Solve Sequence Problem: Prove 0<a<b Implies (n+1)bn > (b n+1 - a n+1)/(b-1)

  • Thread starter Thread starter the_storm
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Sequence
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the inequality \(\frac{b^{n+1} - a^{n+1}}{b - 1} < (n + 1)b^n\) under the condition \(0 \leq a < b\). Participants noted that starting from \(a < b\) and multiplying by \(n + 1\) leads to confusion regarding the right-hand side of the inequality. The validity of the inequality was questioned for \(n = 0\) and \(n = 1\), with examples showing that it does not hold for certain integer values of \(a\) and \(b\). It was concluded that both \(a\) and \(b\) must be integers, and \(n\) must be at least 1 since \(a_n\) is defined as a sequence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sequences and limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with inequalities and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical induction
  • Proficiency in manipulating algebraic expressions involving exponents
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mathematical induction techniques for proving inequalities
  • Study the properties of sequences, particularly exponential sequences
  • Explore the implications of integer constraints in inequalities
  • Learn about limits and their applications in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone involved in advanced calculus or sequence analysis who seeks to understand the nuances of proving inequalities in mathematical contexts.

the_storm
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let an = ( 1 + [tex]\frac{1}{n}[/tex] )n



Homework Equations



show that if 0 <= a < b

[tex]\frac{b <sup> n+1 </sup> - a <sup>n+1</sup>}{b-1}[/tex] < (n+1)bn


The Attempt at a Solution




I have started from a < b and I said so an < bn

Then I multiply by (n+1) So I get the left hand side term.. but couldn't get the RHS .. any help guys?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
the_storm said:

Homework Statement


Let an = ( 1 + [tex]\frac{1}{n}[/tex] )n



Homework Equations



show that if 0 <= a < b

[tex]\frac{b^{ n+1}- a^{n+1}}{b-1} < (n+1)b^n[/tex]
Do not use HTML "sup" or "sub" tags inside LaTeX. use "^" for superscripts, "_" for subscripts.


The Attempt at a Solution




I have started from a < b and I said so an < bn

Then I multiply by (n+1) So I get the left hand side term.. but couldn't get the RHS .. any help guys?
I'm not sure what you are talking about. The inequality you are trying to prove does not seem to have any connection with the first limit you give. Is proving this a first step in proving that the limit exists? Also yoU say you started from [itex]a^n< b^n[/itex] then "multiply by (n+1)". How does that give you
[tex]\frac{b^{n+1}- a^{n+1}}{b- 1}[/tex]

But my main problem is that inequality itself. I considered using induction but the inequality doesn't appear to be true for n= 0 or 1.

For example, for n= 0 it says that
[tex]\frac{b- a}{b- 1}< 1[/tex]
but that is not true for, say, b= 3, a= 1/2.

For n= 1,
[tex]\frac{b^2- a^2}{b- 1}< 2b[/tex]
which is not true for b= 3/2, a= 1/2.
 
Ok I will use ^ and _ ... thank you.
concerning to the problem a and b must be integers only not fractions and the minimum value of the n is 1 because an is a sequence
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K