Find the first digit after the decimal point

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the first decimal digit after the decimal point in the expression $\sqrt{x^2+x+1}$ for the specific value of $\large x=2014^{2014^{2014}}$. The focus is on the mathematical reasoning and calculations involved in arriving at this digit.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reiterate the problem statement regarding finding the first decimal digit after the decimal point in $\sqrt{x^2+x+1}$ for the given value of $x$.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for another's contribution, indicating that the answer provided is correct, but suggests that the edited version of the solution may not be as straightforward as the previous version.
  • Another participant agrees with the previous comment, noting that the edited post is more accurate due to its clarity in defining the reasoning behind the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the answer provided, but there is a disagreement regarding the clarity and straightforwardness of the edited solution compared to earlier versions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to edited and unedited posts, which may imply varying levels of clarity and detail in the explanations provided.

anemone
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Determine the first decimal digit after the decimal point in the number $\sqrt{x^2+x+1}$ if $\large x=2014^{2014^{2014}}$
 
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anemone said:
Determine the first decimal digit after the decimal point in the number $\sqrt{x^2+x+1}$ if $\large x=2014^{2014^{2014}}$

x is too large $2014^{2014^{2014}}$

so $x^2 + x + 1= (x + 1/2)^2 + 3/4$
= $(x+1/2)^2( 1+ 3/(4(x + 1/2)^2)$
so square root = $(x+1/2) ( 1 + 3/(8(x+1/2)^2) + ...)$
the term $3/(8(x+1/2)^2)$ is extremley small so << .1
so square root is x + 1/2 or 5 is the 1st digit after decimal
 
Last edited:
kaliprasad said:
x is too large $2014^{2014^{2014}}$

so $x^2 + x + 1= (x + 1/2)^2 + 3/4$
= $(x+1/2)^2( 1+ 3/(4(x + 1/2)^2)$
so square root = $(x+1/2) ( 1 + 3/(8(x+1/2)^2) + ...)$
the term $3/(8(x+1/2)^2)$ is extremley small so << .1
so square root is x + 1/2 or 5 is the 1st digit after decimal

Hey kaliprasad, thanks for participating!:) Well done! Your answer is correct... but I think this edited version of the solution isn't quite straightforward than the before edited post.:p
 
anemone said:
Hey kaliprasad, thanks for participating!:) Well done! Your answer is correct... but I think this edited version of the solution isn't quite straightforward than the before edited post.:p

this edited post is more accurate as it defines the reason. As you have made a reference to un edited post I mention the unedited post( exact words I do not remeber so in lines as below) which is highly informal

x is too large $2014^{2014^{2014}}$

so $x^2+x+1=(x+1/2)^2+3/4$ and as 3/4 is too small we can igmore so

square root =x + 1/2 so 1st digit after decimal = 5
 
Last edited:

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