Finding the minimum value of n

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andrax
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Minimum Value
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the minimum natural number n that satisfies the equation E(10^n/x) = 2011, where E represents the floor function. Participants express confusion about using derivatives with the floor function due to its discontinuities and suggest that a simpler approach may be more effective. They derive inequalities indicating that x must fall between 10^n/2012 and 10^n/2011, leading to the conclusion that n could be 7. Testing values for n below 10 is recommended, as calculations remain manageable within the range of 10 billion. The conversation emphasizes the need for a straightforward method to determine n without overly complex mathematical manipulations.
Andrax
Messages
117
Reaction score
0
Find the minimum value of n that satisfies the following equation E(\frac{10^n}{x})=2011 where X and n are natural numbers
So first thought was using derivatives we need to obtain an f(n) I can't seem to advance a lot in this exercise
All I got so far is 0<10^n /x - 2011<1 I did something wrong as well giving the original function (this might be completely wrong) f(x) =E(\frac{10^n}{x}) x-2011x if we use derivatives we obtain the first format, can i like calculate f(10^n) here and then derivate it...?) I'm really confused..
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
What is E()? Based on your attempt, it looks like the floor function.
Why do you want to derive some function?
What about simple testing?
 
mfb said:
What is E()? Based on your attempt, it looks like the floor function.
Why do you want to derive some function?
What about simple testing?

1E() is the floor function
2yeah makes sense
3smple testing wouldn't get me th minimum value also the numbers are very big I am thinking of giving 10^n / 2012<x<= 10^n /2012 then trying to make x a natural number
 
The n you are looking for is below 10, and for each n there is an easy way to test if it works. The numbers are all below 10 billions, which should be fine for every calculator.
With some clever estimate, it is possible to directly guess the right n.
 
Andrax said:
[ B]Find the minimum value of n that satisfies the following equation \ \displaystyle \text{floor}\left(\frac{10^n}{x}\right)=2011\ where X and n are natural numbers .
So first thought was using derivatives we need to obtain an f(n) I can't seem to advance a lot in this exercise .
All I got so far is 0<10^n /x - 2011<1 I did something wrong as well giving the original function (this might be completely wrong) f(x) =E(\frac{10^n}{x}) x-2011x if we use derivatives we obtain the first format, can i like calculate f(10^n) here and then derivate it...?) I'm really confused..[ /B]

Taking the derivative of the floor function isn't of any help that I can see. The floor function has many discontinuities, and both x and n are natural numbers.

I think you should work a bit more with the inequality

\displaystyle 0\le\left(\frac{10^n}{x}\right)-2011&lt;1\,,

which I assume comes from

\displaystyle 2011\le\left(\frac{10^n}{x}\right)&lt;2012\ .

Multiply this by x (which is positive).
 
Thanks Sammy but I've already work it on that didn't get me anywhere this is what I've gotten so far from the base equation we can notice that x must be 10^n/2012<=x<10^n/2011 x is a natural number now this got me n=7 but with only trying can someone find a working way to obtain n just from the above I obtained
Th
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K