Solution:
Given that \( f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R} \) is a differentiable function satisfying \( f(x + y) = f(x) + f(y) + x^2 y + xy^2 \) for all real numbers \( x \) and \( y \), and \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1 \), we need to find \( f(x) \).
Step-by-Step Solution:
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Using the Functional Equation:
Let \( y = 0 \):
\( f(x + 0) = f(x) + f(0) + x^2 \cdot 0 + x \cdot 0^2 \)
\( f(x) = f(x) + f(0) \)
\( f(0) = 0 \)
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Differentiate Both Sides with Respect to \( y \):
Differentiate the original equation with respect to \( y \):
\( \frac{\partial}{\partial y} f(x + y) = \frac{\partial}{\partial y} [f(x) + f(y) + x^2 y + xy^2] \)
\( f'(x + y) = f'(y) + x^2 + 2xy \)
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Evaluate at \( y = 0 \):
\( f'(x) = f'(0) + x^2 \)
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Given \( \lim_{x \to 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = 1 \):
This implies that the derivative of \( f(x) \) at \( x = 0 \) is 1:
\( f'(0) = 1 \)
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Combine the Results:
\( f'(x) = 1 + x^2 \)
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Integrate to Find \( f(x) \):
Integrate \( f'(x) \) with respect to \( x \):
\( f(x) = \int (1 + x^2) \, dx \)
\( f(x) = x + \frac{x^3}{3} + C \)
Since \( f(0) = 0 \), \( C = 0 \):
\( f(x) = x + \frac{x^3}{3} \)