Problem 106

Question

If \(\\{x\\}\) and \([x]\) represent fractional and integral part of \(x\), then the value of \([x]+\sum_{r=1}^{2000} \frac{\\{x+r\\}}{2000}\) is (A) \(x\) (B) \(2000 x\) (C) 0 (D) None of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The value is (A) \(x\).
1Step 1: Understand the Notations
The notation \( [x] \) denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to \( x \), which is called the "floor" of \( x \), and \( \{x\} \) represents the fractional part of \( x \), defined as \( \{x\} = x - [x] \).
2Step 2: Analyze the Series
The series in the problem is \( \sum_{r=1}^{2000} \frac{\{x + r\}}{2000} \). Each term \( \{x + r\} \) is the fractional part of the number \( x + r \) which equals to \( \{x + r\} = x - [x] + r - [r] \). However, since \( r \) is an integer, \( [r] = r \), the expression simplifies to \( \{x + r\} = \{x\} \). Therefore, each term in the sum is just \( \frac{\{x\}}{2000} \).
3Step 3: Evaluate the Sum
Now we evaluate the sum: \( \sum_{r=1}^{2000} \frac{\{x + r\}}{2000} = \frac{1}{2000} \sum_{r=1}^{2000} \{x\} = \frac{1}{2000} \times 2000 \times \{x\} = \{x\} \).
4Step 4: Combine with the Floor
Combine \([x]\) with the sum: \([x] + \sum_{r=1}^{2000} \frac{\{x + r\}}{2000} = [x] + \{x\}\). By the properties of fractional and integral parts, \([x] + \{x\} = x\).
5Step 5: Conclusion: Identify the Correct Answer
After evaluating the expression, the correct answer is \(x\), which matches choice (A).

Key Concepts

Floor FunctionSeries EvaluationGreatest Integer Function
Floor Function
The floor function is a mathematical concept that rounds a real number down to the nearest integer. It's often represented by the notation \([x]\), signifying the greatest integer less than or equal to \(x\). This concept is particularly useful when you want to strip a number of its fractional component.

For example, if you have \(x = 3.7\), the floor of \(x\), denoted as \([3.7]\), is 3. Similarly, for a negative number, such as \(-2.3\), \([-2.3]\) equals \(-3\), because \(-3\) is the greatest integer less than or equal to \(-2.3\).
  • The floor function always results in an integer value.
  • It can be visualized as the largest step downward from a number on a number line.
  • Even whole numbers are unaffected by this operation, e.g., \([5] = 5\).
Series Evaluation
Series evaluation is a process of finding the value of a series, which is a sum of terms. It involves carefully analyzing each element of the series to determine how they collectively impact the total sum.

In the given exercise, the series \(\sum_{r=1}^{2000} \frac{\{x + r\}}{2000}\) involves evaluating summands that include the fractional parts of numbers. The fractional part, \(\{x\}\), of a number \(x\) is the portion of \(x\) beyond its integer component, calculated as \(x - [x]\) where \([x]\) is the floor of \(x\).
  • Each term involves dividing the fractional part of \(x + r\) by 2000.
  • The constant structure of \(\{x + r\} = \{x\}\) simplifies calculations.
  • The end result is effectively scaled by the number of terms, simplifying to \(\{x\}\).
Series evaluation requires focusing on these patterns and simplifications to efficiently solve complex expressions.
Greatest Integer Function
The greatest integer function, synonymous with the floor function, refers to the method of finding the greatest integer that is less than or equal to a given real number. This understanding is essential when dissecting expressions involving both integral and fractional parts.

In mathematical terms, the greatest integer function \([x]\) for a number \(x\) is intuitive: imagine any decimal number and its nearest lower whole number. This integer plays a crucial role in many calculations and simplifies the integration of numbers with fractional parts.
  • It ensures that any real number is expressed clearly in terms of its integer and non-integer components.
  • Provides a structured way to assess how numbers interact in summations or sequences.
  • Essential in problems involving floor calculations, allowing streamlined computations.
To fully appreciate these concepts, remember that they bridge the gap between discrete numbers and the infinite possibilities of real numbers.