Proving an inequality involving exponentiation

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In summary, to prove an inequality involving exponentiation, one can use mathematical induction, algebraic manipulation, or graphing techniques. Exponents play a crucial role in inequalities as they represent repeated multiplication and can be solved using basic algebraic techniques or calculus. It is important to avoid common mistakes such as incorrect algebraic manipulation and forgetting negative exponents when proving an inequality involving exponentiation. These types of inequalities can be applied in various real-world situations in fields such as economics, physics, and biology.
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Homework Statement



Show that [tex]\left( 1 - \frac{\ln n}{kn} \right)^n > \frac{1}{n^{1/k} + 1}[/tex] holds for all integers [tex]n\geq 1[/tex] and [tex]k\geq 2[/tex].

The Attempt at a Solution



I first tried to find a proof for [tex]k=2[/tex] by showing that the quotient LHS/RHS goes to 1 and has negative slope everywhere, but this becomes rather unwieldy.
 
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  • #2
I would be tempted to try a proof by induction on n. Show that the inequality holds for n=1, Assume there is an integer m for which the inequality holds and show it's true for m+1.

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1. How do you prove an inequality involving exponentiation?

To prove an inequality involving exponentiation, you can use mathematical induction, algebraic manipulation, or graphing techniques. It is important to carefully state the given inequality and clearly show each step of your proof.

2. What is the role of exponents in an inequality?

Exponents play a crucial role in inequalities as they represent repeated multiplication. This allows us to compare numbers that have different magnitudes, making it easier to prove and solve inequalities.

3. Can an inequality involving exponentiation be solved without using calculus?

Yes, inequalities involving exponentiation can be solved using basic algebraic techniques such as factoring, substitution, and simplification. However, depending on the complexity of the inequality, calculus may be necessary to prove it.

4. What are some common mistakes to avoid when proving an inequality involving exponentiation?

Some common mistakes to avoid when proving an inequality involving exponentiation include incorrect algebraic manipulation, forgetting to consider negative exponents, and assuming that an inequality holds true for all real numbers without proper justification.

5. How can proving inequalities involving exponentiation be applied in real-world situations?

Inequalities involving exponentiation can be applied in various fields such as economics, physics, and biology. For example, in economics, they can be used to model population growth or compound interest. In physics, they can be used to analyze exponential decay or growth. In biology, they can be used to study population dynamics or the spread of diseases.

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