Prove: n>3 then 2n+1<2^n [SOLVED]

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In summary, the conversation discusses a proof problem involving the inequality n>3 then 2n+1<2^n. The participants consider using either contradiction or induction to start the proof. Ultimately, they determine that induction is the best approach and provide a detailed proof using induction. There is also a brief apology for being too picky about the proof method.
  • #1
Arden1528
[SOLVED] Prove it

We are starting to do some proofs in my class. I am having a problem starting the problem:
n>3 then 2n+1<2^n
Can I start the proof by using contradicition or should I try to apply induction? Any help would be cool, thanks.
 
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  • #2
Induction sounds good.
 
  • #3
that is if you're assuming n is a natural number.

if n were real...

let f(n) = 2n+1 and g(n) = 2^n.

f(3)=7<8=g(3).

f'(n) = 2 and g'(n) = (2^n)*log(2).

f'(3)=2 < g'(3) = 8 * log(2) and clearly, g'(n) is monotonically increasing, being an exponential function. (or g''(n) = (2^n) * (log(2))^2, which is positive, implying g' is increasing.)

therefore, f'(n) < g'(n) for n >= 3.

therefore, f(n) < g(n) for all n >=3, and not just the natural ones.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
n>3 then 2n+1<2^n

for n=4
2(4)+1=9<2^4=16 true.
assume true for some n(obviously n=>4) then then for n+1
we have
2(n+1)+1<2^(n+1) ====>
(2n+1)+2<2^n*2 qed
 
  • #5
2(n+1)+1=
2(n+1)+1 = (2n+1)=2 < (2^n)+2 < (2^n)+(2^n) = 2^(n+1)
so,
2(n+1)+1 < 2^(n+1)

and this is the proper way to go about it
the other way worked on both sides at once and kept the
<, which is assuming what you were trying to prove.

Sorry rolandmath, nothing personal
Aaron
 
  • #6
well it was my fault i thought it was obvious that

2^n*2=2^n+2^n
and
2*2^n=2^(n+1)
and
2<2^n
for all n=>1 but in this case its 3 so were still safe.

so again

(2n+1)+2<2*2^n=2^(n+1)
 
  • #7
Sorry, i should take time to read it better. (oops) You're right of course, sometimes I'm just too picky and I really should lighten up about things being done only one certain way. It's a perfectly good proof. Sorry again.
Aaron
 

What is the statement "n>3 then 2n+1<2^n" called?

The statement is called a mathematical proposition or a conditional statement.

What does the symbol ">" mean in the statement?

The symbol ">" is a mathematical symbol for "greater than". In this statement, it indicates that n must be greater than 3 for the statement to be true.

What does the "n" represent in the statement?

The "n" represents a variable, which can take on different values. In this statement, it represents any integer greater than 3.

How can the statement be proven?

The statement can be proven using mathematical induction, which is a method for proving statements about all natural numbers. It involves showing that the statement is true for a base case (in this case, n=4) and then proving that if the statement is true for any n, it is also true for the next integer (n+1).

What is the importance of this statement?

This statement is important because it demonstrates a relationship between two mathematical expressions. It also showcases the use of mathematical induction as a proof technique.

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