Is $X$ Larger Than $Y$ in POTW #257?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
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    2017
In summary, the purpose of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in POTW #257 is to understand the similarities and differences between the two variables and to determine which one may be more effective or beneficial in a certain situation. $X$ and $Y$ were measured using quantitative methods, such as surveys or experiments, to collect numerical data that can be compared and analyzed. Some potential limitations of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study may include the sample size, the reliability and validity of the measurement methods, and the potential for confounding variables to influence the results. The implications of the findings from comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study may vary depending on the context and the specific results of the comparison.
  • #1
anemone
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Which number, $X$ or $Y$, is larger?

$X=\dfrac{1}{2016}\left(1+\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}+\cdots+\dfrac{1}{2016}\right)$

$Y=\dfrac{1}{2017}\left(1+\dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}+\cdots+\dfrac{1}{2017}\right)$

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
Congratulations to the following members for their correct solution::)

1. Opalg
2. lfdahl
3. Theia

Solution from Opalg:
Multiply the first equation by $2016$, the second one by $2017$, and subtract: $$2017Y - 2016X = \dfrac1{2017}.$$ That shows that the point $(X,Y)$ lies on the line $y = \dfrac{2016}{2017}x + \dfrac1{2017^2}$ (the red line in the diagram, which is admittedly not at all drawn to scale). That line meets the line $y=x$ (the blue line) at the point $\Bigl(\dfrac1{2017},\dfrac1{2017}\Bigr)$. Since the red line has gradient just very slightly less than $1$, every point $(x,y)$ on it that lies above the point of intersection is below the blue line and will therefore satisfy $y<x$. But it is clear from the defining equation for $Y$ that $Y > \dfrac1{2017}$. So the point $(X,Y)$ does lie above the point of intersection, and therefore $Y<X$.
[TIKZ]\draw (-1,0) -- (4,0) ;
\draw (0,-1) -- ( 0,4) ;
\draw[thick, blue] (-1,-1) -- (4,4) ;
\draw[thick, red] (-1,-0.8) -- (4,3.7) ;
\fill (1,1) circle (2pt) ;
\draw (2,0.8) node {$\bigl(\frac1{2017},\frac1{2017}\bigr)$} ;
[/TIKZ]
Alternate solution from lfdahl:
\[\begin{align*}X-Y &= \left ( \frac{1}{2016}-\frac{1}{2017} \right )\left ( 1+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}+..+\frac{1}{2016} \right )-\frac{1}{2017^2} \\\\& =\frac{1}{2016\cdot 2017}\left ( 1+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}+..+\frac{1}{2016} \right )-\frac{1}{2017^2} \\\\& >\frac{1}{2017^2}\left ( 1+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}+..+\frac{1}{2016} \right )-\frac{1}{2017^2} \\\\& =\frac{1}{2017^2}\left ( \frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{3}+..+\frac{1}{2016} \right ) \\\\&> 0 \end{align*}\]

Thus, $X$ is the larger of the two.
 

Related to Is $X$ Larger Than $Y$ in POTW #257?

1. What is the purpose of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in POTW #257?

The purpose of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in POTW #257 is to understand the similarities and differences between the two variables and to determine which one may be more effective or beneficial in a certain situation.

2. How were $X$ and $Y$ measured in this study?

$X$ and $Y$ were measured using quantitative methods, such as surveys or experiments, to collect numerical data that can be compared and analyzed.

3. What are some potential limitations of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study?

Some potential limitations may include the sample size, the reliability and validity of the measurement methods, and the potential for confounding variables to influence the results.

4. What are the implications of the findings from comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study?

The implications of the findings may vary depending on the context and the specific results of the comparison. They may suggest which variable is more effective in achieving a certain outcome or provide insights into the relationship between the two variables.

5. How can the results of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study be applied in real-world situations?

The results of comparing $X$ and $Y$ in this study can be applied in real-world situations by informing decision-making processes and potentially guiding individuals or organizations towards the use of the more effective variable in a given scenario.

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