What is the proof for this polynomial inequality problem?

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    Inequality Polynomial
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around proving the polynomial inequality \(P(2) \ge 3^n\) for a polynomial \(P(x)\) with non-negative coefficients and \(n\) real roots. The conversation encompasses various approaches to the proof, including the application of inequalities and properties of polynomial roots.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the binomial expansion of \(3^n = (2+1)^n\) as part of the proof.
  • Others mention that the non-negativity of the coefficients implies there are no positive roots, and that the polynomial can be expressed as a product of linear factors with positive roots.
  • A participant suggests using the AM-GM inequality to establish a relationship between \(P(2)\) and \(3^n\), specifically noting that \(2 + a_i \ge 3(1 \times 1 \times a_i)^{1/3}\).
  • Another participant discusses a specific case where all \(b_i = 1\), leading to \(P(2) = 3^n\), and explores variations with reciprocal roots.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about missing steps or inequalities in their reasoning, indicating a struggle with the application of inequalities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof, with multiple competing views and approaches presented. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the application of inequalities and the completeness of the arguments made.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the problem and the potential for missing assumptions or steps in their reasoning. The discussion reflects a variety of mathematical techniques and interpretations that have not been fully resolved.

CaptainBlack
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I may have posted this back in the Old Country, but:

let the polynomial: \[P(x)=x^n+a_1X^{n-1}+ ... + a_{n-1}x+1 \] have non-negative coeficients and \(n\) real roots.

Prove that \(P(2)\ge 3^n \)

CB
 
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A hint would be appreciated.
 
Sherlock said:
A hint would be appreciated.

I think $3^n=(2+1)^n=\sum_{k=0}^n\dbinom{n}{k}2^k$ will be used somewhere.
 
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Sherlock said:
A hint would be appreciated.

Will do when I am at home with my notes, but to get you started the non-negativity of the coefficients tell you that there are no positive roots (there is a supprise, CaptainBlack uses Descartes rule of signs). And that there are \(n\) real roots means that:

\[ P(x)=\prod_{i=1}^n(x+a_i),\ \ \ a_i>0 \]

and:

\[ \prod_{i=1}^n a_i=1 \]

CB
 
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And the only other idea involved is the AM-GM inequality

CB
 
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I've sort of a set-up so far. I'm trying to work backwards but I think I'm missing a step.

$\displaystyle 3^n = \bigg[2+\prod_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg]^n \le \bigg[2+\bigg(\prod_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg)^{\frac{1}{n}}\bigg]^n \le \bigg[2+\frac{1}{n}\sum_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg]^n = \bigg[\frac{1}{n}\sum_{1 \le k \le n}(2+a_{k})\bigg]^{n} \ge \prod_{k=1}^{n}(2+a_{k}) = P(2).$

Is there a missing inequality here that fixes this? I'm really no good with inequalities! (Giggle)

---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 AM ----------

Alexmahone said:
I think $3^n=(2+1)^n=\sum_{k=0}^n\dbinom{n}{k}2^k$ will be used somewhere.
I've tried that (by creating a double sum, although I've no idea why) but to no avail unfortunately.
 
Sherlock said:
I've sort of a set-up so far. I'm trying to work backwards but I think I'm missing a step.

$\displaystyle 3^n = \bigg[2+\prod_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg]^n \le \bigg[2+\bigg(\prod_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg)^{\frac{1}{n}}\bigg]^n \le \bigg[2+\frac{1}{n}\sum_{1 \le k \le n}a_{k}\bigg]^n = \bigg[\frac{1}{n}\sum_{1 \le k \le n}(2+a_{k})\bigg]^{n} \ge \prod_{k=1}^{n}(2+a_{k}) = P(2).$

Is there a missing inequality here that fixes this? I'm really no good with inequalities! (Giggle)

---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 AM ----------

I've tried that (by creating a double sum, although I've no idea why) but to no avail unfortunately.

Use the AM-GM inequality on each factor of \(P(2)\):

$$ 2+a_i=1+1+a_i \ge 3(1\times 1\times a_i)^{1/3} $$

CB
 
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CaptainBlack said:
Use the AM-GM inequality on each factor of \(P(2)\):

$$ 2+a_i=1+1+a_i \ge 3(1\times 1\times a_i)^{1/3} $$

CB
Which of course tells us that the more general result holds:

For any positive integer \(k\) we have \( P(k)\ge (k+1)^n \)

CB
 
Let P(x)=(x+b1)(x+b2)(x+b3)------------(x+bn)

if bi=1 (i=1,2,---------------n) then

$P(x)=(x+1)^n$

$ \therefore P(2)=(2+1)^n=3^n$

for some bi and bj (here bi and bj are not equal to 1 ,then bi and bj are

reciprocal to each other (again i,j=1,2,----n )

let bi=k (k>0) ,then bj=$\dfrac {1}{k}$

$ \therefore P(x)=(x+1)^{n-2}(x+k)(x+\dfrac {1}{k})$

$( \because 2k+\dfrac {2}{k}>4) $

$ \therefore P(2)=(2+1)^{n-2}(2+k)(2+\dfrac {1}{k})> 3^n$
 

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