Trigonometric inequality: sin (1/(n+1934))<1/1994

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the smallest natural number \( n \) such that the inequality \( \sin \left(\dfrac{1}{n+1934}\right)<\dfrac{1}{1994} \) holds. The focus is on mathematical reasoning and exploration of trigonometric properties.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the problem of finding the smallest \( n \) for which the inequality holds.
  • Another participant suggests that for \( 0
  • The same participant calculates \( \sin\left(\frac{1}{1993}\right) \) and compares it to \( \frac{1}{1994} \), concluding that \( n=59 \) does not satisfy the inequality while \( n=60 \) does.
  • It is noted that \( \sin\left(\dfrac{1}{n+1934}\right) \) is a decreasing function of \( n \) for \( n>0 \), supporting the claim that \( n=60 \) is the smallest solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the approach and the conclusion that \( n=60 \) satisfies the inequality, but there is no explicit consensus on whether this is the only solution or if other values of \( n \) could also be considered.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions in the reasoning, such as the behavior of the sine function for values approaching zero or the implications of the inequality for larger \( n \).

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Find the smallest natural number $n$ for which $\sin \left(\dfrac{1}{n+1934}\right)<\dfrac{1}{1994}$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
As $\sin x<x$ for all $x>0$ – in particular $\sin\left(\dfrac1{1994}\right)<\dfrac1{1994}$ – it suffices to show that $\sin\left(\dfrac1{1993}\right)>\dfrac1{1994}$.

By Taylor’s theorem, $\sin x=x-\dfrac{x^2}2\sin\xi$ for some $0<\xi<x$ (using the Lagrange form of the remainder). Thus:

$\begin{array}{rcl}\sin x &=& x-\dfrac{x^2}2\sin{\xi} \\\\ {} &>&x-\dfrac{x^2}2\xi \\\\ {} &>& x-\dfrac{x^3}2.\end{array}$

Hence $\sin\left(\dfrac1{1993}\right)>\dfrac1{1993}-\dfrac{\left(\frac1{1993}\right)^3}2 = \dfrac{7944097}{15832587314}>\dfrac1{1994}$, as required. So the smallest natural number is $\boxed{n=60}$.
 
Code:
    for (unsigned int n = 0; n <= 60; n++)
        if ((sin(1/(n + 1934.0))) < 1/1994.0)
            std::cout << n;

(Bigsmile)
 
anemone said:
Find the smallest natural number $n$ for which $\sin \left(\dfrac{1}{n+1934}\right)<\dfrac{1}{1994}$.
[sp]
For $0<x<1$, we have $\sin(x)<x$. This shows that the inequality is satisfied for $n=60$. Taking $n=59$, we find:
$$
\sin\left(\frac{1}{1993}\right)\approx 0.00050176> \frac{1}{1994}\approx 0.00050150
$$
As $\sin\left(\dfrac{1}{n+1934}\right)$ is a decreasing function of $n$ for $n>0$, this shows that the smallest $n$ that satifies the inequality is $60$.
[/sp]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K