Prove by induction: 2^n >= 11n + 17

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In summary, mathematical induction is a method of proof commonly used in mathematics to prove statements about natural numbers or integers. To use this method, a base case is established and then it is shown that if the statement is true for some value of n, it is also true for n+1. This process is repeated until the desired result is proven for all natural numbers. In this case, the statement being proven is 2^n >= 11n + 17 and while mathematical induction is one way to prove it, there may be other proof techniques that can be used. Additionally, mathematical induction can be used to prove statements for all types of numbers, but it is important to carefully consider the statement and its domain before using this method.
  • #1
leo255
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Homework Statement



Prove by mathematical induction: 2^n >= 11n + 17, for n >= 7, and n is an integer.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



This is my attempt - I want to see if I'm doing this correctly.

2^n >= 11n + 17, n >= 7

basis 2^7 >= 77 + 17

128 >= 94. True.

Induction Hypothesis:
Assume true:
2^k >= 11k + 17

Must prove:
2^k+1 >= 11(k+1) + 17

2^k * 2 >= 2*(11k + 17) <-- By induction hypothesis, just multiplying both sides by 2.
2^k * 2 >= 22k + 34

2^k*2 >= 11(k + 1) + 17
2^k*2 >= 11k + 28

2^k+1 >= 11k+28, because
2^k+1 >= 22k + 34, and 11k + 28 will always be a smaller number.
 
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  • #2
leo255 said:
2^k * 2 >= 2*(11k + 17) <-- By induction hypothesis, just multiplying both sides by 2.
2^k * 2 >= 22k + 34
Correct up to this point, but then I do not see what you are up to.
 
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  • #3
Thanks for the reply,

I was just expanding out the k+1, so I could say definitively that the expression being multiplied by 2 in the hypothesis is larger 11(k + 1) + 17
 
  • #4
leo255 said:
I was just expanding out the k+1, so I could say definitively that the expression being multiplied by 2 in the hypothesis is larger 11(k + 1) + 17
It seems to me that you are trying to run the proof backwards at this point. You have shown that

2k+1≥22k+34

Just continue with the right hand side...
 
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  • #5
Yes, you have the correct argument. I will suggest ways to write it up nicer.

leo255 said:

Homework Statement



Prove by mathematical induction: 2^n >= 11n + 17, for n >= 7, and n is an integer.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



This is my attempt - I want to see if I'm doing this correctly.

2^n >= 11n + 17, n >= 7

basis 2^7 >= 77 + 17

128 >= 94. True.

Induction Hypothesis:
Assume true:
2^k >= 11k + 17

Must prove:
2^(k+1) >= 11(k+1) + 17 = 11k + 28

You need parentheses in the exponents here and below.

2^k * 2 >= 2*(11k + 17) <-- By induction hypothesis, just multiplying both sides by 2.
2^k * 2 >= 22k + 34

Above, it would be better to start with the left side of what you are to prove$$
2^{k+1} = 2\cdot 2^k \ge 2(11k+17) = 22k+34 > 11k+28$$which is much more succinct than what you have below.

2^k*2 >= 11(k + 1) + 17
2^k*2 >= 11k + 28

2^k+1 >= 11k+28, because
2^k+1 >= 22k + 34, and 11k + 28 will always be a smaller number.
 
Last edited:
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  • #6
Very helpful, thanks guys!
 
  • #7
leo255 said:

Homework Statement



Prove by mathematical induction: 2^n >= 11n + 17, for n >= 7, and n is an integer.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



This is my attempt - I want to see if I'm doing this correctly.

2^n >= 11n + 17, n >= 7

basis 2^7 >= 77 + 17

128 >= 94. True.

Induction Hypothesis:
Assume true:
2^k >= 11k + 17

Must prove:
2^k+1 >= 11(k+1) + 17

2^k * 2 >= 2*(11k + 17) <-- By induction hypothesis, just multiplying both sides by 2.
2^k * 2 >= 22k + 34

2^k*2 >= 11(k + 1) + 17
2^k*2 >= 11k + 28

2^k+1 >= 11k+28, because
2^k+1 >= 22k + 34, and 11k + 28 will always be a smaller number.

You wrote ## 2^k + 1 \geq 11(k+1) + 17##. I assume you mean ##2{k+1} \geq 11(k+1) + 17##, and if so you need to use parentheses, like this: 2^(k+1) >= 11(k+1) + 17. So simple, yet so crucial!
 
  • #8
Ray Vickson said:
You wrote ## 2^k + 1 \geq 11(k+1) + 17##. I assume you mean ##2{k+1} \geq 11(k+1) + 17##, and if so you need to use parentheses, like this: 2^(k+1) >= 11(k+1) + 17. So simple, yet so crucial!
In the part, "I assume you mean...", what you really meant was ##2^{k+1} \geq 11(k+1) + 17##
 

Related to Prove by induction: 2^n >= 11n + 17

1. What is mathematical induction?

Mathematical induction is a method of proof commonly used in mathematics to prove statements about natural numbers or integers. It involves proving that a statement is true for a base case, typically n = 1, and then showing that if the statement is true for some value of n, it is also true for n+1. This process is repeated until the desired result is proven for all natural numbers.

2. How do you use mathematical induction to prove a statement?

To prove a statement using mathematical induction, you must first establish a base case, typically n = 1. Then, you assume that the statement is true for some value of n, and use this assumption to prove that it is also true for n+1. This process is repeated until the desired result is proven for all natural numbers.

3. What is the statement being proven in this case?

The statement being proven using mathematical induction in this case is 2^n >= 11n + 17.

4. Is mathematical induction the only way to prove this statement?

No, mathematical induction is not the only way to prove this statement. There may be other proof techniques or methods that can be used to show that the statement is true.

5. Can mathematical induction be used to prove statements for all types of numbers?

Yes, mathematical induction can be used to prove statements for all types of numbers, including natural numbers, integers, and even some types of real numbers. However, it is important to carefully consider the statement being proven and the domain in which it is valid before using mathematical induction as a proof technique.

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