Calkin-Wilf-Newman function or something

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Calkin-Wilf-Newman function in the context of a calculus problem, specifically related to expressing the number pi in a certain form. Participants are exploring how this relates to their current chapter in Calculus II.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to express pi as a rational number plus another term. One participant attempts to evaluate the function for pi using a specific expression, while others suggest simpler approaches and question the need for more complex representations.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the interpretation of "exact number," and there is an ongoing exploration of how to apply the function to pi.

Contextual Notes

There is some uncertainty regarding the professor's expectations for expressing pi, with participants questioning whether a simple representation suffices or if a more complex form is required. Additionally, the relevance of the Calkin-Wilf-Newman function to their current coursework is under discussion.

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Calkin-Wilf-Newman function... or something

Homework Statement


I have no idea what this has to do with our current chapter in Calc II but it seems simple enough.

[PLAIN]http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2192/mathv.png


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I managed fine for the first two, but I have no idea what to do for pi. The only way I can think to express pi as a rational plus a number is 3 + (pi - 3). Evaluating their function for that A and B can't give me an "exact answer" which is what they ask for.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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1MileCrash said:

Homework Statement


I have no idea what this has to do with our current chapter in Calc II but it seems simple enough.

[PLAIN]http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2192/mathv.png

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I managed fine for the first two, but I have no idea what to do for pi. The only way I can think to express pi as a rational plus a number is 3 + (pi - 3). Evaluating their function for that A and B can't give me an "exact answer" which is what they ask for.

f(x)=floor(x)+(1-[x-floor(x)])
After, this change pi into it's series form to get infinite rational expressions although I'm not 100% sure if a change is required.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


You don't need the series form for pi.
I'll show you how to do it for e = 2.7818... and you can see for yourself how
to do it for pi.
The integer part of e is 2, so here A=2, B=e-2.
Thus f(e) = A + (1-B) = 2 + (1-(e-2)) = 5-e=2.21...
(and yes, I'm the Calkin in Calkin-Wilf-Newman).
 


calkin, welcome to PF.

I think people may be overcomplicating this problem. By "exact number", I think the professor just wants students to write π as π, not as "approx. 3.1415" or "3.1415...".
1MileCrash said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I managed fine for the first two, but I have no idea what to do for pi. The only way I can think to express pi as a rational plus a number is 3 + (pi - 3). Evaluating their function for that A and B can't give me an "exact answer" which is what they ask for.
You have found that B = π-3, which is an exact number. So what is 1-B here?
 

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