Prove that spec of root 2 contains infinitely many powers of 2.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the set defined as the "spec of root 2," which consists of elements of the form floor(k * √2) for k ≥ 0, contains infinitely many powers of 2. Participants are exploring the implications of the irrational nature of √2 and its binary representation in relation to this proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the definition of "spec" and how it relates to the proof. Some suggest using specific values of k, such as k = floor(2^n * √2), to explore the relationship between the elements of the set and powers of 2. Others are questioning the implications of the irrationality of √2 and its binary representation on the proof.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of various approaches, with participants sharing insights and hints. Some have identified potential inequalities and are considering how to manipulate them to support their arguments. However, there is no explicit consensus on a definitive method or solution at this stage.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of the irrationality of √2 and the behavior of the floor function in the context of the spec definition. There is a recognition that the binary representation of √2 complicates the proof, and discussions include the potential loss of values when applying the floor function.

sachin123
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Spec of root 2 is that set of elements floor(k * (root 2)) ; k >= 0 .

I have no idea of how I can prove the statement in the question.

Prove that spec of root 2 contains infinitely many powers of 2.
I need ideas on how to proceed.

Thank you
 
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sachin123 said:
Spec of root 2 is that set of elements floor(k * (root 2)) ; k >= 0 .

I have no idea of how I can prove the statement in the question.

Prove that spec of root 2 contains infinitely many powers of 2.
I need ideas on how to proceed.

Thank you

What is meant by the "spec" of root 2? I have never seen that term.

RGV
 
Here, it means Spec√2= {⌊k√2⌋ : k≥0}
 
sachin123 said:
Here, it means Spec√2= {⌊k√2⌋ : k≥0}

It's little tricky. Here's big hint. Pick k=floor(2^n*sqrt(2)). Think about what binary representation of sqrt(2) looks like. Play around with that for a while.
 
I've been thinking about it but I can't seem to move ahead.
sqrt(2) is irrational. It's binary representation has no pattern.
It would look like 1.0110101000001001111... and multiplying by 2^n would left-shift it n times.
Taking floor of this irrational number loses a portion of the number. And inside the Spec definition, we have floor (k * √2) and this floor would lose some number too.
Finally if √2 * √2 * 2 ^ n = 2 ^(n+1), this attempt leads to an interger smaller than that.
Where should I be heading?
 
Yeah, I'm actually running into the same problem. It's pretty easy to show 2^n*sqrt(2)-floor(2^n*sqrt(2)) is less than 1/2 an infinite number of times and I thought that would cover it, but I keep getting an inequality pointing the wrong way.
 
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Dick said:
Yeah, I'm actually running into the same problem. It's pretty easy to show 2^n*sqrt(2)-floor(2^n*sqrt(2)) is less than 1/2 an infinite number of times and I thought that would cover it, but I keep getting an inequality pointing the wrong way.

Ok, I think you can do it. You can either pick 2^n*sqrt(2)-floor(2^n*sqrt(2)) to be in (0,1/2) or (1/2,1) (both happen an infinite number of times). Note it would also work fine if you could show the choice of k=floor(2^n*sqrt(2))+1 works. Just draw some careful diagrams of where all the numbers lie relative to each other.
 
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