Is $k \geq 3$ enough to conclude $(k - 1)^2 > 2$ in mathematical induction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical induction proof for the inequality \(2^n > n^2\) for \(n \ge 5\). Participants explore the necessary conditions for concluding that \((k - 1)^2 > 2\) when \(k \ge 3\), examining the steps required to validate the proof and the implications of these conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants present a sequence of steps to prove \(2^{k+1} > (k+1)^2\) based on the assumption \(2^k > k^2\).
  • There is a need to demonstrate that \(k^2 > 2k + 1\) for \(k > 4\), which some participants assert is necessary for the proof's validity.
  • Participants discuss how to prove the inequality \(k^2 > 2k + 1\), with suggestions to manipulate the expression to find a lower bound.
  • One participant points out that adding \(1 - 2k\) leads to the expression \(k^2 - 2k + 1 > 0\), which is equivalent to \((k - 1)^2 > 0\).
  • Another participant notes that if \((k - 1)^2 \geq 4\), then it follows that \((k - 1)^2 > 2\), suggesting that \(k - 1 \geq 2\) is a sufficient condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of proving certain inequalities but express differing views on the specific steps and conditions required to conclude \((k - 1)^2 > 2\). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to solidify the proof.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the base case for \(n = 5\) and the implications of the inequalities discussed. The discussion also reflects varying levels of confidence in the proposed methods of proof.

ineedhelpnow
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Did i do this right?

$2^n>n^2$, $n \ge 5$

$S_{k+1}: 2^{k+1}>k^2+2k+1$

$2^k>k^2$

$2(2^k)>2k^2$

$2^{k+1}>k^2+k^2$

And $k^2+k^2>k^2+2k+1$

RHS: $k^2+2k+1$

So $2^{k+1}>(k+1)^2$
 
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ineedhelpnow said:
Did i do this right?

$2^n>n^2$, $n \ge 5$

$S_{k+1}: 2^{k+1}>k^2+2k+1$

$2^k>k^2$

$2(2^k)>2k^2$

$2^{k+1}>k^2+k^2$

And $k^2+k^2>k^2+2k+1$

RHS: $k^2+2k+1$

So $2^{k+1}>(k+1)^2$

the steps are right but you need to show that
$k^2\gt 2k+ 1$
which is true for k >4(as you need for k > 4)
as $k^2\gt 4k \gt 2k +1$

then the proof becomes compelte
 
And you need to show the base case, i.e. show it holds for $n = 5$ (easy, but you must not forget it, otherwise the proof is useless).
 
kaliprasad said:
the steps are right but you need to show that
$k^2\gt 2k+ 1$
which is true for k >4(as you need for k > 4)
as $k^2\gt 4k \gt 2k +1$

then the proof becomes compelte
how do i show that though? do i just state it or do i have to prove it?
 
You have to prove it, of course, like kaliprasad did.
 
how would i prove that though? do because i mentioned in my notes that $k^2>2k+1$ but i don't know how to prove it.
 
ineedhelpnow said:
how would i prove that though? do because i mentioned in my notes that $k^2>2k+1$ but i don't know how to prove it.

Try adding $1-2k$ to both sides...then you can find a lower bound for the positive real numbers.
 
if you add that to both sides you end up getting $k^2-2k+1>0$
 
ineedhelpnow said:
if you add that to both sides you end up getting $k^2-2k+1>0$

Well, you actually get:

$$k^2-2k+1>2$$

Now, factor the left side, and concern yourself only with $$0<k$$...
 
  • #10
oh yes your right.

$(k-1)^2>2$
 
  • #11
ineedhelpnow said:
oh yes your right.

$(k-1)^2>2$

So, what is the lower bound for positive $k$?
 
  • #12
2?
 
  • #13
ineedhelpnow said:
2?

I really should have said concern yourself with $$1\le k$$ where $$k\in\mathbb{N}$$

Take the positive root of both sides...what do you find?
 
  • #14
Suppose we want to be able to CONCLUDE:

$(k - 1)^2 > 2$

What conditions does $k$ have to satisfy, first?

Note that if $a,b > 0$ and $a^2 \geq b^2$, then it must be that $a \geq b$, for if we had:

$a < b$, then $a^2 < ab < b^2$, contradiction.

If we could show $(k - 1)^2 \geq 4$, it would surely be greater than 2, since $4 > 2$.

Now 4 has the advantage of being a perfect square, so from the argument above, it would be sufficient if we have:

$k - 1 \geq 2$.

Almost there...can you finish?
 

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