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

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The discussion revolves around proving the inequality $(k - 1)^2 > 2$ using mathematical induction, specifically for $k \geq 3$. The initial steps involve demonstrating that $2^n > n^2$ for $n \geq 5$ and establishing the base case. Participants emphasize the need to prove that $k^2 > 2k + 1$, which simplifies to $(k - 1)^2 > 2$. The conclusion drawn is that for the inequality to hold, $k$ must satisfy $k \geq 3$, confirming that the proof is valid under these conditions. The discussion highlights the importance of both proving the base case and establishing the necessary conditions for the induction step.
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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