General function that represents a series of 1 and 0

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a general function that can represent sequences of 1s and 0s, including various patterns such as alternating sequences and those with periodic zeros. Participants explore different mathematical approaches and functions to achieve this, including modular arithmetic and roots of unity, while addressing the complexities involved in defining these sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a simple modular function for alternating sequences, but notes difficulties when introducing more complex patterns.
  • Another proposes a function involving prime numbers and modular arithmetic, but acknowledges limitations when zeros appear at fixed intervals.
  • Some participants express the need for a general formula applicable to all terms, including those with zeros at regular intervals, without relying on prime numbers.
  • A participant introduces the concept of using roots of unity to derive sequences, explaining how certain values yield specific patterns of 1s and 0s.
  • There is a discussion about using divisibility to define sequences, with one participant suggesting that logical negation of divisibility can yield the desired patterns.
  • Several participants explore the potential of trigonometric functions to create periodic sequences, discussing the challenges of using polynomials for this purpose.
  • One participant questions the validity of a proposed formula and seeks clarification on its application for specific cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the appropriate methods to define these sequences, with no consensus reached on a single general function. Multiple competing approaches are presented, and some participants challenge the applicability of certain proposed functions.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions highlight the need for specific conditions or definitions to accurately describe the sequences, indicating that the problem may not have a straightforward solution without additional constraints.

Who May Find This Useful

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and students interested in sequence generation, modular arithmetic, and periodic functions may find this discussion relevant.

Emilijo
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
How can I get a general function that represents a series of 1 and 0, for example :
1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0...; but also
1,1,0,1,1,0,1,1,0...;
1,1,1,0,1,1,1,0,1... and so on; the first one is not difficult: a = n mod 2; where a=1 or 0; n=1,2,3...
but if n=1 than a=2 (for the first one), and 2 is not solution
That s one of the other difficulties in that problem.

So I just need a general function for an x number of 1 (1,1,1,1...1,0,1,1,1,1,...0...). Always after a certain period of number 1 comes 0
The function must be valuable for all n; as you can see in my example when I put n=1, a=2, and that isn t solution
 
Physics news on Phys.org


well if p is a prime number, then

f(n) = np-1 mod p will work.

but if we want a function where the 0's come every six places, this approach won't work:

f(n) = n5 mod 6 gives:

(1,2,3,4,5,0,1,2,3,4,5,0,...)
 


I want a general formula for all terms, including a function where the 0 s come every six places, and if its possible without primes.
The function must be strictly given for ALL TERMS and proven
 
Last edited:


What's wrong with divides? (Or not divides in this case.)
 


Can you give an example including that function f(n) = np-1 mod p for
the series 1,1,1,0,1,1,1,0...; what is n in your case, which prime I have to put instead p... Explain this function.
 
Last edited:


Let w be a primitive m+1'th root of unity, say w = e^{i\frac{2\pi}{m+1}}.

Look at x_n = \frac{1+w^n+w^{2n}+...+w^{mn}}{m+1}.

We will have that x_0 = 1, x_1 = x_2 = ... = x_m = 0. And then it repeats itself.

If we take y_n = 1-x_{n+1} we will get the series y_1,y_2,... = 1,1,...,1,0,1,,1,...,1... where there are m 1's for each repeat.

The reason for this is that for each n w^n is a k'th root of unity for some divisor k of m+1. k = 1 only when n is a multiple of m+1, i.e. n=0,m+1,2(m+1),... and so on. For these n x_n will of course be 1.

When n is not a multiple of m+1, then k will not be equal to 1, and 1+w^n + (w^n)^2 +...+(w^n)^{k-1} = 0. So the series 1+w^n+w^{2n}+...+w^{mn} = (1+w^n + (w^n)^2 + ... + (w^n)^{k-1}) + (w^n)^k(1+w^n + (w^n)^2 + ... + (w^n)^{k-1}) + ... + (w^n)^{k(\frac{m+1}{k})-1)}(1+w^n + (w^n)^2 + ... + (w^n)^{k-1}) = 0, and thus x_n = 0. Note that for prime m+1, k will be equal to m+1 for all n except multiples of m+1.

For your first example we will get y_n = 1-\frac{1+(-1)^{n+1}}{2} = \frac{1-(-1)^{n+1}}{2}, as -1 is a primitive 2nd root of unity.

Generally y_n = \frac{m-(w^{n+1}+w^{2(n+1)}+...+w^{m(n+1)})}{m+1}, or \frac{m-(e^{i\frac{2\pi(n+1)}{m+1}}+e^{i\frac{2\pi 2(n+1)}{m+1}}+...+e^{i\frac{2\pi m(n+1)}{m+1}})}{m+1}.
 
