Recursive sequence problem: proofs by mathematical induction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving by mathematical induction that the recursive sequence defined by \( a_{n+1} = 3 - \frac{1}{a_n} \) with \( a_1 = 1 \) is both increasing and bounded above by 3 for all \( n \). The initial step verifies that \( a_2 = 2 > a_1 \), confirming the sequence is increasing. The induction hypothesis assumes \( a_k < 3 \) and demonstrates that \( a_{k+1} < 3 \) holds true, thereby establishing that \( a_n < 3 \) for all \( n \). The proof is validated through careful manipulation of inequalities and induction principles.

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Guys,

I'm trying to prove by induction that the sequence given by
[tex]a_{n+1}=3-\frac{1}{a_n} \qquad a_1=1[/tex] is increasing and [tex]a_n < 3 \qquad \forall n .[/tex]

Is the following correct? Thank you. :smile:

Task #1.
[tex]n = 1 \Longrightarrow a_2=2>a_1[/tex] is true.
We assume [tex]n = k[/tex] is true. Then,
[tex]3-\frac{1}{a_{k+1}} > 3-\frac{1}{a_k}[/tex]
[tex]a_{k+2} > a_{k+1}[/tex] is true for [tex]n=k+1[/tex].
This shows, by mathematical induction, that
[tex]a_{n+1} > a_{n} \qquad \forall n .[/tex]

Task #2
We already know that
[tex]a_1 < 3[/tex] is true.
We assume [tex]n=k[/tex] is true. Then,
[tex]a_k < 3[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{a_k} > \frac{1}{3}[/tex]
[tex]-\frac{1}{a_k} < -\frac{1}{3}[/tex]
[tex]3-\frac{1}{a_k} < 3-\frac{1}{3}[/tex]
[tex]a_{k+1} < \frac{8}{3} < 3[/tex]
[tex]a_{k+1} < 3[/tex] is true for [tex]n = k+1[/tex]. Thus,
[tex]a_{n} < 3 \qquad \forall n .[/tex]
 
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This is not written very well and some indices are wrong.
For the first step with ##n=1## we have ##3 > 2 = a_2 = 3- \frac{1}{a_1} > 1 = a_1 > 0##.
Let us next assume we have shown ##3 > a_n > a_{n-1} > 0##.

[Here we have to write the calculation 'backwards'.]
$$
3 > 3- \frac{1}{a_n} = a_{n+1} \stackrel{(1)}{>} 3 - \frac{1}{a_{n-1}} = a_n > 0
$$
where ##(1)## follows from: ##a_n > a_{n-1} \Longrightarrow \frac{1}{a_{n-1}} > \frac{1}{a_n} \Longrightarrow -\frac{1}{a_n} > -\frac{1}{a_{n-1}}##
 
In addition to fresh_42's comments, this line:
We assume [itex]n=k[/itex] is true. Then,
[itex]a_k < 3[/itex]
You don't "assume" that n = k is true -- you assume that the proposition ##a_n < 3## is true for n = k.
 

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