2009/02/4

double log convergence

February 04th 2009 Posted to Uncategorized

Here is a problem on complexity, or alternatively, convergence.

If an integer \(n\) is reduced by the largest square less than it each time until it is terminated at zero, show that the number of steps taken is at most order \(\log \log n\).

More precisely, let \(f(n) = n – {\left\lfloor{\sqrt{n}}\right\rfloor}^2\) and \(g(n)=k\) be the minimum number of steps until \(f^k(n)=0\). Prove that there exists some fixed \(A\) such that \(g(n)< A \log \log n\) for all \(n\ge 3\).
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2008/10/3

triangular pursuit

October 03rd 2008 Posted to Uncategorized

Here’s a problem posed to me by a friend:

Consider an equilateral triangle ABC with edge length 1. At each vertex is an object that is capable of movement at exactly speed 1. Beginning at time 0, each of the three objects moves toward its initial adjacent neighbor object, as in a game of pursuit. Of course, by symmetry, the objects will meet at the incenter of ABC. The question: how far will they have traveled?
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