Challenge involving irrational number

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  • #1
anemone
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Let $x$ be an irrational number. Show that there are integers $m$ and $n$ such that $\dfrac{1}{2555}<mx+n<\dfrac{1}{2012}$.
 
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  • #2
We have $\frac{1}{2012} - \frac{1}{2555} = \frac{ 543}{2012 * 2555}$
Now to keep it simple let p = 2012 * 2555
divide the interval $[0\cdots 1]$ into p equal intervals from 1 to p the $k^{th}$ interval between
$\frac{k-1}{p}$ to $\frac{k}{p}$
Define the function $f(m) = mx - \lfloor mx \rfloor $
Let us find f(k) for k = 1 to p
We shall get p values and there is value in 1st interval.
We shall assert the above statement that there is value in 1st interval.
If there is no value in 1st interval then there are p values and p-1 intervals so 2 values must be in the same interval so say for a and b
So $ | f(a) - f(b) |$ must be in the 1st interval for (a-b)
So there is a value say c such that
$ | f(c) |= \frac{1}{p}$
Now because p = 2012 * 2555
So there exists integer s and t such that
$\frac{1}{2555} < st < rt < \frac{1}{2012}$
So if chose an integer m such that $sc <= m < rc$ then we have
$\frac{1}{2555} < f(c) < \frac{1}{2012}$
Because $f(c) < \frac{1}{p}$
And as $r < p$ we have
$f(mc) < 1$
So $f(m) = mx - \lfloor mx \rfloor $ and choosing $n= - \lfloor mx \rfloor $ we get the result
Hence proved
 
  • #3
$x$ is irrational then $\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}$ is dense so :
$$\exists m,n \in \mathbb{Z}, \dfrac{1}{2555} < m x + n < \dfrac{1}{2012}$$
 
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  • #4
ALI ALI said:
$x$ is irrational then $\mathbb{Z} + x \mathbb{Z}$ is dense

If I had to guess, proving this is the main point of the challenge.
 
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FAQ: Challenge involving irrational number

What is an irrational number?

An irrational number is a real number that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. This means that it cannot be written as a fraction with a finite number of digits after the decimal point.

How do you solve a challenge involving irrational numbers?

Solving a challenge involving irrational numbers usually involves using approximations or estimation techniques, as it is not possible to find the exact value of an irrational number. This may include using decimal approximations or rounding to a certain number of significant figures.

Can irrational numbers be negative?

Yes, irrational numbers can be negative. Examples of negative irrational numbers include -√2 and -π.

What is the difference between a rational and an irrational number?

The main difference between rational and irrational numbers is that rational numbers can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, while irrational numbers cannot. Additionally, rational numbers have a finite or repeating decimal representation, while irrational numbers have an infinite, non-repeating decimal representation.

What are some real-life applications of irrational numbers?

Irrational numbers have many real-life applications, including in geometry, physics, and engineering. For example, the value of π is used in calculations involving circles and spheres, and the value of √2 is used in the Pythagorean theorem.

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