Last edited:


I'll repeat, what's wrong with "divides"? The sequence {a divides n} for a given a and n comprising the positive integers is the opposite of what you want. Take the logical negation and voila! there is your set of sequences.

By the way, you have a missing sequence, the trivial sequence, in your set of sequences. It is the sequence 0,0,0,... So let's start with this in terms of "divides". 1 divides every positive integer, so the sequence given by {dn;1} where dn;1 is 1 divides n is the sequence of all ones (or all true). The logical negation of this sequence yields the trivial series 0,0,0,... .

Now look at using 2 as the divisor. 2 does not divide 1, it divides 2, it does not divide 3, and so on. Thus {dn;2} = {2 divides n} yields 0,1,0,1,... . The logical negation of this sequence yields 1,0,1,0,... : your first example.

Now look at using 3 the divisor. 3 divides n results in the sequence 0,0,1,0,0,1,... . The logical negation yields 1,1,0,1,1,0 : your second example. Doing the same with 4 yields 1,1,1,0,1,1,1,0,...

Divides (or does not divide) is exactly what you want here.
 


D H is right. And to add to that, if you want complex sequences (repeating pulse train rather than a simple rectangular wave) then just Boolean-OR multiple divide terms.
 


D H's solution is perfectly fine, it's more or less the definition of the sequences in question.
 
  • #10


disregardthat s function is fine but what if there is a huge number of 1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,...,1,0,1,...; than there is a lot of calculating;
does exist a summation of
∑_(k=1, to m) e^((2iπk(n+1))/(m+1))
 
  • #11


streber said:
disregardthat s function is fine but what if there is a huge number of 1
1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,...,1,0,1,...; than there is a lot of calculating;
does exist a summation of
∑_(k=1, to m) e^((2iπk(n+1))/(m+1))

Well, you don't have to do it manually. You already know what the number is anyway.
 
  • #12


Yes, but I need that function for sth else and I have to get a general function
Is there exists a solution of summation that gave streber?
 
  • #13


Oh, and I can t understand deveno s function; can u explain me
f(n) = n^(p-1) mod p; what if I had a composite number?
 
  • #14


I tried to solve the summation by wolfram alpha, but the program doesn t give me a solution. Have you another function but with mod function or sth else, as if H D s function, but his function works just for primes.
 
  • #15


Emilijo said:
Yes, but I need that function for sth else and I have to get a general function

Sorry this doesn't make sense.

When you say
1,1,1,1,...,1,0,1,1,...
you need to know beforehand where that first 0 is. Otherwise you can't write down the problem. As soon as you fix where that first 0 is, D H's formula gives the answer immediately.

So if your problem is "first zero is at 105" then "negation of 105 divides x" is the answer.
Similarly if "first zero is at m" then "negation of m divides x" is the answer.
 
  • #16


1-\left\lfloor\frac{n}{6}\right\rfloor + \left\lfloor\frac{n-1}{6}\right\rfloor
 
  • #17


Xitami, n = 13.

Edit: Scratch that. I mucked my calculations.
 
Last edited:
  • #18


Exactly pwsnafu. To properly define your sequences you already have the means to calculate each term.

The solution n (mod 2) to the sequence 1,0,1,0,... is more or less a repetition of the definition itself. I thought you wanted an algebraic solution to the sequences.
 
  • #19


Just suggestion, and I have only completed high-level maths at a high-school standard so far, so I apologize if I get this messed up, but...
Pehaps a sine function of another sine function with a different, complicated period formed by a polynomial? This could be adjusted so that on the integers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. give the resulting values 1, 1, 0, 1, etc.
I'm unsure as to how to how to prove this, but it makes sense (I think).
 
  • #20


Kael42 said:
Just suggestion, and I have only completed high-level maths at a high-school standard so far, so I apologize if I get this messed up, but...
Pehaps a sine function of another sine function with a different, complicated period formed by a polynomial? This could be adjusted so that on the integers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. give the resulting values 1, 1, 0, 1, etc.
I'm unsure as to how to how to prove this, but it makes sense (I think).

Good idea with trigonometric functions, what about this: x_n = \lceil \sin(\frac{2 \pi n}{m+1}) \rceil?

x_n from for n from 1 to m will be 1, x_(m+1) will be 0, and so the sequence repeats.

The problem with polynomials of higher degree is that they cannot be periodic, so I think it would be hard to accomplish that which you describe.
 
