Solving equation of floor function

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In summary, the floor function is a mathematical function that rounds down a given number to the nearest integer. It can be applied to any real number, including non-integer values. To solve an equation involving the floor function, the expression inside the function must be simplified and set equal to the given value. The floor function rounds down, while the ceiling function rounds up. The floor function has special properties, such as ⌊x + n⌋ = ⌊x⌋ + n and ⌊nx⌋ = n⌊x⌋, among others.
  • #1
anemone
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Solve the equation

$\left\lfloor{\sqrt{x+10}}\right\rfloor-1= \dfrac{x}{2}$
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
Solve the equation

$\left\lfloor{\sqrt{x+10}}\right\rfloor-1= \dfrac{x}{2}$

x has to be even integer else x/2 shall not be integer and 1+ x/2 >=0 so x >=-2
so let x = 2y
$\left\lfloor{\sqrt{2y+10}}\right\rfloor= y+ 1$
or $y+1 \le \left\lfloor{\sqrt{2y+10}}\right\rfloor\lt y+ 2$
or $(y+1)^2 \le 2y + 10 \lt (y+ 2)^2$
or $y^2+2y+ 1 \le 2y + 10 \lt (y^2+4y + 4)$
so $y^2 \le 9 $ and $y^2 +2y \ge 6$ so y is positive
and $ y \le 3 $ and $y^2 + 2y +1 \ge 7$ so y
so $y \le 3$ and $(y+1)^2 \ge 7$
so $y \le 3$ and $y+1 \gt \sqrt{7}$
y = 2 or 3 hence x = 4 or 6
 
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  • #3
kaliprasad said:
x has to be even integer else x/2 shall not be integer and 1+ x/2 >=0 so x >=-2
so let x = 2y
$\left\lfloor{\sqrt{2y+10}}\right\rfloor= y+ 1$
or $y+1 \le \left\lfloor{\sqrt{2y+10}}\right\rfloor\lt y+ 2$
or $(y+1)^2 \le 2y + 10 \lt (y+ 2)^2$
or $y^2+2y+ 1 \le 2y + 10 \lt (y^2+4y + 4)$
so $y^2 \le 9 $ and $y^2 +2y \ge 6$ so y is positive
and $ y \le 3 $ and $y^2 + 2y +1 \ge 7$ so y
so $y \le 3$ and $(y+1)^2 \ge 7$
so $y \le 3$ and $y+1 \gt \sqrt{7}$
y = 2 or 3 hence x = 4 or 6

Well done, kaliprasad!

My solution:

First, note that $x$ has to be an even number and $x\ge -2$. Second, we have $\sqrt{x+10}\ge \left\lfloor{\sqrt{x+10}}\right\rfloor$ and so we get $\sqrt{x+10}\ge \dfrac{x}{2}+1$, solving it for the range of $x$ yields $-6\le x\le 6$.

Checking out for each case ($x=-2,\,0,\,2,\,4,\,6$) in that range gives us the solutions where $x=4,\,6$.
 

1. What is the floor function?

The floor function, denoted as ⌊x⌋, is a mathematical function that rounds down a given number to the nearest integer. For example, ⌊3.7⌋ = 3 and ⌊-2.1⌋ = -3.

2. How do you solve an equation involving the floor function?

To solve an equation involving the floor function, you need to follow two steps:
1. Simplify the expression inside the floor function.
2. Set the simplified expression equal to the given value and solve for the variable.

3. Can the floor function be applied to non-integer values?

Yes, the floor function can be applied to any real number, including non-integer values. The result will always be an integer.

4. What is the difference between the floor function and the ceiling function?

The floor function rounds down to the nearest integer, while the ceiling function rounds up to the nearest integer. For example, ⌊3.7⌋ = 3 and ⌈3.7⌉ = 4.

5. Are there any special properties of the floor function?

Yes, the floor function has the following important properties:
1. ⌊x + n⌋ = ⌊x⌋ + n, where n is an integer.
2. ⌊nx⌋ = n⌊x⌋, where n is an integer.
3. ⌊x⌋ = x if and only if x is an integer.
4. ⌊x⌋ = -⌈-x⌉.

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