High School Term for continuously halving a number

  • Thread starter Thread starter dazza555
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expressions Term
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The mathematical process of continuously halving a number until a non-integer is reached is commonly referred to as finding the "greatest odd divisor" of that number. This can be achieved by representing the number in binary and right-shifting the bits to eliminate trailing zeroes until the rightmost bit is a 1. The discussion also humorously suggests the term "Shift 'til you lift" for this operation, along with alternative names like "POP Factor" (product of odd prime factors) and "trim trailing zero-bits." These terms encapsulate the essence of the mathematical operation discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binary number representation
  • Familiarity with mathematical concepts of divisors
  • Knowledge of bitwise operations
  • Basic arithmetic operations, specifically division
NEXT STEPS
  • Research binary arithmetic and bitwise operations
  • Learn about divisors and their properties in number theory
  • Explore the concept of odd and even numbers in mathematical functions
  • Investigate the significance of trailing zeroes in binary numbers
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, computer scientists, educators, and anyone interested in number theory or binary operations will benefit from this discussion.

dazza555
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
What is the mathematical term for continuously halving a number until you won't result in a whole number.
It's been a long time since I've had a need for my math knowledge and as a result, sadly, a lot has been forgotten. I had a thought the other day and it has been bugging me ever since. What is the mathematical term for when you continually divide any number by 2 until you no longer get a whole number, what is the function for this?

For example if I had 8/2=4 then 4/2=2 then 2/2=1 and the answer would be 1
or
94/2=47 the answer is 47

Am I just driving myself crazy thinking there is a term or proper way of writing it when it's just simply halving a number until you can't? Ahh the mind is a terrible thing to lose.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
I don't think there's a term for it. I guess you could describe it as the greatest odd divisor of the number.
 
  • Like
Likes mfb
Write it in binary. Shift the bits right to remove the zero bits at the end. Stop when the rightmost bit is a 1.
 
  • Like
Likes etotheipi
Removing all the factors of two? Or finding the largest odd factor?
 
robphy said:
Write it in binary. Shift the bits right to remove the zero bits at the end. Stop when the rightmost bit is a 1.

Oh nice, we can give this a snappy name. Shift 'til you lift (the rightmost digit from a 0 to a 1).

You just mumble the parenthetical part as fast as you can.
 
  • Haha
Likes etotheipi
Right-normalized floating point?
 
Here’s a catchy name:
trim trailing zeroes...
but maybe it’s more precise to say:
trim trailing zero-bits
 
My suggestion: POP Factor (product (of) odd prime factors). Could even be a television show.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
857
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
9K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K