Proof for inequality induction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving an inequality involving a summation of the form \(\sum^{n}_{l=1} l^{-1/2}\) and its comparison to \(2(\sqrt{n+1} -1)\) for all positive integers \(n\). The participants are exploring methods of mathematical induction and other approaches to tackle the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express a relationship between terms involving \((n+1)^{-1/2}\) and \(2(\sqrt{n+2} -1)\). Some participants question the appropriateness of using induction for this proof, suggesting alternative methods such as comparing the summation to an integral.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on how to manipulate the expressions involved. There is a recognition of different approaches being considered, including induction and integral comparison, but no consensus has been reached on the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's current learning focus on induction, which may influence their approach to the problem. Additionally, the discussion includes attempts to clarify the relationship between the terms in the inequality.

javi438
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proof for inequality induction...please help!

Homework Statement



Prove for all positive integers n that
[tex]\sum^{n}_{l=1} l^{-1/2} > 2(\sqrt{n+1} -1)[/tex]

2. The attempt at a solution
[tex]\sum^{n+1}_{l=1} l^{-1/2} <br /> = \sum^{n}_{l=1} l^{-1/2} + (n+1)^{-1/2} > 2(\sqrt{n+1} -1) + (n+1)^{-1/2}[/tex]

please help meee! I'm getting stuck, on how to express [tex]2(\sqrt{n+1} -1) + (n+1)^{-1/2}[/tex] in terms of [tex]2(\sqrt{n+2} -1)[/tex]
 
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Are you sure you are supposed to prove this by induction? I'm having a hard time doing it that way. On the other hand there is an easy way to do it by looking at an upper Riemann sum and comparing it with the integral of x^(-1/2).
 
yes I am pretty sureee..because that's what I am learning right nowww :frown:
 
Ok, so what you want to do is now show that 2*(sqrt(n+1)-1)+1/sqrt(n+1)>2*(sqrt(n+2)-1). Right? Multiply both sides by sqrt(n+1). The simple sqrt(n+1) radicals cancel on both sides. The sqrt(n+1)sqrt(n+2) remains on the right. Square both sides. It just barely works.
 

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