Proving the Solution to a Recurrence Relation Using Mathematical Induction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on using mathematical induction to prove that S(n) = 3 × 2^(n-1) - 2 is the solution to the recurrence relation T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1, with T(1) = 1. Participants clarify the notation and correct misunderstandings about the relationship between S(n) and T(n), emphasizing that both sequences yield the same values. The proof involves establishing a base case and demonstrating that if T(n) = S(n), then T(n+1) = S(n+1) holds true. Ultimately, the original poster resolves their confusion and acknowledges the need to adjust the initial condition from T(1) = 1 to T(1) = 0.
jokiemay
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Hi all, I've been struggling with a large piece of coursework. been quite stressed latley and now I am struggling while aproaching my deadline. i need help answering this question.

Use mathematical induction to show that
S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2
is the solution for the recurrence relation:
T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1 and T(1) = 1


Ive answered so far
Base T(1)=1
LS : T2 = 12 = 1 RS: 1T = 1(1) = 1
So n > 1 is True
Induction T(n) = 2T(n-1) + 2 for all n > 1

T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 3
= 2T (n -1) + 3
= 2(2T(n − 2) + 1) + 1
=2( n + 4) 2n-1 -2
= 6n -3
S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2


Im really confused - can you guys help out
 
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I am confused by your notation.
Taken literally, 3 × 2 n-1 -2 = 6n-1-2=6n-3
But why did you write it so complicated? In addition, it does not satisfy the recurrence relation.
12=1
This is wrong.
So n > 1 is True
Do you mean n=1?
= 2(2T(n − 2) + 1) + 1
=2( n + 4) 2n-1 -2
What happens here?
 


jokiemay said:
Use mathematical induction to show that
S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2
is the solution for the recurrence relation:
T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1 and T(1) = 1

mfb said:
I am confused by your notation.
Taken literally, 3 × 2 n-1 -2 = 6n-1-2=6n-3

Might this be what the OP means?

S(n) = 3 * 2 n-1 -2

As just plain text, this would be written as S(n) = 3 * 2^(n-1) -2
 
jokiemay said:
Hi all, I've been struggling with a large piece of coursework. been quite stressed latley and now I am struggling while aproaching my deadline. i need help answering this question.

Use mathematical induction to show that
S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2
is the solution for the recurrence relation:
T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1 and T(1) = 1

Ive answered so far
Base T(1)=1
LS : T2 = 12 = 1 RS: 1T = 1(1) = 1
So n > 1 is True
Induction T(n) = 2T(n-1) + 2 for all n > 1

T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 3
= 2T (n -1) + 3
= 2(2T(n − 2) + 1) + 1
=2( n + 4) 2n-1 -2
= 6n -3
S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2

I'm really confused - can you guys help out
How is Sn related to Tn ?

As Mark44 pointed out, it appears that the formula for Sn should be
Sn = 3∙2(n-1)-2
Using the recurrence relation for Tn the first few values in the sequence [Tn] are
1, 4, 10, 22, 46, …​
 
sorry its T2=1 / 2 = 1

the confusing part is why Sn is related to Tn , I am just going to base it on Tn.
The statement n > 1 is true

and by the replys i seem to have gone very wrong somewhere?
 
jokiemay said:
sorry its T2=1 / 2 = 1
I Have no idea what this means! According to "T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1 and T(1) = 1", T(2)= 2T(1)+ 2= 2(1)+ 2= 4.

the confusing part is why Sn is related to Tn , I am just going to base it on Tn.
The statement n > 1 is true

and by the replys i seem to have gone very wrong somewhere?
You still haven't told us what "S(n) = 3 × 2 n-1 -2" means! Is it, as has been suggested, S(n)= 3(2^(n-1))- 2?
 
jokiemay said:
sorry its T2=1 / 2 = 1
What you're saying is that 1/2 = 1. Even my dog knows this is not true. If I put only half the usual amount of food in his bowl, he let's me know that I have made a mistake.
 
cheers for your help, @ mark, the layout that the coursework has been set is confusing me. I am emailing my leacturer to enquire about the questiion.
 
SammyS said:
How is Sn related to Tn ?

As Mark44 pointed out, it appears that the formula for Sn should be
Sn = 3∙2(n-1)-2   This has a typo.​
Using the recurrence relation for Tn the first few values in the sequence [Tn] are
1, 4, 10, 22, 46, …​
Well, I had a typo in Post #4. Quoted above.

Sn should be:   Sn = 3∙2(n-1) - 2 .

It appears that your problem should read something like:
Use mathematical induction to show that the sequence defined by:
S(n) = 3∙2 n-1 - 2​
is the same sequence defined by recursion as:
T(n) = 2T(n – 1) + 2 for n > 1 and T(1) = 1​

(If you calculate the first few terms, you will see that they definitely start out the same.)
 
  • #10
Base S(1)=1, so T(1)=S(1)
for some n, T(n)=S(n), then:
T(n+1) = 2T(n)+2 = 2(3×2^(n-1) -2) +2 = 3 × 2^n-4+2 = 3×2^n-2 = S(n+1)

Proof that T(n)=S(n) then T(n+1)=S(n+1), and as we have T(1)=S(1) i have proven by induction that T(n)=S(n) for any n in the positive integers
 
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  • #11
That is correct.
 
  • #12
jokiemay said:
Base S(1)=1, so T(1)=S(1)
for some n, T(n)=S(n), then:
T(n+1) = 2T(n)+2 = 2(3×2^(n-1) -2) +2 = 3 × 2^n-4+2 = 3×2^n-2 = S(n+1)

Proof that T(n)=S(n) then T(n+1)=S(n+1), and as we have T(1)=S(1) i have proven by induction that T(n)=S(n) for any n in the positive integers
So, you went from deciding to "take a hit" on this problem, to solving it.

Way to go !
 
  • #13
Thanks all.

Ive to change T(1) = 1 to T(1)=0 and re write the equation.
 
  • #14
jokiemay said:
Thanks all.

Ive to change T(1) = 1 to T(1)=0 and re write the equation.
Write down the first several terms of this new sequence.
 
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