Proving inequalities with logarithm

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality \((n+1)(\log(n+1)-\log(n)) > 1\) for all \(n > 0\). Participants explore various mathematical approaches, including properties of logarithms, monotonicity of functions, and integration techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to prove the inequality by exponentiating and analyzing the expression \(\left( \frac{n+1}{n} \right)^{(n+1)} < e\), later correcting it to \(\left( \frac{n+1}{n} \right)^{(n+1)} > e\).
  • Another participant suggests determining whether the function \(f(n) = \left( \frac{n+1}{n} \right)^{(n+1)}\) is monotonically increasing or decreasing for positive \(n\) and finding its asymptote as \(n \to \infty\).
  • A participant expresses difficulty in proving monotonicity and suggests that the proof of the original problem requires showing that \(n(\log(n+1)-\log(n)) < 1\).
  • Some participants propose using integrals to rewrite \(\log(n+1)-\log(n)\) and hint at a more direct approach to the inequality.
  • There is a discussion about the definite integral \(\int_a^b \frac{dx}{x}\) and its relationship to the logarithmic difference.
  • Clarifications arise regarding the dependence of the definite integral on its limits and the suggestion to replace the logarithmic difference with an integral.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to prove the inequality. Multiple competing methods are proposed, and some participants express uncertainty about the techniques discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to show certain properties of functions and integrals, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps required to complete the proof.

japplepie
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I need to prove:

(n+1)*(log(n+1)-log(n) > 1 for all n > 0.

I have tried exponentiating it and I got

( (n+1)/n )^(n+1) < e.

And from there I couldn't go any farther, but I do know that it is true by just looking at its graph.

Could anybody help me please?
 
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Correction:
japplepie said:
( (n+1)/n )^(n+1) > e.
As for the solution itself, first find out whether the function
$$
f(n) = \left( \frac{n+1}{n} \right)^{(n+1)}
$$
is a monotonically decreasing or increasing function for positive ##n## (it should be either of them). Then find the asymptote of this function as ##n \rightarrow \infty## in terms of ##e## by making use of the definition of ##e##
$$
e = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right)^n .
$$
 
blue_leaf77 said:
Correction:

As for the solution itself, first find out whether the function
$$
f(n) = \left( \frac{n+1}{n} \right)^{(n+1)}
$$
is a monotonically decreasing or increasing function for positive ##n## (it should be either of them). Then find the asymptote of this function as ##n \rightarrow \infty## in terms of ##e## by making use of the definition of ##e##
$$
e = \lim_{n \to \infty} \left( 1+\frac{1}{n} \right)^n .
$$

I tried that, but to know if it is indeed monotonic I have to show that the selected expression in the term the picture I attached is always < 1 or > 1.

So to proof of the original problem requires a proof for:
n*(log(n+1)-log(n)) < 1

Right now it looks pretty circular.
 

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japplepie said:
I tried that, but to know if it is indeed monotonic I have to show that the selected expression in the term the picture I attached is always < 1 or > 1.
You don't need that, there is a more direct way.

You can also show the initial inequality directly with a clever integral. Can you rewrite ln(n+1)-ln(n) somehow?
 
mfb said:
You don't need that, there is a more direct way.

You can also show the initial inequality directly with a clever integral. Can you rewrite ln(n+1)-ln(n) somehow?
mfb said:
You don't need that, there is a more direct way.

You can also show the initial inequality directly with a clever integral. Can you rewrite ln(n+1)-ln(n) somehow?

Can I have more clues please? I'm getting nowhere plus I'm not that good with integral calculus since we were never taught this in my high school & university.
 
What is ##\int_a^b \frac{dx}{x}##?
 
mfb said:
What is ##\int_a^b \frac{dx}{x}##?
log(x), but I still really can't where I'm supposed to be headed.
 
It is not log(x). The definite integral not depend on x at all, but only on a and b.
 
mfb said:
It is not log(x). The definite integral not depend on x at all, but only on a and b.
log(b)-log(a) ?
 
  • #10
Right, the difference between two logarithms - that's what you have in your original inequality.
 
  • #11
mfb said:
Right, the difference between two logarithms - that's what you have in your original inequality.
I think you're implying that I integrate both sides, but how do I choose the value of a and b?
 
  • #12
No, don't integrate. Replace (log(n+1)-log(n)) with an integral, and then find some way to get the inequality you need.
 

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