Challenge involving irrational number

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a mathematical challenge involving the properties of irrational numbers, specifically demonstrating the existence of integers \(m\) and \(n\) such that a linear combination of an irrational number \(x\) falls within a specified range. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of density in the context of irrational numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that since \(x\) is irrational, the set \(\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}\) is dense in the real numbers, implying the existence of integers \(m\) and \(n\) such that \(\frac{1}{2555} < mx + n < \frac{1}{2012}\).
  • Another participant reiterates the density of \(\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}\) as a foundational aspect of the problem.
  • A participant speculates that proving the existence of such integers is the main objective of the challenge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the density of \(\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}\) in relation to the problem, but the discussion does not reach a consensus on the proof or the specifics of the integers \(m\) and \(n\).

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide explicit proofs or detailed steps, leaving some assumptions and mathematical intricacies unresolved.

anemone
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Let $x$ be an irrational number. Show that there are integers $m$ and $n$ such that $\dfrac{1}{2555}<mx+n<\dfrac{1}{2012}$.
 
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We have $\frac{1}{2012} - \frac{1}{2555} = \frac{ 543}{2012 * 2555}$
Now to keep it simple let p = 2012 * 2555
divide the interval $[0\cdots 1]$ into p equal intervals from 1 to p the $k^{th}$ interval between
$\frac{k-1}{p}$ to $\frac{k}{p}$
Define the function $f(m) = mx - \lfloor mx \rfloor $
Let us find f(k) for k = 1 to p
We shall get p values and there is value in 1st interval.
We shall assert the above statement that there is value in 1st interval.
If there is no value in 1st interval then there are p values and p-1 intervals so 2 values must be in the same interval so say for a and b
So $ | f(a) - f(b) |$ must be in the 1st interval for (a-b)
So there is a value say c such that
$ | f(c) |= \frac{1}{p}$
Now because p = 2012 * 2555
So there exists integer s and t such that
$\frac{1}{2555} < st < rt < \frac{1}{2012}$
So if chose an integer m such that $sc <= m < rc$ then we have
$\frac{1}{2555} < f(c) < \frac{1}{2012}$
Because $f(c) < \frac{1}{p}$
And as $r < p$ we have
$f(mc) < 1$
So $f(m) = mx - \lfloor mx \rfloor $ and choosing $n= - \lfloor mx \rfloor $ we get the result
Hence proved
 
$x$ is irrational then $\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}$ is dense so :
$$\exists m,n \in \mathbb{Z}, \dfrac{1}{2555} < m x + n < \dfrac{1}{2012}$$
 
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ALI ALI said:
$x$ is irrational then $\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}$ is dense

If I had to guess, proving this is the main point of the challenge.
 
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Likes   Reactions: dextercioby, Office_Shredder and topsquark

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