Is my short induction proof correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving the inequality ##3^n > n^2## for all natural numbers ##n## using mathematical induction. Participants are exploring the validity of the induction steps and the conditions under which the inequality holds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the base case of the induction and the assumption for the induction step. There is a focus on the manipulation of inequalities and the implications of adding terms to the expressions involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of certain steps in the proof and the conditions under which the inequalities hold. Some have pointed out specific cases where the assumptions may not apply, and there is a general exploration of the implications of the derived expressions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the inequality needs to be verified for specific values of ##k##, particularly for ##k > 1##, and there are concerns about the behavior of the expressions when ##k = 0## or ##k = 1##.

Eclair_de_XII
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Homework Statement


"Prove: ##∀n∈ℕ##, ##3^n>n^2##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


(1) We will prove that ##3^n>n^2## at ##n=1##
##3=3^1>1=1^2##

(2) Now assume that ##3^k>k^2## for some ##k>1##
(3) We will prove that ##3^{k+1}>(k+1)^2## or ##3⋅3^k>k^2+2k+1##
Note that ##k^2+2k^2+1=3k^2+1≥k^2+2k+1##, and as such, ##3⋅3^k≥3k^2+3>3k^2+1≥k^2+2k+1##. So ##3^{k+1}>3k^2+1≥(k+1)^2##.

I'm basically ambivalent as to whether to insert that extra term in the inequality: ##3k^2+1##, not knowing whether it is equal to, less than, or greater than ##3^{k+1}##. Can someone check my work, please? Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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Eclair_de_XII said:

Homework Statement


"Prove: ##∀n∈ℕ##, ##3^n>n^2##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


(1) We will prove that ##3^n>n^2## at ##n=1##
##3=3^1>1=1^2##

(2) Now assume that ##3^k>k^2## for some ##k>1##
(3) We will prove that ##3^{k+1}>(k+1)^2## or ##3⋅3^k>k^2+2k+1##
Note that ##k^2+2k^2+1=3k^2+1≥k^2+2k+1##, and as such, ##3⋅3^k≥3k^2+3>3k^2+1≥k^2+2k+1##. So ##3^{k+1}>3k^2+1≥(k+1)^2##.

I'm basically ambivalent as to whether to insert that extra term in the inequality: ##3k^2+1##, not knowing whether it is equal to, less than, or greater than ##3^{k+1}##. Can someone check my work, please? Thanks.
The induction step boils down to showing that ##3k^2 > (k + 1)^2##. It's easy enough to prove the equivalent statement ##3k^2 - (k + 1)^2 > 0##.
 
Let's see...

##3k^2-k^2-2k-1=2k^2-2k-1=2k(k-1)-1>0## for ##k>0##?
 
Eclair_de_XII said:
Let's see...

##3k^2-k^2-2k-1=2k^2-2k-1=2k(k-1)-1>0## for ##k>0##?
Almost. 2k(k - 1) - 1 > 0 for k > 1.
If k = 0, you have 0(-1) - 1 < 0, and if k = 1, you have 2(0) - 1 < 0.
 

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