Stuck on Proof by induction of 2^n>n^3 for all n>=10

In summary, using the principle of mathematical induction, we can prove that for all n>=10, 2^n>n^3 by showing that the base case is true and using the inductive step. The inductive step involves showing that 2^(n+1) > (n+1)^3 by using the fact that 2^(n+1) = 2(2^n) and (n+1)^3 = n^3 + 3n^2 + 3n +1. This can be further justified by proving that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1 for n>=10. By taking the derivative of n^3- 3n^2+
  • #1
ArthurRead
16
0

Homework Statement


Using the principle of mathematical induction, prove that for all n>=10, 2^n>n^3

Homework Equations



2^(n+1) = 2(2^n)
(n+1)^3 = n^3 + 3n^2 + 3n +1

The Attempt at a Solution


i) (Base case) Statement is true for n=10
ii)(inductive step) Suppose 2^n > n^3 for some integer >= 10
(show that 2^(n+1) > (n+1)^3 )
Consider 2^(n+1).
2^(n+1)= 2(2^n) > 2(n^3) = n^3 + n^3
(Ok, so this is where I'm stuck. Can I say n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n +1 because n>=10? Because if I can say that, then I can proceed with n^3 + n^3 > n^3 + 3n^2 + 3n +1 = (n+1)^3. I just don't know if i have to further justify it. Should I do another proof by induction to show that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n +1 for n>=10? Or can I make a general statement that the power of 3 is higher than a power of 2 and so on)

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
3n^2 + 3n + 1 < 3n^2 + 3n^2 + 3n^2 = 9n^2 < 10n^2 <= n^3 should do
 
  • #3
n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1 has derivative 3n^2- 6n+ 3= 3(n^2- 2n+ 1)= 3(n- 1)^2. That has a single 0 at n= 1< 10. Further at n= 10, 3(n-1)^2= 3*81> 0 so n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1 is increasing for all n> 10 and when n= 10, its value is 1000- 300+ 30+ 1= 729> 0 so n^3- 3n^2+ 3n- 1> 0 for all n> 10. Yes, n^3> 3n^2- 3n+ 1 for n> 10.
 
  • #4
Wow. That's creative. So basically I can't just say that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1 because 3n^2 isn't the only term? And is there a reason your last inequality is 10n^2 <= n^3 instead of just 10n^2 < n^3? Can I just say 10n^2 <n^3 because n>=10?

Thank you!
 
  • #5
ArthurRead said:
Wow. That's creative. So basically I can't just say that n^3 > 3n^2 + 3n + 1 because 3n^2 isn't the only term? And is there a reason your last inequality is 10n^2 <= n^3 instead of just 10n^2 < n^3? Can I just say 10n^2 <n^3 because n>=10?

Thank you!
I first had 10n^2 < n^3 but this is not true for the possible n=10. So either you state n>10 (which can be done in the induction step) or you just write the line from right to left. One "<" is enough.
 

Related to Stuck on Proof by induction of 2^n>n^3 for all n>=10

What is the statement being proven by induction?

The statement being proven by induction is 2^n > n^3 for all n >= 10.

Why is induction used to prove this statement?

Induction is used because it is a common method for proving statements that hold for all natural numbers. By proving the statement for a base case and then showing that it holds for n+1 assuming it holds for n, we can conclude that it holds for all natural numbers.

What is the base case for this proof?

The base case for this proof is n=10. We must show that 2^10 > 10^3, which is true since 2^10 = 1024 and 10^3 = 1000.

What is the inductive hypothesis for this proof?

The inductive hypothesis for this proof is assuming that 2^n > n^3 for some arbitrary natural number n. This is used to prove that 2^(n+1) > (n+1)^3.

What is the conclusion of this proof by induction?

The conclusion of this proof is that 2^n > n^3 for all natural numbers n >= 10. This means that the statement holds true for all values of n that are 10 or greater.

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