What do these new symbols mean ?I can't start this without knowing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the notation and properties of a specific polynomial, denoted as P_n^k, and its application in a mathematical proof context. The participants are exploring the implications of this notation within the framework of summations and inequalities related to functions defined on the interval [0, 1].

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of the polynomial P_n^k and its role in summation properties. Questions arise regarding the need for induction and the conditions under which certain inequalities hold. There is also exploration of whether the polynomial is always positive and how to rigorously prove properties related to it.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and suggestions for approaching the problem. Some have offered guidance on proving inequalities and the positivity of functions, while others express uncertainty about the requirements for the proof. There is no explicit consensus, but various lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem, including the need for rigorous proofs and the implications of assumptions about the functions involved. The discussion reflects a mix of foundational understanding and advanced reasoning, with some participants questioning the necessity of certain steps in the proof process.

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Homework Statement

[PLAIN]http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4418/unledekp.png

The Attempt at a Solution



What is the P^n _{k} part thing?

Someone should probably go over the i) for me too...
 
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The P_n^k is just a symbol. It is a name for a polynomial defined by

P_n^k(x)=\binom{n}{k}x^k(1-x)^{n-k}

So it's just like we define P(x)=x^2. But now our polynomial depends of n and k.
 
For the i)

\sum^{n}_{k=0} \left( \alpha f\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k} + \beta g\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k}\right) = \alpha \sum^{n}_{k=0} f\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k} + \beta \sum^{n}_{k=0} g\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k}

Summation property??
 
Something is wrong...do I need induction? This was from proof class
 
For (i), you need to start from

B_n(\alpha f+\beta g)=\sum_{k=0}^n{(\alpha f+\beta g)(\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k}}
 
micromass said:
For (i), you need to start from

B_n(\alpha f+\beta g)=\sum_{k=0}^n{(\alpha f+\beta g)(\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k}}

What's wrong with what I did...? GO on grill me!
 
flyingpig said:
What's wrong with what I did...? GO on grill me!

Nothing is wrong, it's all correct, but it's not finished yet.

You still need to show that the left-hand-side of your post equals

B_n(\alpha f+\beta g)

and that the right-hand-side equals

\alpha B_n(f)+\beta B_n(g)
 
B_n(\alpha f+\beta g)=\sum_{k=0}^n{(\alpha f+\beta g)(\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k}}

= \sum_{k=0}^n{(\alpha f (\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k}} + \beta g(\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k} ) = \sum_{k=0}^n{\alpha f (\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k}} + \sum_{k=0}^n \beta g(\frac{k}{n})x^k(1-x)^{n-k} ) = \alpha B_n(f)+\beta B_n(g)

okay done, got lazy with the long tex
 
Yeah, that looks good!
 
  • #10
How do I start ii) then?
 
  • #11
You need to prove

B_n(f)\leq B_n(g)

Start by writing these things out according to the definition of the B_n.
 
  • #12
\sum^{n}_{k=0} f\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k} \leq \sum^{n}_{k=0} g\left(\frac{k}{n}\right) \binom{n}{k} x^k(1-x)^{n-k}/tex]<br /> <br /> SOme kinda of cancellations...?
 
  • #13
Well, you know that

f(k/n)\leq g(k/n)

Now try to introduce the terms needed to conclude that B_nf\leq B_ng.
 
  • #14
Can you multiply P to both sides...? I don't know if P is always positive
 
  • #15
flyingpig said:
Can you multiply P to both sides...?

That's the idea.

I don't know if P is always positive

Try to prove it then. Prove that P_k^n(x) is positive if x\in [0,1]...
 
  • #16
So I have to prove two things...

OKay since x \in [0, 1] \leq 0, then it doesn't matter what i put in right? Now how do do that in proper English...?
 
  • #17
flyingpig said:
OKay since x \in [0, 1] \leq 0, then it doesn't matter what i put in right?

This makes no sense to me...
 
  • #18
I meant to say x \in [0, 1] \geq 0

sorry
 
  • #19
flyingpig said:
I meant to say x \in [0, 1] \geq 0

sorry

Yeah, that also makes no sense. How can [0,1]\geq 0?? [0,1] is a set.
 
  • #20
OKay I wanted to say that numbers in [0,1] are alll positive, so we never had to worry about odd powers messing up with negative numbers
 
  • #21
OK, you need to show that for all x\in [0,1] and all k that

x^k\geq 0

and

(1-x)^{n-k}\geq 0

That shouldn't be too difficult??
 
  • #22
This is a long problem lol

I have to do two induction problems first??
 
  • #23
You can do it by induction if you want to. You can also say that it's obvious. Isn't it obvious that the power of a positive number is positive.

I don't know what your professor wants. If he wants you to prove every little thing, then you might want to do induction.
 
  • #24
Do I have to prove that x^k and (1-x)^{n-k} > 0 first?
 
  • #25
flyingpig said:
Do I have to prove that x^k and (1-x)^{n-k} > 0 first?

You don't need to show >0, you need to show \geq 0. But yes, if that's how you want to start, try to prove that first...
 
  • #26
Is there another way
 
  • #27
flyingpig said:
Is there another way

Another way for what?
 
  • #28
To do thisproblem without doing two inductions?
 
  • #29
flyingpig said:
To do thisproblem without doing two inductions?

No, I don't think that's possible if you really want to prove everything rigorously.
 
  • #30
I do the first one first

S(k) : x^k \geq 0

1)Base Case for x \in [0,1]

x^k \geq 0
x^0 = 1 \geq 0

Thus the base case is true

2) Inductive Step.

Inductive Hypothesis: Assume that x^k \geq 0 is true for all k, then S(k + 1) is

x^{k +1} \geq 0

First

x^k \geq 0

x^k x \geq 0
x^{k+1} \geq 0

Thus by Induction, x^k \geq 0 for all k and for x \in [0,1]
 

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