Proof by induction: 5^n + 9 < 6^n for all integers n≥2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality \(5^n + 9 < 6^n\) for all integers \(n \geq 2\) using mathematical induction. Participants are exploring the structure and requirements of the proof, particularly focusing on the inductive step.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial base case and the inductive hypothesis. There are attempts to manipulate the inequality to show the validity of the inductive step. Questions arise regarding the clarity of the steps and the final form needed for the proof.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and clarifications regarding the manipulation of the inequality, while others express confusion about the structure of the proof. There is an ongoing exploration of how to connect the inductive hypothesis to the conclusion for \(P(n+1)\).

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of mathematical induction and are attempting to clarify the steps necessary to complete the proof without losing track of the original inequality.

savtaylor2010
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Homework Statement


Prove the statement by mathematical induction:
5n + 9 < 6n for all integers n≥2


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution



Proof: let P(n) be the statement,
5n + 9 < 6n

P(2) is true because,
34<36.

Suppose that P(n) is true.
P(n+1) would be,
5n+1 + 9 < 6n+1
6n+1 = 6[itex]\bullet[/itex]6n
6[itex]\bullet[/itex](5n+9)< 6[itex]\bullet[/itex]6n
==> 54+ 6(5n) < 6[itex]\bullet[/itex]6n
==> 54+ 5(5n) + 5n < 6[itex]\bullet[/itex]6n
==> 54+ 5n+1 + 5n < 6[itex]\bullet[/itex]6n

What do I do from here? I don't know how to wrap up and prove this induction, or that P(n+1) is real? Any help would be much appreciated!
 
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It seems you need to show that [itex]9<54+5^n[/itex]. That can't be too difficult.
 
I don't really understand the hint that you gave. Could you elaborate a little more on that? I just have a hard time understanding the structure of inequality inductions.
 
Your confusion seems to stem from the fact that you write down what you're trying to prove, and then write down something else entirely and lose track of what your final line needs to look like

First,
6(5n+9) < 6*6n

This is true by the inductive hypothesis assuming that P(n) is true. From here you conclude that
54+ 5n+1 + 5n < 6n+1

Our objective is to get
5n+1+9<6n+1

So it suffices to show that
5n+1+9 < 54+5n+1+5n
 
Okay. That makes sense now. I guess it takes some practice for it to become more clear. I see now that you manipulated one side of the inequality, then related it back to it's original p(n+1) state to prove that it is in fact less than the other side of the inequality.
 

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