Proving Inequalities in Mathematical Induction

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This discussion focuses on proving inequalities using mathematical induction, specifically addressing two problems. The first problem involves demonstrating that the sum of positive terms is less than or equal to the product of those terms plus one, expressed as sum(a_k) + 1 <= product(1 + a_k). The second problem requires proving that for positive numbers x1, x2, ..., xn with the constraint x1 * x2 * ... * xn = 1, the sum x1 + x2 + ... + xn > n holds true for n > 1. Participants discuss approaches to these proofs, emphasizing the utility of induction.

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1) provethat:
n n
sum(a_k)+1<= product(1+a_k)
k=1 k=1
when a_k>0 for every k natural, or when -1<a_k<0

2) x1,...x_n>0
n>1 x1x2..x_n=1
prove by induction on n that x1+x2+...+x_n>n

concerning the first question i tried to open the product this way:
n
product(1+a_k)=(1+a1)(1+a2)...(1+an)=1+a1(a2+..an)+a1a2...an+a2(a3+...+an)+a3(a4+...an)+an
from here its apparent that it's greater than the sum, is my opening correct?

about the second question:
i have these two:
x1+x2+...xn>k
k-1+x1+x2+..+xn>2k-1>=k+1
then i only need to prove that:
x1+..+xk+1>k-1+x1+...+xk
or:
xk+1>k-1
if we use this: x1x2...xkxk+1=xk+1
we get:
x1x2...xkxk+1>k-1
now how do i approach it from there on?
`
 
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well induction is fine by me, but have i opned the product correctly, because if i have it's self apparent that it's bigger or equals the sum.

btw, what about the second question?

thank you for your help, induction does look much simpler than my approach.
 
benorin said:
1) Prove that:

[complete solution edited out]
NO COMPLETE SOLUTION!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
benorin, I've deleted your post because it contained a complete solution to the question asked (even without any pedagogical explanation).
 
FYI

\prod_{k=1}^{n} (1+ a_k z) = 1 + \sum_{q=1}^{n} z^{q} \left[ \sum_{1 \leq p_1 &lt; p_2 &lt; \cdots &lt; p_q \leq n} \left( \prod_{k=1}^{q} a_{p_k} \right) \right]

put z=1 and verify.

Thanks, I need to work that one out myself

--Ben
 
what about my second question? can i get some hints?
 

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