What is the proof for a^n > n for all natural numbers n and a >= 2?

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The discussion focuses on proving that for any real number a ≥ 2, the inequality a^n > n holds for all natural numbers n. The initial proof involves using induction on the inequality (1+x)^n ≥ 1 + nx for x ≥ -1, leading to the conclusion about a^n. Participants express confusion about the deduction process, particularly how to relate it back to the original statement. Clarification is provided that setting a = 1 + x allows the deduction to follow from the established inequality. Ultimately, the proof is reinforced by showing that a^n indeed exceeds n when a is defined appropriately.
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Prove for all ## x \geq -1 ## and n being a natural number, ## (1+x)^n \geq 1 + nx ## I've done this using induction

hence deduce from this that for any real number # a \ geq 2 ##, ## a^n > n ## for all n belonging to the natural numbers.

I'm stuck at the deduce part

I'm not sure what deduce means, it seems fairly obvious so instead I tried to prove it, by again, induction:

a = 2,
2^n > n which is true a n >= 1
assume true for a = k

then when a = k+1

(k+1)^n > n

I don't see how I can prove it from here, it seems obvious as k >= 2 and n >=1 this will always hold true, and thus a^n > n but I can't seem to prove it. Does anyone have any tips on proving as I'm fairly new at this

thank you
 
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synkk said:
Prove for all ## x \geq -1 ## and n being a natural number, ## (1+x)^n \geq 1 + nx ## I've done this using induction

hence deduce from this that for any real number # a \ geq 2 ##, ## a^n > n ## for all n belonging to the natural numbers.

I'm stuck at the deduce part

I'm not sure what deduce means

It means "show that this follows from what you have just proved".

In this case, you've shown that if x \geq -1 then (1 + x)^n \geq 1 + nx.

Now see what happens if you set a = 1 + x.
 
pasmith said:
It means "show that this follows from what you have just proved".

In this case, you've shown that if x \geq -1 then (1 + x)^n \geq 1 + nx.

Now see what happens if you set a = 1 + x.

how would that work exactly? it states that a >= 2 if we let a = 1 + x then a >= 0 as x >= -1?
 
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if I ignore my confusion above I ge tthis:

a^n >= 1 + nx

as x >= -1 a^n >= 1 - n

as n is a natural number n >=1
hence a^n > n
 
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