Stuck on Proof by induction of 2^n>n^3 for all n>=10

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the inequality \(2^n > n^3\) for all integers \(n \geq 10\) using mathematical induction. Participants are exploring the validity of the inductive step and the base case, as well as the implications of certain inequalities involved in the proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish the base case and the inductive step but expresses uncertainty about justifying certain inequalities. They question whether further proof is needed to show that \(n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1\) for \(n \geq 10\).
  • Some participants suggest that the inequality \(3n^2 + 3n + 1 < 10n^2\) could be used to support the argument.
  • Others analyze the derivative of the expression \(n^3 - 3n^2 + 3n - 1\) to demonstrate its behavior for \(n > 10\), noting that it is increasing and positive at \(n = 10\).
  • Questions arise regarding the validity of stating \(n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1\) without considering all terms, and whether the inequality \(10n^2 < n^3\) holds for \(n \geq 10\).

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and alternative approaches to the proof. There is no explicit consensus, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored, particularly regarding the behavior of the polynomial and the inequalities involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration into certain mathematical properties or proofs. The focus is on justifying inequalities and the assumptions made in the inductive step.

ArthurRead
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Homework Statement


Using the principle of mathematical induction, prove that for all n>=10, 2^n>n^3

Homework Equations



2^(n+1) = 2(2^n)
(n+1)^3 = n^3 + 3n^2 + 3n +1

The Attempt at a Solution


i) (Base case) Statement is true for n=10
ii)(inductive step) Suppose 2^n > n^3 for some integer >= 10
(show that 2^(n+1) > (n+1)^3 )
Consider 2^(n+1).
2^(n+1)= 2(2^n) > 2(n^3) = n^3 + n^3
(Ok, so this is where I'm stuck. Can I say n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n +1 because n>=10? Because if I can say that, then I can proceed with n^3 + n^3 > n^3 + 3n^2 + 3n +1 = (n+1)^3. I just don't know if i have to further justify it. Should I do another proof by induction to show that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n +1 for n>=10? Or can I make a general statement that the power of 3 is higher than a power of 2 and so on)

Thank you!
 
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3n^2 + 3n + 1 < 3n^2 + 3n^2 + 3n^2 = 9n^2 < 10n^2 <= n^3 should do
 
n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1 has derivative 3n^2- 6n+ 3= 3(n^2- 2n+ 1)= 3(n- 1)^2. That has a single 0 at n= 1< 10. Further at n= 10, 3(n-1)^2= 3*81> 0 so n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1 is increasing for all n> 10 and when n= 10, its value is 1000- 300+ 30+ 1= 729> 0 so n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1> 0 for all n> 10. Yes, n^3> 3n^2- 3n+ 1 for n> 10.
 
Wow. That's creative. So basically I can't just say that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1 because 3n^2 isn't the only term? And is there a reason your last inequality is 10n^2 <= n^3 instead of just 10n^2 < n^3? Can I just say 10n^2 <n^3 because n>=10?

Thank you!
 
ArthurRead said:
Wow. That's creative. So basically I can't just say that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1 because 3n^2 isn't the only term? And is there a reason your last inequality is 10n^2 <= n^3 instead of just 10n^2 < n^3? Can I just say 10n^2 <n^3 because n>=10?

Thank you!
I first had 10n^2 < n^3 but this is not true for the possible n=10. So either you state n>10 (which can be done in the induction step) or you just write the line from right to left. One "<" is enough.
 

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