Proving Inequality: 1/(n+1) <= ln(1+1/n) <= 1/n

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The discussion focuses on proving the inequality 1/(n+1) <= ln(1+1/n) <= 1/n. Participants suggest using the squeeze principle and properties of logarithms to simplify the proof. One approach involves sketching the curve of y = 1/(1+x) and estimating the area under the curve to establish bounds. The conversation also touches on a related problem involving the limit definition of e, indicating a need for logarithmic manipulation. Overall, the thread emphasizes understanding logarithmic properties and their application in proving inequalities.
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how do i show that 1/(n+1)<=ln(1+1/n)<=1/n? i need sum help, i have the definitions for log n e except i need to kno how to apply them, at first it seemed simple to just do it but i m havin sum trouble..
 
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I'm not quite sure if this is correct, but some things I noticed might be of help:

1. Well, one part of the inequality is trivial. It is quite clear that 1/(n+1) <= 1/n.
2. If you multiply all sides by n (and apply the logarithmic property to the middle term), you will find the inequality easier, most likely.
3. Try applying the "squeeze principle."

Hope that helps! :)
 
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what's the squeeze principle, is that the pinching theorem?
also the reason i asked this question was because like u mentioned, it's kind of obvious but i was wondering what else it might involve besides just knowing that 1/(n+1) <= 1/n.
 
matrix_204 said:
how do i show that 1/(n+1)<=ln(1+1/n)<=1/n? i need sum help, i have the definitions for log n e except i need to kno how to apply them, at first it seemed simple to just do it but i m havin sum trouble..

Try this :

Sketch the curve y = \frac{1}{1 + x} for the domain of x \geq 0

Now demarcate the area under the curve bounded by the vertical lines x = 0 and x = \frac{1}{n}

Find the ordinates (y-values) at those x-values. Come up with two rectangles that form upper and lower bounds for the area and work out their areas in terms of n.

Now evaluate the same area exactly using definite integration. What can you now see ?
 
matrix_204 said:
how do i show that 1/(n+1)<=ln(1+1/n)<=1/n? i need sum help, i have the definitions for log n e except i need to kno how to apply them, at first it seemed simple to just do it but i m havin sum trouble..
You've already solved this problem! Let x=(1 + 1/n) and go here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=62897

:(1): \ \ \ \ \frac {x - 1} {x} \ \leq \ ln(x) \ \leq \ (x - 1)

:(2): \ \ \ \ x = 1 + \frac {1} {n}

:(3): \ \ \ \ \frac {1} {n + 1} \ \leq \ ln(1 + \frac {1} {n}) \ \leq \ \frac {1} {n}




~~
 
oooh i didn't even notice that, ok so this one i have done it, now there is another similar type of problem, except this one involves e, it goes like this;
(1+1/n)^n<= e <=(1+1/n)^n+1
do i solve this one by finding the logs of all these functions, since its a power of n and so forth..(n+1)
 
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