Free associating: I like the inductive proof that every rational number p/q can be written as an Egyptian fraction, i.e., a sum of reciprocals — and specifically that the greedy algorithm which subtracts the largest 1/k less than or equal to p/q terminates. This involves a nice induction on the numerator. C
On Jan 22, 2018, at 7:11 PM, James Propp <jamespropp@gmail.com> wrote:
Can anyone think of a problem for which the trick is that you should rationalize numerators rather than denominators? Or more generally leave combinations of surds in some nonstandard but tactically helpful form?
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Cristopher Moore Professor, Santa Fe Institute Why should we be deported? This is very, very hard for a family. What will our fellow citizens think if honest subjects are faced with such a decree — not to mention the great material losses it would incur. I would like to become a Bavarian citizen again. Your most humble and obedient, Friedrich Trump (1905)