Art of Problem Solving

Floor function: Difference between revisions

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The greatest integer function, also known as the '''floor function''', gives the greatest integer less than or equal to its argument.  The floor of <math>x</math> is usually denoted by <math>\lfloor x \rfloor</math> or <math>[x]</math>.  Note that this function is ''not'' the same as rounding or "dropping the decimal part."
The greatest integer function, also known as the '''floor function''', gives the greatest integer less than or equal to its argument.  The floor of <math>x</math> is usually denoted by <math>\lfloor x \rfloor</math> or <math>[x]</math>.  Note that this function is ''not'' the same as rounding or "dropping everything after the decimal point" in general.


For example:
For example:
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*<math>\lfloor 5 \rfloor = 5</math>
*<math>\lfloor 5 \rfloor = 5</math>


*<math>\lfloor -2.7 \rfloor = -3</math>
*<math>\lfloor -3.2 \rfloor = -4</math>


==See Also==
==See Also==

Revision as of 11:46, 29 June 2006

The greatest integer function, also known as the floor function, gives the greatest integer less than or equal to its argument. The floor of $x$ is usually denoted by $\lfloor x \rfloor$ or $[x]$. Note that this function is not the same as rounding or "dropping everything after the decimal point" in general.

For example:

  • $\lfloor 3.14 \rfloor = 3$
  • $\lfloor 5 \rfloor = 5$
  • $\lfloor -3.2 \rfloor = -4$

See Also