Limit of a Greatest Integer Function using Squeeze help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on using the Squeeze Theorem to prove that the limit of the function (x^2 - [[x^2]])/x approaches 0 as x approaches positive infinity. Participants clarify the meaning of the greatest integer function, denoted by double brackets, which rounds down to the nearest integer. They establish the necessary inequalities, starting with x - 1 < [[x]] ≤ x, and derive that 0 ≤ (x^2 - [[x^2]])/x ≤ 1/x. Through these steps, they confirm that both bounds converge to 0 as x approaches infinity, validating the application of the Squeeze Theorem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly setting up the inequalities to reach the desired limit.
Kindayr
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my midterm is in 4 hours and this actually the only thing i need help with.

Homework Statement


prove using squeeze theorem that lim(x-> +inf) (x^2 - [[x^2]])/x = 0


Homework Equations


g(x)<=f(x)<=h(x) [squeeze theorem]


The Attempt at a Solution


on the assignment i didn't know we had to use squeeze, so i just plugged in +inf and got 0, but we had to use squeeze. i wasn't there for his explanation of it.

all i need help with is setting up the inequality for the squeeze theorem and I'm fine, I'm just drawing blanks for all of this. help would be sooooo amazing. again, this is the only thing I'm confused on for my midterm.
 
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what do the double brackets mean?
 
the greatest integer function/the floor function.

so if its 5.5, the [[]] make it 5, if its -6.3 the [[]] make it -7
 
i've been trying, and the only result i can get, and i don't know if its true is:

x-1 < [[x]] <= x

(x^2 - (x^2 - 1))/x < (x^2 - [[x^2]])/x <= (x^2 - (x^2))/x

-1/x < f(x) <= 0/x

-1/x < f(x) <= 0

(lim x-->+inf) -1/x = 0
(lim x-->+inf) 0 = 0

.:. through squeeze theorem, (lim x-->+inf) f(x) = 0

but does that squeeze theorem work if the inequality on the left is just < and not <=?
 
close, few mistakes though
first f is always positive, consider the squeeze limts you get, they don't really make sense

Kindayr said:
i've been trying, and the only result i can get, and i don't know if its true is:

x-1 < [[x]] <= x

(x^2 - (x^2 - 1))/x < (x^2 - [[x^2]])/x <= (x^2 - (x^2))/x
few changes here, first start with the assumption x>1 to reduce confusion later
the first line is correct
x-1< [[x]] <= x

now square everything
(x-1)2< [[x]]2 <= x2

multiply by -1, reversing the order
-x2<= -[[x]]2 < -(x-1)2

add x2 and divide by x gives

0=(x2 - x2)/x<= (x2-[[x]]2)/x < (x2-(x-1)2)/x

Kindayr said:
-1/x < f(x) <= 0/x

-1/x < f(x) <= 0

(lim x-->+inf) -1/x = 0
(lim x-->+inf) 0 = 0

.:. through squeeze theorem, (lim x-->+inf) f(x) = 0

but does that squeeze theorem work if the inequality on the left is just < and not <=?

no its fine (if you use the correct squeeze as above), its still squeezed between 2 functions that go to the same limit
 
Last edited:
if you do it your way though:

x-1 < [[x]] <= x

(x-1)2 < [[x]]2 <= x2

first of all, does [[x2]] = [[x]]2?

then we goto:

-x2 <= -[[x]]2 < -(x-1)2

0/x <= f(x) < (x2 - x2 + 2x + 1)/x

don't we?

then you'd have 0 <= f(x) < 2
 
should i start off with:
for x>1
x^2 - 1 < [[x^2]] < x^2

and move from there?
 
yeah that looks good, i misplaced the bracket,

so for x>1
x - 1 < [[x]] <= x
giving
x2 - 1 < [[x2]] <= x2
minus
- x2 < -[[x2]] <= -x2+ 1
then +x2
0 = x2- x2 <x2 -[[x2]] <= x2-x2+ 1 = 1
then /x

0/x< (x2 -[[x2]])x <= 1/x as required
 
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