B What function satisfies this table?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around finding a periodic function that fits a given table of values. Participants debate whether a cosine function is suitable, with some arguing that the data is better represented by a piecewise linear function or an absolute value function. A proposed fit using the cosine function yields specific parameters, but there is contention over its accuracy compared to simpler linear approximations. The conversation highlights the importance of interpreting the data correctly and the challenges of fitting functions to specific points. Ultimately, the thread emphasizes the need for clarity in defining the desired function type, whether exact or approximate.
  • #51
jbriggs444 said:
One would expect this sequence to converge to ... 30, 30, 30, 30, ... with a few 20, 10 and 10, 20 subsequences scattered therein.

pbuk said:
Er... actually it will converge to ... 10, 10, 10, ... with a few 20's and 30's scattered in (we are looking at intervals between composites which become increasingly dense).
Doesn’t throwing in a few other numbers mean that the sequence does not converge?
 
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  • #52
phinds said:
Your table is linear.
Strictly speaking, the data suggest a piecewise linear graph, which is somewhat different.
phinds said:
Of course, but the data does not support a pure straight line.
Right.
 

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