Looking for Properties of Low Discrepancy Sequences.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of low discrepancy sequences, particularly focusing on a conjecture related to the limits of differences between terms in such sequences. Participants explore specific examples, potential proofs, and counterexamples within the context of mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines a low discrepancy sequence and poses a conjecture regarding the limit of differences between terms in such sequences.
  • The same participant provides examples where the conjecture holds, including sequences of the form () where α is an irrational number, and sequences that are monotonically increasing or decreasing.
  • Another participant questions whether the sequence (<[n/2]α>) is also a low discrepancy sequence.
  • A later reply confirms that the sequence (<[n/2]α>) is indeed low discrepancy.
  • One participant claims to have solved the problem and asserts that the conjecture does not hold, citing the van der Corput sequence as a counterexample.
  • Another participant acknowledges the cleverness of the counterexample provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the validity of the conjecture, with one participant asserting it does not hold and providing a counterexample, while others have not reached a consensus on the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the properties of low discrepancy sequences and the conditions under which the conjecture may or may not hold. Specific mathematical steps and definitions are not fully resolved.

mehr1methanol
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Def: A low discrepancy sequence is a uniformly distributed sequence with minimal discrepancy, O(logN/N).

Question: Let [itex]<x>[/itex] denote the fractal part of an irrational number [itex]x[/itex]. Let [itex](<x_n>)[/itex] be an arbitrary low discrepancy sequence. Is it always true that :
[itex]\lim_{n \to +\infty}|<x_n - x_{n-1}> - <x_{n+1} - x_n>| = 0[/itex]

I believe this is an open problem. I'm more than happy to discuss anything that's unclear.

Attempt on the solution:

There are trivial cases such as the followings:

1) [itex](<n\alpha>)[/itex] where [itex]\alpha[/itex]is an irrational number. This is low discrepancy sequence (if you like to see the proof consult me for references). Clearly the conjecture above holds.

2) if I choose the [itex]<x_n>[/itex] such that it's monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing, then the conjecture above holds because the sequence is also bounded in the unit interval

The difficulty is when if I come up with a sequence [itex](<x_n>)[/itex], where [itex]<x_n - x_{n-1}>[/itex] alternates between decreasing or increasing. In this case it's not clear to me if the conjecture holds. My goal is to rigorously prove the last case. Or are there cases that I'm missing!??
 
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mehr1methanol said:
Def: A low discrepancy sequence is a uniformly distributed sequence with minimal discrepancy, O(logN/N).

Question: Let [itex]<x>[/itex] denote the fractal part of an irrational number [itex]x[/itex]. Let [itex](<x_n>)[/itex] be an arbitrary low discrepancy sequence. Is it always true that :
[itex]\lim_{n \to +\infty}|<x_n - x_{n-1}> - <x_{n+1} - x_n>| = 0[/itex]

I believe this is an open problem. I'm more than happy to discuss anything that's unclear.

Attempt on the solution:

There are trivial cases such as the followings:

1) [itex](<n\alpha>)[/itex] where [itex]\alpha[/itex]is an irrational number. This is low discrepancy sequence (if you like to see the proof consult me for references). Clearly the conjecture above holds.

2) if I choose the [itex]<x_n>[/itex] such that it's monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing, then the conjecture above holds because the sequence is also bounded in the unit interval

The difficulty is when if I come up with a sequence [itex](<x_n>)[/itex], where [itex]<x_n - x_{n-1}>[/itex] alternates between decreasing or increasing. In this case it's not clear to me if the conjecture holds. My goal is to rigorously prove the last case. Or are there cases that I'm missing!??
Wouldn't the sequence [itex](<[n/2]\alpha>)[/itex] where [] denotes integer part be low discrepancy?
 
haruspex said:
Wouldn't the sequence [itex](<[n/2]\alpha>)[/itex] where [] denotes integer part be low discrepancy?

Yes for sure!

I actually solved this problem a while ago! It turns out the conjecture doesn't hold and the counterexample is the van der corput sequence.
 
I should admit your example is much more clever.
 

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