Define a fundamental solution of a linear partial differential operator P. Prove that the function
G(x)=21e−∣x∣
defines a distribution which is a fundamental solution of the operator P given by
Pu=−dx2d2u+u.
Hence find a solution u0 to the equation
−dx2d2u0+u0=V(x),
where V(x)=0 for ∣x∣>1 and V(x)=1 for ∣x∣⩽1.
Consider the functional
I[u]=∫R{21[(dxdu)2+u2]−Vu}dx.
Show that I[u0+ϕ]>I[u0] for all Schwartz functions ϕ that are not identically zero.