Limit of function containing integer part

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the limit as $x$ approaches positive and negative infinity of $x^{100}\left[\frac{1}{x}\right]$. The limit is determined to be $0$ when $x$ approaches positive infinity, and $-x^{100}$ when $x$ approaches negative infinity. The concept of the integer part of a number is also briefly discussed.
  • #1
mathmari
Gold Member
MHB
5,049
7
Hey! :eek:

I want to calculate the limit $$\lim_{x\rightarrow \infty}x^{100}\left [\frac{1}{x}\right ]$$

When $x\rightarrow +\infty$ it holds that $0<\frac{1}{x}<1$, or not? (Wondering)

If yes, it holds that $\left [\frac{1}{x}\right ]=0$ or not? Then $x^{100}\left [\frac{1}{x}\right ]=0$, and therefore the limit is $0$. But what happens if $x\rightarrow -\infty$ ? (Wondering)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
mathmari said:
When $x\rightarrow +\infty$ it holds that $0<\frac{1}{x}<1$, or not? (Wondering)

If you meant to say $0 < \frac{1}{x} < 1$ when $x$ is sufficiently large, then you are correct.

mathmari said:
If yes, it holds that $\left [\frac{1}{x}\right ]=0$ or not? Then $x^{100}\left [\frac{1}{x}\right ]=0$, and therefore the limit is $0$.

That's correct.

mathmari said:
But what happens if $x\rightarrow -\infty$ ? (Wondering)

When $x \le -1$, $-1 \le 1/x < 0$, which implies $\left[\frac{1}{x}\right] = -1$. Thus $x^{100}\left[\frac{1}{x}\right] = -x^{100}$ whenever $x \le -1$. What does that tell you about the limit as $x \to -\infty$?
 
  • #3
Euge said:
When $x \le -1$, $-1 \le 1/x < 0$, which implies $\left[\frac{1}{x}\right] = -1$. Thus $x^{100}\left[\frac{1}{x}\right] = -x^{100}$ whenever $x \le -1$. What does that tell you about the limit as $x \to -\infty$?

When $-1 \le 1/x < 0$, we have for example $-0,000111$. Isn't the integer part again $0$ ? (Wondering)
 
  • #4
No, because the integer $0$ is greater than that number. The integer part of a number $z$ is defined as the greatest integer less than or equal to $z$.
 
  • #5
Euge said:
No, because the integer $0$ is greater than that number. The integer part of a number $z$ is defined as the greatest integer less than or equal to $z$.

Ah... I though that the integer part of a number of the form "a,bcd..." is "a" so the number before the comma... (Thinking)
 

FAQ: Limit of function containing integer part

What is the definition of a limit of a function containing an integer part?

The limit of a function containing an integer part is the value that a function approaches as the input approaches a certain integer value.

How is the limit of a function with an integer part different from a regular limit?

The main difference is that a function with an integer part has a discontinuity at the integer values, making the limit at those points undefined.

How do you calculate the limit of a function with an integer part?

To calculate the limit of a function with an integer part, you must consider the left and right limits separately and determine if they approach the same value.

Can a function with an integer part have a limit at the integer values?

No, a function with an integer part will always have a discontinuity at the integer values, making the limit at those points undefined.

What are some real-life applications of functions with integer parts?

Functions with integer parts can be used to model real-life situations such as the number of people in a group, the number of items in a package, or the amount of money in a bank account. They can also be used in computer programming to round numbers or divide quantities into equal parts.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
974
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top