Verifying the Equality for n = 2: Is the Equation Correct?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tmt1
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the verification of the mathematical equality $$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{(n + 1)!}$$ for specific values of n, particularly n = 1 and n = 2. Participants explore the correctness of the equation and attempt to verify it through various approaches, including numerical substitution and graphing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially presents the equation and expresses uncertainty about its correctness and verification methods.
  • Another participant confirms the same equation and provides calculations for n = 1, concluding that the equation does not hold for that value.
  • A later post corrects the equation to include factorials in the denominator and attempts verification for n = 2, showing that the left-hand side equals 3 while the right-hand side equals 4/3, indicating a discrepancy.
  • Participants express frustration over the verification process and the need for careful checking of calculations before posting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the equation, as they identify that it does not hold for the tested values of n = 1 and n = 2. Multiple competing views on the verification methods and outcomes remain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the challenges in verifying mathematical equalities, particularly when factorials are involved. There are unresolved aspects regarding the generality of the equation and its validity for other values of n.

tmt1
Messages
230
Reaction score
0
I have this equality

$$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{n + 1}$$

and I'm not sure if it is correct or how to verify if it is correct. I've tried a few different approaches that have led to dead ends.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
tmt said:
I have this equality

$$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{n + 1}$$

and I'm not sure if it is correct or how to verify if it is correct. I've tried a few different approaches that have led to dead ends.
n = 1
[math]\frac{2^1}{1!} + 1 = \frac{2}{1} + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3[/math]

[math]\frac{2^{1 + 1}}{1 + 1} = \frac{2^2}{2} = \frac{4}{2} = 2[/math]

So the equation can only have solutions for certain n, not all.

Graphing it we can see that the equation has only two solutions close to, but not equal to 1. See below.

Graph

-Dan
 
tmt said:
I have this equality

$$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{n + 1}$$

and I'm not sure if it is correct or how to verify if it is correct. I've tried a few different approaches that have led to dead ends.

Sorry, I meant to write

$$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{(n + 1)!}$$

Does this make more sense? I'm trying a bunch of ways to verify it, but none of it works.
 
tmt said:
Sorry, I meant to write

$$\frac{2^n}{n!} + 1 = \frac{{2}^{n + 1}}{(n + 1)!}$$

Does this make more sense? I'm trying a bunch of ways to verify it, but none of it works.
n = 2

[math]\frac{2^2}{2!} + 1 = \frac{4}{2} + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3[/math]

[math]\frac{2^{2 + 1}}{(2 + 1)!} = \frac{2^3}{3!} = \frac{8}{6} = \frac{4}{3}[/math]

You really need to check these before you post them. (n = 1 doesn't work either. I chose n = 2 for variety.)

-Dan
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K