Twice the Preceding Root Number: Proving a Conjecture

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a conjecture regarding the number of imperfect roots between consecutive perfect roots, specifically focusing on the relationship between these numbers and their preceding root numbers. Participants explore this concept through examples and seek to generalize the findings to n-th roots.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the number of imperfect roots between any two consecutive perfect roots is always twice the preceding root number, citing examples with square roots.
  • Another participant suggests considering the integers between perfect squares, indicating that the count of integers is relevant to the discussion.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the count of integers, initially suggesting there are countably infinite integers, but later clarifies to focus on natural numbers.
  • There is a discussion about whether the count of integers is odd or even, with one participant correcting their earlier misunderstanding regarding the count of integers between two perfect squares.
  • One participant questions whether a generalization can be made for n-th roots of consecutive numbers, seeking to understand if a similar pattern holds for roots beyond square roots.
  • Another participant acknowledges that while the pattern holds for square roots, it may become more complicated for higher roots, suggesting that the formulas will differ.
  • Participants engage in calculations and examples to explore the validity of the conjecture and its generalization, with one noting that their hypothesis was disproven through examples.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conjecture and its generalization, with no consensus reached on the validity of the original claim or its applicability to n-th roots. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of the conjecture.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific definitions of perfect and imperfect roots, and the discussion includes assumptions about the nature of integers and natural numbers. Some mathematical steps and generalizations remain unresolved.

Tenshou
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I don't know if this is the proper thing to call it, but I haven't used any mathematical terminology in a while so I think I will try :P

The number of imperfect roots between any two consecutive perfect roots will always be twice the preceding root number.

for example there is 2 imperfect roots between ## \sqrt1 and \sqrt4## and 6 in between ##\sqrt9 and \sqrt16## This pattern seems to work I have tried this up for large numbers and it seems to hold, it seems like it should very easy to prove and I am working on this proof as we speak, but I think I could use a little help...
 
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Hint: if n^2 is a perfect square, the next perfect square is (n+1)^2. How many integers (edit: better) are between those two numbers?
 
Last edited:
I don't understand the question mfb? there are countably infinite number, correct?

My question is strictly for natural number D:
 
I mean integers only, of course.
 
Well, then it would always be a odd number. unless you count the number you start on then it should be even every time?
 
How is 2 (as an example, the number of integers between 1 and 4) odd?
You can expand (n+1)^2 and get the number of integers between n^2 and (n+1)^2...
 
Sorry, I was counting like this 1...2*...3*...4*, I counted each element, like the distance >.< LOL! But you are right that is true, so it works for both squares and square roots, oh that is interesting, I should have checked that case... but now the real question is "Can I make a generalization for this for the n-th root of any "consecutive" numbers like##\sqrt[n]m## and ##\sqrt[n]k## are there n times the previous number where m and k are integers?" But I think you answered my question.
 
Tenshou said:
I don't know if this is the proper thing to call it, but I haven't used any mathematical terminology in a while so I think I will try :P

The number of imperfect roots between any two consecutive perfect roots will always be twice the preceding root number.

for example there is 2 imperfect roots between ## \sqrt1 and \sqrt4## and 6 in between ##\sqrt9 and \sqrt16## This pattern seems to work I have tried this up for large numbers and it seems to hold, it seems like it should very easy to prove and I am working on this proof as we speak, but I think I could use a little help...
Let ##n## be a positive integer. You are looking to see if ##2n+1 \stackrel{?}{=} (n+1)^2-n^2##.

$$2n+1 \stackrel{?}{=} (n+1)^2-n^2 \\ 2n+1 \stackrel{?}{=} ((n+1)-n)((n+1)+n) \\ 2n+1 = 2n+1$$

I don't understand your confusion.
 
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Tenshou said:
but now the real question is "Can I make a generalization for this for the n-th root of any "consecutive" numbers like##\sqrt[n]m## and ##\sqrt[n]k## are there n times the previous number where m and k are integers?" But I think you answered my question.
Not n times the previous number, but you can get similar (just more complicated) formulas with the same approach as for the square root (n=2).
 
  • #10
So, they become more complicated than just n times the previous number? I mean it works for consecutive square roots of perfect squares, and it would be a little more complicated for consecutive cubes of perfect cubes and all the way forward, This is awesome!
 
  • #11
So, they become more complicated than just n times the previous number?
Just calculate some examples, and you'll see it.
 
  • #12
I did, and thanks, so I guess it busted that hypothesis lol
 

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