Real solution of the equation {x} = {x²} = {x³}

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding all real solutions to the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$, focusing on the implications of fractional parts and their relationships. Participants explore various approaches to solving this equation, including algebraic manipulations and the consideration of integer versus non-integer solutions.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests letting $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\} = k$, leading to the equation $x - \lfloor x \rfloor = x^2 - \lfloor x^2 \rfloor = x^3 - \lfloor x^3 \rfloor = k$.
  • Another participant proposes defining $x = i + f$, where $i$ is an integer and $0 \le f < 1$, and derives the equation $f = 2if + f^2$, leading to $f^2 + f(2i - 1) = 0$.
  • Some participants argue that the relationship $\{x\} = \{x^2\}$ does not necessarily imply $f^2 + f(2i - 1) = 0$, suggesting the existence of non-integer solutions.
  • A later reply identifies a specific solution for $\{x\} = \{x^2\}$, leading to the golden ratio $x = \frac{1}{2}(\sqrt{5} + 1) \approx 1.618$.
  • Another participant notes that the equation $x^2 = x + k$ for integer values of $k$ leads to non-integer solutions for certain values of $k$.
  • It is mentioned that $k = x^2 - x = x(x - 1)$ can take various values, with specific forms yielding integers or non-integers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the derived equations, particularly regarding the existence of non-integer solutions. There is no consensus on the complete set of solutions, and multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the nature of $k$ and the conditions under which solutions are valid remain unresolved. The discussion includes various mathematical steps that are not fully explored or concluded.

juantheron
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Find all real solution of the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$.

My Try:
Let $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\} = k\;,$ where $k\in \mathbb{R}$ and $0\leq k<1$

Now we can write it as $x-\lfloor x \rfloor = x^2-\lfloor x^2 \rfloor = x^3-\lfloor x^2 \rfloor = k$

Now I did not Understand How can i proceed further.

Help me for solving above Question.

Thanks
 
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Re: Real solution of the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$

jacks said:
Find all real solution of the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$.

My Try:
Let $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\} = k\;,$ where $k\in \mathbb{R}$ and $0\leq k<1$

Now we can write it as $x-\lfloor x \rfloor = x^2-\lfloor x^2 \rfloor = x^3-\lfloor x^2 \rfloor = k$

Now I did not Understand How can i proceed further.

Help me for solving above Question.

Thanks

Let's define $x=i+f$ where $i$ is an integer and $0 \le f < 1$.

Then:
$$\{x\} = \{x^2\}$$
$$f = 2if + f^2$$
$$f^2 + f(2i-1) = 0$$
$$f = 0 \vee f = 1-2i$$
In other words, the only solutions occur when the fraction is 0.

... and all integers are solutions.
 
Re: Real solution of the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$

I like Serena said:
Let's define $x=i+f$ where $i$ is an integer and $0 \le f < 1$.

Then:
$$\{x\} = \{x^2\}$$
$$f = 2if + f^2$$
$\{x\} = \{x^2\}$ does not imply that $f^2 + f(2i-1) = 0$. I don't have suggestions at the moment, but there are many non-integer solutions.

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Re: Real solution of the equation $\{x\} = \{x^2\} = \{x^3\}$

Evgeny.Makarov said:
$\{x\} = \{x^2\}$ does not imply that $f^2 + f(2i-1) = 0$. I don't have suggestions at the moment, but there are many non-integer solutions.

Ah. You're right.
I see my mistake - it's right in my first step.

A proper solution for $\{x\}=\{x^2\}$ follows from $1+x=x^2 \Rightarrow x^2-x-1=0 \Rightarrow x=\frac 1 2 (\sqrt 5 + 1) \approx 1.618$.
It's the golden number!
 
It seems that $x^2=x+k$ for all $k\in\Bbb Z$ determines a solution of $\{x^2\}=\{x\}$, and solutions for $k=1,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13,\dots$ are non-integer.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
It seems that $x^2=x+k$ for all $k\in\Bbb Z$ determines a solution of $\{x^2\}=\{x\}$, and solutions for $k=1,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13,\dots$ are non-integer.

$x^2 = x + k$

then $k = x^2-x = x(x-1)$

so k can take all values and if it is n of the form n(n-1) then it is non - integer. n(n-1) shall give integers

as $n(n-1) + n = n^2$
 

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