  • #21


disregardthat said:
The problem with polynomials of higher degree is that they cannot be periodic, so I think it would be hard to accomplish that which you describe.

Actually that would work. We know that
f(x) = \sin(2 \pi x / L)
has period L, so in our example L=6.

Then all we need to do is find the Newton polynomial solving
f(0) \mapsto 0
f(1) \mapsto 1
f(2) \mapsto 1
and so on. Call this p(y).

Then p \circ f (x) gives what we want.
 
  • #22


That's right, I was thinking about sin(p(2*pi x/L)), but p(sin(2*pi x/L)) is what Kael wanted. Good thinking.
 
Last edited:
  • #23


I`d like something as disregardhat´s formula. Without ceiling or floor function...
Is the disregardhat´s formula correct?
If m=5 and n=7 (0,1,1,1,1,1,0), then y must be 0, but the formula gives y=1.
(In your formula, m is number of 1 and n is which number(1.,2.,3.,...). It is correct?
 
Last edited:
  • #24


DISREGARDTHAT:
You have posted a function for my problem: If I have a certain period of 1 (0,1,1,1,1,0,1,1,1,1,0), how to get a general function for f(n)? You have got a solution:
y= (m-(∑_(k=1, to m) e^((2iπk(n+1))/(m+1))))/(m+1)

I suppose that m represents a number of 1 (0,1,1,1,0,1,1,1,0: m=3), and n represents which number (for n=4, y=1; for n=5, y=0, for n=6, y=0...).
Well, If m=5, n=7 (0,1,1,1,1,1,0,), y must be 0, but the formula gives that y=1; It is formula wrong or I have not understand the meaning of m and n. If the formula is wrong, can you give an other function, but the principle must be analogic to the past function. (Without floor, ceiling, or mod function...)
Reply as soon as possible.
 
  • #25


DISREGARDTHAT:

Put n=4, m=4 in your first formula for X_n.
The formula gives wrong solution.
 
  • #26


I have already told you that my function gives the sequence (1,1,1...,1,0,1,...) and not (0,1,...,1,0,...).

If you want the latter, shift it by 1, i.e. define a new sequence Y_n = y_(n-1), where y_n is the previously define sequence.
 
  • #27


Disregardthats formula:
X_n = (w^(0n)+w^(1n)+w^(2n)+...+w^(mn))/(m+1) ; w=e^(2 i pi/(m+1))
Confusing is this summation: w^(0n)+w^(1n)+w^(2n)+...+w^(mn)
I need that summation reduced. I.e. for 1+2+3+...+k=(1+k)(k/2).
But for disergardthats summation, what is the reduced summation?

I put it in wolfram alpha as X_n = (sum_(k=0,to m) (e^(2 i pi/(m+1)))^(k*n))/(m+1)
Wolfram calculated: X_n = (-1+e^(2 i n pi))/((-1+e^((2 i n pi)/(1+m))) (1+m))
The problem is: -1+e^(2 i n pi) = 0 (for n = 0,1,2...), so the result should be always 0,
and that is not correct (for n=0, x_n=1; for n=1,2,3...,m, x_n = 0)
What is the problem?
Can anybody write down a general, reduced form of this summation(function))?
 
Last edited:
  • #28


First of all, you are reading it wrong. I define y_n to be the formula, x_n was merely preliminary. Please, read my entire post before asking questions (you made this mistake several times even after I pointed it out to you).

Anyway, the summation you need is:

x_n = sum e^(2 (i*pi*k*(n+1))/(m+1)) k=1..m

And then take y_n = (m-x_n)/(m+1).

The result of x_n from wolfram is

-(-e^(2 i n pi)+e^((2 i (1+n) pi)/(1+m)))/(-1+e^((2 i (1+n) pi)/(1+m)))

As you can see this expression is -1 unless n is a multiple of m. Hence y_n = 1 unless n is a multiple of m. When n is a multiple of m you get into trouble. The formula becomse a 0/0 expression.

However, taking the limit as n approaches m*k (a multiple of m) yields m, and hence the limit of y_n as n approaches m*k is 0. This will be the correct value, as y_n is in fact a continuous function of n for real values n.
 
  • #29


Hence, if I get -1, that is OK. But if I get 0/0, then I have to put limit.
Well, I should not do that because it seems like an algorithm
(If x=-1, then ..., if x=0/0, then...)
I should get a function where I just put m and n and I get -1 (or 1) or 0, wihout
my intervention later. Can you do that?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K