$. For example, I would have $f(x) = x^2$ and $g(x) = x+2$. The maximum of $f(x)$ would be $1$ and the maximum of $g(x) = 3$, so $1+3 = 4$. However, when I have $(f+g)(x) = x^2 + x + 2$, the maximum of $(f+g)(x) = 4$. This would happen each time I used a continuous function for both $f(x)$ and $g(x)$. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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    @N.S. Nice hint. Let me suggest $\mathrm V+\Lambda$.2012-10-13

3 Answers 3

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The problem is that your functions take their maximal values at the same point, so they add up to the maximal value of the sum. Try finding two functions that take their maximal values at different points on this interval.

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As others have said, look for functions with maxima in different places. Try looking at trigonometric functions. Particularly, $\sin$ and $\cos$.

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HINT: In such questions counterexamples often arise from the fact that while adding $f(x)+g(x)$ some terms may get cancelled. One example would be $f(x)=2x$ and $g(x)=5-2x$.

EDIT:

Note that $\max (f(x))=2$ and $\max(g(x))=5$ on the interval $[0,1]$. But $(f+g)(x) =3 \ \forall x \in [0,1]$.

Also I'ld like to point out a fact that $\max\{f(x)+g(x)\} \leq \max\{f(x)\} +\max\{g(x)\}$

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    You're right, Theophile. That was a mistake on my part.2012-10-13