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Let
f(x) = \sqrt{x - \sqrt{x}}.
Find the largest three-digit value of x such that f(x) is an integer.

 Feb 16, 2024

Best Answer 

 #1
avatar+410 
+2

Set this as r.

r=xx

r2=xx.

We see that because x is an integer, and r is an interger, then x must be a perfect square.

Suppose x=a2,a0

r2=a2a.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think this is possible. 

We see a is larger than r, because you subtract from a larger number to get a smaller number.

Lets suppose a general case where a = r + n, where n > 0, because we know a > r.

Lets compare these two. 

When comparing, and dealing with positives like we are now we generally use if ab>1, then a>b, if the opposite the opposite is true.

So we want to see if r2(r+n)2(r+n) is greater than 1 or not.

Simplifying, r2r2+rn. We see that this is always less than one, because r and n and both positive, so therefore r2<(r+n)2(r+n), so therefore substituting a back in, we see r2<a2a, so it can't be equal.

So unless you are counting 0, as a 3 digit number, there is no solution.

 Feb 16, 2024
 #1
avatar+410 
+2
Best Answer

Set this as r.

r=xx

r2=xx.

We see that because x is an integer, and r is an interger, then x must be a perfect square.

Suppose x=a2,a0

r2=a2a.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think this is possible. 

We see a is larger than r, because you subtract from a larger number to get a smaller number.

Lets suppose a general case where a = r + n, where n > 0, because we know a > r.

Lets compare these two. 

When comparing, and dealing with positives like we are now we generally use if ab>1, then a>b, if the opposite the opposite is true.

So we want to see if r2(r+n)2(r+n) is greater than 1 or not.

Simplifying, r2r2+rn. We see that this is always less than one, because r and n and both positive, so therefore r2<(r+n)2(r+n), so therefore substituting a back in, we see r2<a2a, so it can't be equal.

So unless you are counting 0, as a 3 digit number, there is no solution.

hairyberry Feb 16, 2024

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