Prove the inequality - 1\4(ln2)^2 <= sigma(2^n\(2^(2^n)))

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around proving the inequality \(-\frac{1}{4}(\ln 2)^2 \leq \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{2^n}{2^{2^n}}\), which appears to be connected to calculus concepts, particularly series and possibly integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to validate the inequality by calculating the first three terms of the series and comparing their sum to the left side. Some participants question the triviality of this approach and suggest verifying the correctness of the inequality as stated.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the validity of the original poster's approach and discussing the challenges posed by the exam conditions, such as the restriction on calculator use. There is a recognition of the difficulty in finding a non-computational proof, indicating an ongoing search for alternative methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the exam environment, including the prohibition of calculators, which complicates the evaluation of \((\ln 2)^2\). There is also a mention of the potential for bounded computations affecting the inequality's proof.

puzzek
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Homework Statement


This is a question taken from an old exam so I am not sure to which subject in calculus it's connected to...

Prove the inequality:
[itex]\frac{1}{4(ln2)^2}[/itex][itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\sum\frac{2^n}{2^(2^n)}[/itex]

(sigma is from 1 to +inf, and the Denominator on the right side is (2^(2^n))

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I solved it by calculating the first 3 elements of the sum showing their sum is larger than the left side, and that proves it. But, I don't think that's the way I suppose to solve it!
(I thought it somehow connected to derivative of the sum of the integrals of the function in the sigma.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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There is nothing wrong with what you've done (noting that all terms of the series are positive). However, if it is that trivial, I would double check that you have the left hand side right. I don't see that a teacher would assign something that trivial.
 
PAllen,

Thank you for your response.

I double checked it again and it's exactly as it is written on my paper.

By the way, this is not that trivial, because in our test you are not allowed to use a calculator hence it's hard to calculate the value of (ln2)^2. One can still use some knowledge to evaluate it, but during an exam it's not that easy.

I still think I got it wrong and that's not the "proper" way to solve it. Is there any other direction?
 
puzzek said:
PAllen,

Thank you for your response.

I double checked it again and it's exactly as it is written on my paper.

By the way, this is not that trivial, because in our test you are not allowed to use a calculator hence it's hard to calculate the value of (ln2)^2. One can still use some knowledge to evaluate it, but during an exam it's not that easy.

I still think I got it wrong and that's not the "proper" way to solve it. Is there any other direction?

What is strange is how 'not close' the left side is. If you only use ln2 to 3 significant digits, and do computations guaranteed to be bounded above on the left and below on the right, you still trivially prove the inequality with 3 terms. I'll have to leave it so someone else to propose a non-computational proof. I don't see one at the moment.
 

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