How to Prove 1+2n ≤ 3^n for All Positive Integers by Induction?

  • Thread starter Thread starter zeion
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Induction Proof
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the inequality 1 + 2n ≤ 3^n for all positive integers n using mathematical induction. The base case for n = 1 is verified successfully. The inductive step involves assuming the inequality holds for n = k and then attempting to prove it for n = k + 1. Participants clarify the correct assumptions needed for the induction hypothesis and emphasize the importance of proving that 3(1 + 2k) ≥ (1 + 2k). The conversation highlights common pitfalls in the induction process and encourages a careful approach to the proof.
zeion
Messages
455
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Show that the statement holds for all positive integers n.

1+2n <= 3^n


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



n = 1
1+2 <= 3

n = k
1+2k <= 3^k

n = (k+1)

1+2(k+1) <= 3^(k+1)
2k + 3 <= (3)(3^k)

Not sure what to do now

2k/3 + 1 <= 3^k
 
Physics news on Phys.org
zeion said:

Homework Statement



Show that the statement holds for all positive integers n.

1+2n <= 3^n


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



n = 1
1+2 <= 3

n = k
1+2k <= 3^k

n = (k+1)

1+2(k+1) <= 3^(k+1)
2k + 3 <= (3)(3^k)

Not sure what to do now

2k/3 + 1 <= 3^k

Hint:

Use your Induction Hypothesis (i.e, 1 + 2k <= 3k) to move on.

Remember that, you are trying to prove: 1 + 2(k+1) <= 3k + 1.

So: 1 + 2(k+1) = 2k + 3 = 2k + 1 + 2 <= ...
 
Assume:
3^k >= 1 + 2(k+1)
Then:
3^(k+1) = 3^k(3) >= (1 + 2(k+1))(3)

Then to proof it (1 + 2(k+1))(3) >= 1 + 2(k+1)

(1 + 2k + 2)(3) >= 1 + 2k + 2
6k + 9 >= 2k + 3
3(2k + 3) >= 2k + 3

Is that right??
 
zeion said:
Assume:
3^k >= 1 + 2(k+1)

No, your assumption is incorrect. :( What you should have assumed is:

3k >= 1 + 2k

NOT

3k >= 1 + 2(k + 1)

Let's try to do it again then.
 
Assume:
3k >= 1 + 2k

Then:
3k+1 = 3k(3) >= (3)(1+2k)

Proof that:
3(1+2k) >= (1 + 2k)
 
zeion said:
Assume:
3k >= 1 + 2k

Then:
3k+1 = 3k(3) >= (3)(1+2k)

Proof that:
3(1+2k) >= (1 + 2k)

Yup. And what's left is just to prove that 3(1+2k) >= (1 + 2k). Note that we already have k >= 0.

How can you go about proving the above inequality?
 
If k >= 0 then (1 + 2k) is > 0.
Let a be (1 + 2k)
3a >= a
 
can someone pls help to proof the following by induction:
A^n=P D^n P^(-1)
 
You might want to start your own thread.
 
Back
Top