Greatest Integer Function Limit Problem

Greatest Integer Function Limit Problem
$\begingroup$

I need help solving this problem without redefining the greatest interger function, is that possible?

$$\lim_{x \, \to \,\frac {1}{2}^-}[3x-\frac {1}{2}]$$

What about this rule

$\endgroup$

2 Answers

$\begingroup$

Hint: The function $g(x)=3x-\frac12$ is increasing, and hence, for $\frac16\le x<\frac12$, we have $g\left(\frac16\right)\le g(x)<g\left(\frac12\right)$.

$\endgroup$
$\begingroup$

Since we are interested in the behavior of $\left\lfloor 3x-\frac{1}{2}\right\rfloor$ as $x$ tends to $\frac{1}{2}$ from the left, we may assume that $\frac{1}{6}<x<\frac{1}{2}$. Then

$$\frac{3}{6}<3x<\frac{3}{2}$$

so

$$\frac{3}{6}-\frac{1}{2}<3x-\frac{1}{2}<\frac{3}{2}-\frac{1}{2}$$

which reduces to $0<3x-\frac{1}{2}<1$. It follows that $\left\lfloor 3x-\frac{1}{2}\right\rfloor=0$, so

$$\lim_{x\to\frac{1}{2}^-}\left\lfloor 3x-\frac{1}{2}\right\rfloor=0$$

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

James H. Sterling
Author

James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.