Proof by induction: n^3 < n for n >=6

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The discussion focuses on proving the inequality n^3 < n! for all n >= 6 using mathematical induction. The base case is established for n = 6, where the inequality holds true. The inductive step assumes k^3 < k! for some k >= 6 and demonstrates that (k+1)^3 can be shown to be less than (k! + 3k^2 + 3k + 1) by leveraging the induction hypothesis. The proof is completed by factoring and comparing values, confirming the inequality holds for all n >= 6.

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Homework Statement


Show that n^3 < n! for all n >= 6.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



We see that for the base case of n = 6, the claim holds.

Suppose that k^3 < k! for some natural number k >= 6.

Consider that:
(k+1)^3
= k^3 + 3k^2 + 3k + 1
< k! + 3k^2 + 3k + 1 [By induction hypothesis]

What's a neat way to finish this? I'm a bit rusty, apparently.[/B]
 
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1MileCrash said:

Homework Statement


Show that n^3 < n! for all n >= 6.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



We see that for the base case of n = 6, the claim holds.

Suppose that k^3 < k! for some natural number k >= 6.

Consider that:
(k+1)^3
= k^3 + 3k^2 + 3k + 1
< k! + 3k^2 + 3k + 1 [By induction hypothesis]

What's a neat way to finish this? I'm a bit rusty, apparently.[/B]

Factor a ##k^3## out of ##k^3+3k^2+3k+1##. Then use ##k^3 \le k!## and ##(k+1)!=k!(k+1)##.
 
Alright. And then, what remains after being factored has its largest value at k=6, and its value is smaller than any (k+1), and so I may write < k!(k+1), completing the induction.
 
1MileCrash said:
Alright. And then, what remains after being factored has its largest value at k=6, and its value is smaller than any (k+1), and so I may write < k!(k+1), completing the induction.

Sounds ok.
 

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