Looking for a specific periodic function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a specific periodic function that outputs 1 for multiples of a chosen number and 0 otherwise, with inputs restricted to natural numbers. Participants explore various mathematical formulations and programming approaches to achieve this behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a function of the form f(x) = [sin(ax)+1]/2 but notes it does not yield the desired output of 0 for non-multiples.
  • Another participant suggests using the floor function with the expression [\ [\frac{x}{m}]-\frac{x}{m}\ ]+1, questioning its mathematical soundness.
  • A later reply reiterates the floor function approach, expressing discomfort with such functions.
  • Another participant introduces a Fourier series expression for the floor function, providing a specific formulation for f_m(x) involving sine series.
  • One participant discusses the MOD function in programming, explaining how it can determine if a number is a multiple of another and suggesting a condition for implementation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and formulations, with no consensus on a single solution. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to define the desired function.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the mathematical soundness of proposed functions and the applicability of certain approaches, indicating a need for further clarification and exploration.

al4n
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TL;DR
Trying to come up with a function that outputs 1 when input is some multiple of a given number and outputs 0 if otherwise.
Is there a function that outputs a 1 when the input is a multiple of a number of your choice and 0 if otherwise. The input is also restricted to natural numbers.
The only thing I can come up with is something of the form:
f(x) = [sin(ax)+1]/2
but this does not output a 0 when I want it.
 
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How about
[\ [\frac{x}{m}]-\frac{x}{m}\ ]+1
where [ ] is floor function ?
 
Last edited:
anuttarasammyak said:
How about
[\ [\frac{x}{m}]-\frac{x}{m}\ ]+1
where [ ] is floor function ?
Is it mathematically sound? I generally avoid such functions because im not quite comfortable with them
 
You may find Fourier series expression of the floor function e.g., in
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floor_and_ceiling_functions if it is your favour.

[EDIT] Explicitly our function f_m(x) is
f_m(x)=g_m(x)+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{\pi}\sum_{j=1}^\infty\frac{\sin 2\pi j g_m(x)}{j}
where
g_m(x)=-\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{\pi}\sum_{k=1}^\infty\frac{\sin 2\pi k \frac{x}{m}}{k}
 
Last edited:
In a computer program, the MOD function, MOD(n,d), will divide one natural number, n, by another natural number, d, and return the remainder. So if n is a multiple of d, it will return a 0. So the formula (MOD(n, d) == 0) should be true (one) when n is a multiple of d and false (zero) otherwise.

If you have a particular computer language in mind, we can be more specific.
 

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