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2 \times 3
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2^{34}
234
a_{i-1}
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Comments
That's a fun question. I think the best approach is to write n=⌊x⌋, t={x} and put the equation in terms of n,t. The idea is we know more about n (it's an integer between 1 and 23) and t (it's non-negative real less than 1) than we do about x alone.
So
ntn2t2n2t2−4t−4n=2n+t=4n+4t=0
This last equation is quadratic in t; so we know it has to have a real root somewhere in 0≤t<1.
Is that enough for you to finish this off? (By the way, I make the answer 18)
Easy Math Editor
This discussion board is a place to discuss our Daily Challenges and the math and science related to those challenges. Explanations are more than just a solution — they should explain the steps and thinking strategies that you used to obtain the solution. Comments should further the discussion of math and science.
When posting on Brilliant:
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\(
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to ensure proper formatting.2 \times 3
2^{34}
a_{i-1}
\frac{2}{3}
\sqrt{2}
\sum_{i=1}^3
\sin \theta
\boxed{123}
Comments
That's a fun question. I think the best approach is to write n=⌊x⌋, t={x} and put the equation in terms of n,t. The idea is we know more about n (it's an integer between 1 and 23) and t (it's non-negative real less than 1) than we do about x alone.
So ntn2t2n2t2−4t−4n=2n+t=4n+4t=0
This last equation is quadratic in t; so we know it has to have a real root somewhere in 0≤t<1.
Is that enough for you to finish this off? (By the way, I make the answer 18)
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It's enough for me to finish mate, thanks. I used quadratic formula(solving for t) and using the inequality 0≤t<1 and n=[1,22].
2n²4+16+16n³<1
4+4n³+1<2n²
2n³+1<n²−2
4n³+4<n4−4n²+4
n4−4n³−4n²>0
n²(n²−4n−4)>0
n²−4n−4>0
n²−4n+4>8
(n−2)²>8
n>2+22
Meaning n=[5,22], so we have 18 real numbers. But I'm not sure if this is the best approach, not confident with it. lol