Inequation with just 3 solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the number of natural number values "n" such that the inequation f(n/x) >= 1 has exactly three solutions in the natural numbers. The function in question is f(x) = log_3(x), and the context includes exploring the implications of this inequation over the domain of natural numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the number of natural numbers greater than \(3x\) would be countably infinite for any choice of \(x\).
  • Another participant agrees that the condition leads to \(n \geq 3x\) and acknowledges a possible miscommunication in the problem's phrasing.
  • A different participant reiterates the function and inequation, proposing that to have exactly three solutions, setting \(n = 3\) results in a domain for \(x\) as {1, 2, 3}.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the problem, with some suggesting infinite solutions while others propose specific values for \(n\). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact number of solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem's translation and formulation, which may affect the interpretation of the inequation and the resulting solutions.

Vali
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I have the following function:
f: (0,infinity) -> R
f(x)=log_3(x) (the base is 3)
I need to find the number of "n" values ( n is a natural number except 0 N*) such that this inequation: f(n/x) >= 1 to have just 3 solutions in N*.
A. infinity
B. 6
C. 9
D. 26
E. 3 (correct answer)
 
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Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but it looks to me like you need to count the number of natural numbers greater than \(3x\), which for any choice of \(x\) allowed, would be countably infinite.
 
Yes, I got the same result n>=3x
Maybe I wrote the sentence is a wrong way because I translated it from romanian.
I posted o picture below.
Exercise number 45.
The number of n values ( n natural ) for which the inequation f(n/x) >= 1 has exactly 3 solutions in N* is: ...
 

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Vali said:
I have the following function:
f: (0,infinity) -> R
f(x)=log_3(x) (the base is 3)
I need to find the number of "n" values ( n is a natural number except 0 N*) such that this inequation: f(n/x) >= 1 to have just 3 solutions in N*.
A. infinity
B. 6
C. 9
D. 26
E. 3 (correct answer)
This is a weird one. Here's my guess.
[math]log_3 \left ( \dfrac{n}{x} \right ) \geq 1[/math]

Since the log function is continuous we can take the exponent of base 3 on both sides:
[math]3^{ log_3 (n/x) } \geq 3^1[/math]

[math]\dfrac{n}{x} \geq 3[/math]

[math]n \geq 3x[/math]

So to have only 3 solutions, n = 3, gives us a domain for x as {1, 2, 3}.

-Dan
 
Thank you very much for the help :)
 

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