Proof for inequality induction

In summary, the proof for the inequality induction is done by showing that 2*(sqrt(n+1)-1)+1/sqrt(n+1)>2*(sqrt(n+2)-1) and then multiplying both sides by sqrt(n+1) and squaring them. This method uses an upper Riemann sum and compares it with the integral of x^(-1/2).
  • #1
javi438
15
0
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}
= \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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  • #2
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).
 
  • #3
yes I am pretty sureee..because that's what I am learning right nowww :frown:
 
  • #4
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.
 

1. What is the concept of inequality induction?

Inequality induction is a mathematical proof technique used to prove that a statement is true for all values in a given range. It involves proving that a statement is true for the starting value, and then using that information to prove that the statement is also true for the next value in the range. This process is repeated until the entire range is covered.

2. How is inequality induction different from mathematical induction?

Inequality induction is a specific type of mathematical induction. While mathematical induction involves proving that a statement is true for all natural numbers, inequality induction focuses on proving statements that involve inequalities, such as greater than or less than.

3. What are the steps involved in a proof for inequality induction?

The steps involved in a proof for inequality induction are as follows:

  • Base case: Prove that the statement is true for the starting value in the given range.
  • Inductive hypothesis: Assume that the statement is true for a specific value in the range.
  • Inductive step: Use the inductive hypothesis to prove that the statement is also true for the next value in the range.
  • Conclude: By using the inductive step, continue to prove that the statement is true for all values in the given range.

4. What are the common mistakes made in proofs for inequality induction?

One common mistake in proofs for inequality induction is not properly establishing the base case. It is important to prove that the statement is true for the starting value in the range. Another mistake is assuming that the inductive hypothesis is true for all values in the range, instead of just the next value in the range.

5. In what situations is inequality induction useful?

Inequality induction is useful in situations where a statement involves inequalities and needs to be proved for a specific range of values. It is commonly used in mathematics, computer science, and other fields to prove theorems and properties involving inequalities.

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