# Mathematical Induction Step

Hi,

I'm trying to learn mathematical induction for proving inequalities, but there is just one step I cannot get past: finding another inequality that is added to the inductive hypothesis.

For example, in this problem:

Prove for all positive integers (n >= 1), prove 3^n + 2 >= 3n.

I understand the basis step and in general how to do induction, but for some reason, the example says that that after I get the hypothesis, 3^k + 2 >= 3k (for some arbitrary k), it can generate the inequality 2*3^k >= 3 for all k >= 1. Where does this come from? I can follow how it adds this inequality to the hypothesis, but what is this, and how would I go about getting this?

This isn't just a generic problem by the way: I've looked at many examples, but I can't figure out what this is when dealing with inequalities and induction.

For your example I would first show: 3n ≥ 3n which is easier.
You said you can do the basic step. So let's move on to the induction.

To do the induction we suppose n, then we prove if n is true, n+1 is true.
So first suppose: 3n ≥ 3n. Then our goal is to show: 3n+1≥3(n+1)

To do that I would prove the following:
3n ≥ 3n ⇒ 3+3n ≥ 3(n+1)
Then i would prove: 3n+1≥3+3n for n>1
Putting these together: 3n+1≥3+3n≥3(n+1) This step shows our goal!
Thus by the principle of induction: 3n ≥ 3n for Natural n

Then you know: 3n ≥ 3n ⇒3n + 2 ≥ 3n or 3n ≥ 3n ⇒3*3*3n =3n+2 ≥ 3n from the properties of inequalities. It's hard to tell which of these you were trying to prove how you wrote it.

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