What is the general term for integer sequences satisfying a specific condition?

In summary, the sequence $\{a_n\}$ is defined as the sum of the previous term and the greatest integer less than or equal to the fraction $\dfrac{n^2-2n+2-a_{n-1}}{n}$, where all terms are integers. The general term of the sequence is $a_n = 1 + \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)^2}3\right\rfloor$. The initial term $a_0$ is not important. Using induction, it can be shown that $a_n$ can also be written as $1+\left\lceil\dfrac{n(n-2)}{3}\right\rceil$ or $1+(2
  • #1
hxthanh
16
0
Define $\{a_n\}$ is integer sequences (all term are integers) satisfy condition

$a_n=a_{n-1}+\left\lfloor\dfrac{n^2-2n+2-a_{n-1}}{n}\right\rfloor $ for $n=1,2,...$

*note: $\left\lfloor x\right\rfloor$ is a greatest integer number less than or equal $x$
Find general term of sequences.
 
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  • #2
hxthanh said:
Define $\{a_n\}$ is integer sequences (all term are integers) satisfy condition

$a_n=a_{n-1}+\left\lfloor\dfrac{n^2-2n+2-a_{n-1}}{n}\right\rfloor $ for $n=1,2,...$

*note: $\left\lfloor x\right\rfloor$ is a greatest integer number less than or equal $x$
Find general term of sequences.

is there an initial term ? [tex]a_0[/tex]
 
  • #3
Amer said:
is there an initial term ? [tex]a_0[/tex]

$a_0$ is'nt importan!
because $a_1=a_0+\left\lfloor\dfrac{1^2-2.1+2-a_0}{1}\right\rfloor=1$
 
  • #4
hxthanh said:
Define $\{a_n\}$ is integer sequences (all term are integers) satisfy condition

$a_n=a_{n-1}+\left\lfloor\dfrac{n^2-2n+2-a_{n-1}}{n}\right\rfloor $ for $n=1,2,...$

*note: $\left\lfloor x\right\rfloor$ is a greatest integer number less than or equal $x$
Find general term of sequences.
[sp]$a_n = 1 + \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)^2}3\right\rfloor.$ To prove that, use induction, but by establishing three steps at a time rather than the usual one step.

Before starting the proof, notice that $a_n = \left\lfloor\dfrac{n^2-2n+2-a_{n-1} + na_{n-1}}{n}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)(a_{n-1} + n-1) +1}{n}\right\rfloor$. Also, if we write $b_n = 1 + \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)^2}3\right\rfloor$, then $b_n = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)^2 + 3}3\right\rfloor$.

The inductive hypothesis is that if $n=3k+1$ then $a_{3k+1} = b_{3k+1} = 3k^2+1$, and that furthermore this is still true if the floor signs are omitted. In other words, if $n=3k+1$ then the fractions in the expressions for $a_n$ and $b_n$ are integers, so there is no need to take their fractional parts. This is true for $k=0$.

That hypothesis implies that $$a_{n+1} = a_{3k+2} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+1)(3k^2+3k+2) +1}{3k+2}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor\dfrac{9k^3 + 12k^2+9k+3}{3k+2}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 3k^2 + 2k + 1 + \tfrac{2k +1}{3k+2}\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 2k + 1.$$ Also, $$b_{n+1} = b_{3k+2} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+1)^2 + 3}3\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 3k^2 + 2k+1 +\tfrac13\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 2k + 1 = a_{3k+2}.$$

This in turn implies that $$a_{n+2} = a_{3k+3} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+2)(3k^2+5k+3) +1}{3k+3}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor\dfrac{9k^3 + 21k^2+19k+7}{3k+3}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 3k^2 + 4k + 2 + \tfrac{k +1}{3k+3}\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 4k + 2.$$ Also, $$b_{n+2} = b_{3k+3} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+2)^2 + 3}3\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 3k^2 + 4k+2 +\tfrac13\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 4k + 2 = a_{3k+3}.$$
This in turn implies that $$a_{n+3} = a_{3k+4} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+3)(3k^2+7k+5) +1}{3k+4}\right\rfloor = \left\lfloor\dfrac{9k^3 + 30k^2+36k+16}{3k+4}\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 66k + 4.$$ Also, $$b_{n+3} = b_{3k+4} = \left\lfloor\dfrac{(3k+3)^2 + 3}3\right\rfloor = 3k^2 + 6k + 4 = a_{3k+4}.$$ Notice that the fractions for $a_{n+3}$ and $b_{n+3}$ both had zero remainder on division, and therefore gave integer results without having to take the integer part. Notice also that $3k^2 + 6k + 4 = 3(k+1)^2 + 1$, which completes the inductive step.[/sp]
 
  • #5
Opalg said:
$a_n = 1 + \left\lfloor\dfrac{(n-1)^2}3\right\rfloor.$
...
very nice solution!

Some similar results
[sp]
$a_n=1+\left\lceil\dfrac{n(n-2)}{3}\right\rceil$

$a_n=1+(2n-2)\left\lfloor\dfrac{n}{3}\right\rfloor-3\left\lfloor\dfrac{n}{3}\right\rfloor^2$

Also, by induction show that $a_n-a_{n-1}=\left\lfloor\dfrac{2(n-1)}{3}\right\rfloor$
[/sp]
 

FAQ: What is the general term for integer sequences satisfying a specific condition?

What is the purpose of finding integer sequences?

The purpose of finding integer sequences is to identify and analyze patterns in a series of numbers. This can provide insight into mathematical concepts, help in solving mathematical problems, and even lead to the discovery of new mathematical concepts.

How do you identify an integer sequence?

An integer sequence is identified by a set of numbers that follow a specific pattern or rule. This can be done by observing the differences between consecutive numbers, looking for common factors or multiples, or using mathematical formulas.

What are some examples of well-known integer sequences?

Some examples of well-known integer sequences include the Fibonacci sequence, the Prime numbers sequence, and the Triangular numbers sequence. These sequences have been studied extensively and have applications in various fields of mathematics.

How do you use integer sequences in real life?

Integer sequences have numerous applications in real life, such as in computer algorithms, cryptography, and data compression. They are also used in various scientific fields, such as in analyzing DNA sequences and predicting stock market trends.

Are there any tools or resources available for finding integer sequences?

Yes, there are several tools and resources available for finding integer sequences, such as the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences (OEIS), which contains over 300,000 sequences, and various software programs specifically designed for identifying and analyzing integer sequences.

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