Solving the Floor Function Equation: $[x]=2x+1$

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation $[x]=2x+1$, where [x] denotes the floor function. Participants explore various approaches to find the values of x that satisfy this equation, including algebraic manipulations and graphical interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose expressing x as $[x] + r$, where r is the fractional part, leading to the equation $[x] = 2[x] + 2r + 1$.
  • Others argue that since $-[x]-1$ is an integer, r must be either 1/2 or -1/2, and later suggest r could also be 0.
  • One participant suggests that the values of x could belong to the interval [-1, 0).
  • Another participant derives that if $x = n + r$, then $n = -2r - 1$, leading to the conclusion that n must be negative, which implies r must be 0 or 1/2, resulting in potential solutions x = -1 and x = -1.5.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in their approach and suggests drawing a graph to visualize the problem.
  • A later post discusses a different equation, $[x] = 3x + 2$, and derives solutions x = -1 and x = -4/3, but acknowledges this was a typo related to the original equation.
  • Another participant confirms the mistake and attempts to solve the original equation correctly using the substitution method, arriving at the same potential solutions x = -1 and x = -3/2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various approaches and potential solutions, but there is no clear consensus on the final values of x. Some participants suggest different intervals and values, while others acknowledge mistakes in their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' reasoning relies on assumptions about the nature of r and the integer n, and there are unresolved questions regarding the implications of these assumptions on the solutions. The discussion also includes references to a different equation, which may have caused confusion.

solakis1
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Solve the following equation:

$[x]=2x+1$,where [x] is the floor function
 
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We can write x as [x}+ r where r is the "fraction part". The equation is [x]= 2[x]+ 2r+ 1 so r2+ 1= -[x]. 2r= -[x]- 1. Since -[x]-1 is an integer, r must be 1/2 or -1/2.
 
So what are the values for x??
 
Country Boy said:
2r= -[x]- 1. Since -[x]-1 is an integer, r must be 1/2 or -1/2.
... or 0.
 
So what are the values of x
 
Is the answer x belongs to [-1 , 0 ) ?
 
solakis said:
Solve the following equation:

$[x]=2x+1$,where [x] is the floor function
Let $x = n+r$, where $n = \lfloor x\rfloor$ is the integer part of $x$, and $r$ is the fractional part with $0\leqslant r<1$. Then the equation $\lfloor x \rfloor = 2x+1$ becomes $n = 2(n+r)+1$, so that $n = -2r-1$. The right side of that equation is negative, therefore $n$ must be negative. But $n$ is an integer, which means that $r$ must be $0$ or $\frac12$. If $r=0$ then $n = -1$, and if $r = \frac12$ then $n=-2$. The two solutions for $x$ are therefore $x=-1$ and $x = -1.5$. Those are the only solutions.
 
You're right thanks I made a silly mistake.This is my approach.
We know that {x} + [x] = x
Now $x-{x} = 2x + 1 $
so $-{x}=x + 1$
Now just draw graph :)
 
Beer inspired graph follows.
DaalChawal said:
You're right thanks I made a silly mistake.This is my approach.
We know that {x} + [x] = x
Now $x-{x} = 2x + 1 $
so $-{x}=x + 1$
Now just draw graph :)
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/0cpj2izgfi
 
  • #10
Hey sorry I meant x - {x} = 2x + 1
-{x} = x + 1
It was a typo.
 
  • #11
[sp]Definition of floor value of real no x denoted by [x]

$\forall A\forall B( [A]=B\Leftrightarrow B\leq [A]<B+1 \wedge( B\in Z))$

In the above definition put A=x and B =3x+2 and we have:

[x]=3x+2 $\Leftrightarrow 3x+2\leq x< 3x+3\wedge 3x+2\in Z$ , where Z is the set of integers

Which is equivalent to :

$\frac{-3}{2}<x\leq -1\wedge 3x+2\in Z$

Which is equivalent to :

$\frac{-5}{2}<3x+2\leq -1\wedge 3x+2\in Z$

Which is equivalent to :

3x+2=-1 or 3x+2=-2

Which is equivalent to :

x=-1 or x= -(4/3)

Note since all the steps in the proof are equivalent we can say these are the only solutions to the above equation[/sp]
 
  • #12
Beer induced observation follows.
solakis said:
... Which is equivalent to :

x=-1 or x= -(4/3) ...
Typo perhaps?
 
  • #13
The whole problem is a typo I solved the equation [x]= 3x+2 instead the one which was in OP ,[x]=2x+1
 
  • #14
solakis said:
The whole problem is a typo I solved the equation [x]= 3x+2 instead the one which was in OP ,[x]=2x+1
Other than that, your solution looks fine. :D
 
  • #15
Since i solved the wrong problem let me solve the right one using the n substitution.
S0 let $[x]=n=2x+1 $ this implies that $ n\leq x <n+1$ and $x=\dfrac{n-1}{2}$ and combining the two we have"

$n\leq\dfrac{n-1}{2}<n+1$ which implies $3<n\leq -1$ which implies $n=-1$ or $n=-2$ since n is integer

Hence the original equation gives :$ -1=2x+1$ or $-2=2x+1$ which implies $x=-1$ or $x=-(3/2)$
 

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