Proving 2^n > n^3 for n >= 10 using induction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that \(2^n > n^3\) for every integer \(n \geq 10\) using mathematical induction. Participants are exploring the structure of the proof and the necessary steps for the inductive process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the base case for \(n = 10\) and the assumption for \(k\). There is a focus on the inductive step for \(k + 1\) and the need to demonstrate the inequality holds under this assumption. Some participants question how to effectively show that \(\frac{2k^3}{(k+1)^3} > 1\) is sufficient for the proof.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the inductive reasoning process. Some have offered guidance on how to approach the proof, while others are seeking clarification on specific steps and the implications of the inequalities being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of proving the statement for integers \(n\) starting from 10 and are examining the assumptions and definitions involved in the inductive proof.

snapgilmore
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Homework Statement



Prove that 2^n > n^3 for every integer n >= 10

Homework Equations



a) Prove for 10,
b) assume for k
c) inductive step for k+1

The Attempt at a Solution



a)
2^10 = 1024
10^3 = 1000
1024>1000

b)Assume
2^k > k^3

c) 2^(k+1) > (k+1)^3
(2)(2^k) > (k+1)^3
(2^k) > ((k+1)^3)/2

and from here I'm having trouble solving for k >= 10.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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snapgilmore said:

Homework Statement



Prove that 2^n > n^3 for every integer n >= 10

Homework Equations



a) Prove for 10,
b) assume for k
c) inductive step for k+1

The Attempt at a Solution



a)
2^10 = 1024
10^3 = 1000
1024>1000

b)Assume
2^k > k^3

c) 2^(k+1) > (k+1)^3
The inequality above is what you need to show. You can't just assert it.
snapgilmore said:
(2)(2^k) > (k+1)^3
(2^k) > ((k+1)^3)/2
Your work should look like this:
2k+1 = 2 * 2k > 2 * k3 ...

You then need to show that 2k3 > (k + 1)3, at least for k ≥ 10.

It suffices to show that 2k3/(k + 1)3 > 1, which can be done using calculus.
snapgilmore said:
and from here I'm having trouble solving for k >= 10.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Can you elaborate on how its enough to show (2k^3)/(k+1)^3 >1 ? I thought you needed to end up at k >=10?
 
snapgilmore said:
Can you elaborate on how its enough to show (2k^3)/(k+1)^3 >1 ? I thought you needed to end up at k >=10?
You showed that the inequality holds for n = 10.

Then you show that if the inequality holds for n = k, where k is any number greater than or equal to 10, then the inequality holds for n = k+1 .

By doing this, you show that if it's true for n=10, then it's true for n=11 .
If it's true for n=11, then it's true for n=12 .

If it's true for n=12, then it's true for n=13 .

If it's true for n=13, then it's true for n=14 .

If it's true for n=14, then it's true for n=15 .

...​
So assume that 2k > k3, for some integer k ≥ 10 .

From that show that 2k+1 > (k+1)3 .
 
snapgilmore said:
Can you elaborate on how its enough to show (2k^3)/(k+1)^3 >1 ?
(2k3)/(k+1)3 >1 is equivalent to 2k3 > (k + 1)3.
snapgilmore said:
I thought you needed to end up at k >=10?
 

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