• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.153-164
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• 2021

A functional equation is an equation which is satisfied by a function. Some elementary functional equations can be manipulated with elementary algebraic operations and functional composition only. However to solve such functional equations, somewhat critical and creative thinking ability is required, so that it is educationally worth while teaching functional equations. In this paper, we look at the origin of functional equations, and their characteristics and educational meaning and effects. We carefully suggest the use of the functional equations as a material for school mathematics education.