Where does this inequality come from?

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The discussion centers on an identity from Rudin's "Principles of Mathematical Analysis" that relates to the inequality b^n - a^n < (b - a)n*b^(n-1) for 0 < a < b. The participants clarify that the inequality arises from the identity by analyzing the terms involved. It is noted that the condition 0 < a < b leads to certain comparisons between the powers of a and b, which helps in understanding the inequality. The conversation concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the reasoning behind the inequality. This exchange highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the identity and the conditions set by the variables.
michaelxavier
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In Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis, 3rd ed., I encountered the following on p. 10, and I'm not really sure where it comes from. I'll write it just as it is shown in the book.

The identity
b^n-a^n=(b-a)(b^(n-1)*a^0 + b^(n-2)*a^1 + ... + b^1*a^(n-2) + b^0*a^(n-1))
yields the inequality
b^n-a^n<(b-a)n*b^(n-1)
when 0<a<b

I understand where the indentity comes from. I'm just confused about the inequality, and I was curious. Thanks for sharing any ideas.
 
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0<a<b implies, for instance, that b^(n-2)a < b^(n-1). Do you see it now?
 
Oh, of course. Thanks so much!
 
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