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Printjmc
algebra senior
Problem
The greatest integer function, , denotes the largest integer less than or equal to . For example, , and . Find the sum of the three smallest positive solutions to Express your answer as a mixed number.
Solution
We will begin with the smallest possible positive values of . For positive values of , when , the right side of our equation is equal to , which is undefined. When , the right side of our equation is equal to , but cannot equal .
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
Then the sum of the three smallest positive solutions to is
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
When , the right side of our equation is equal to , so we have . This occurs when .
Then the sum of the three smallest positive solutions to is
Final answer
10\frac{1}{12}