Proving inequality: Can we show n^n * (n+1)/2)^2n ≥ (n+1)/2)^3?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality $$n^n\cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^{2n}\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^3$$ for integer values of \( n \). Participants explore various approaches to establish this inequality, particularly focusing on cases where \( n \geq 3 \) and addressing the scenario for \( n < 3 \).

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that for \( n \geq 3 \), \( n^n > \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^3 \) holds true, arguing that \( n^n \) grows much faster than \( n^3 \).
  • Others propose that taking logarithms could help in proving \( n^n > n^3 \) for \( n \geq 3 \), emphasizing the strictly increasing nature of the function \( a^x \) for \( a > 1 \).
  • A participant questions how to prove \( n^n > n^3 \) without using induction, leading to discussions about the properties of exponential functions.
  • There is a mention of equality holding for \( n = 1 \) in a related inequality, prompting further clarification on the relevance of this case to the original inequality.
  • Some participants acknowledge the need to consider cases where \( n < 3 \), noting that the inequality can be manually checked for these values.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the distinction made between \( n \geq 3 \) and \( n < 3 \), indicating a desire for a unified proof that encompasses both scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the validity of the inequality for \( n \geq 3 \) based on certain arguments, but there is no consensus on a unified proof that applies to all integer values of \( n \). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to prove the inequality for \( n < 3 \).

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of a comprehensive proof that applies to both \( n \geq 3 \) and \( n < 3 \), as well as the dependence on specific properties of exponential functions and logarithms that may not be universally applicable without further justification.

juantheron
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How can we prove $$n^n\cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^{2n}\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^3$$

I did not understand from where i have start.
 
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jacks said:
How can we prove $$n^n\cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^{2n}\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^3$$
At least for $n\ge3$ we have $n>\dfrac{n+1}{2}$, so $n^n>\left(\dfrac{n+1}{2}\right)^3$. Also, $\left(\dfrac{n+1}{2}\right)^{2n}>1$, so it makes the left-hand side even bigger. In general, $n^n$ grows much faster than $n^3$, so it dominates the right-hand side for large $n$.
 
http://mathhelpboards.com/members/evgeny-makarov/ Thanks, But How i can prove $n^n>n^3$ for $n\geq 3$ without Using Induction.
 
That should be $n^n\ge n^3,n\ge3$. Taking logs base $n$,

$n\ge3$
 
jacks said:
How i can prove $n^n>n^3$ if $n\geq 3$ without Using Induction.
The general fact is that the function $a^x$ is strictly increasing for $a>1$ (and strictly decreasing if $0<a<1$). Therefore, $n\ge3$ implies $n^n\ge n^3$ (here $a=n$). For integer $n$ is it obvious because $n^n=n^{n-3}n^3\ge n^3$ because $n^{n-3}=\underbrace{n\cdot\ldots\cdot n}_{n-3\text{ times}}$ and $n-3\ge0$. We have a product of numbers, each of which is greater than 1, and then we multiply the result by $n^3$. It boils down to the property $x>1,y>0\implies xy>y$.
 
Thanks Evgeny and Greg, But i have a doubt , Here $$\displaystyle n^n\cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^n\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^n$$ equality hold for $n=1$

But In your solution you have mention that $n\geq 3$. I did not Understand that.
 
jacks said:
Here $$\displaystyle n^n\cdot \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^n\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^n$$ equality hold for $n=1$
How does it help prove the original inequality?

jacks said:
But In your solution you have mention that $n\geq 3$. I did not Understand that.
This is a wrong thing not to understand. A reasonable thing is not to get a particular part of a proof that is shown to you. For example, it is OK to ask, "How does this inequality follow from the previous one?" But it does not make much sense not to understand something that has not been proved.

I indeed omitted the case when $n< 3$. It is trivial to manually check that the inequality holds for those values of $n$. With some thought it may be possible to construct a single general proof, which does not make a distinction whether $n\ge 3$ or not. Indeed, $\left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^{2n}\geq \left(\frac{n+1}{2}\right)^3$ for all $n\ge1$ because for $n=1$ both sides equal 1, but for $n\ge2$ we have $2n>3$.
 
Thanks evgeny Now i have got it.

Yes you are saying Right actually i have a problem for $n < 3$

and I appolozise for using such word.
 

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