Math Problem Statement

Prove that 1/√1 + 1/√2 + ... + 1/√n > √n for all n ∈ ℕ, n > 1.

Solution

The question asks to prove the inequality:

11+12++1n>n\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \dots + \frac{1}{\sqrt{n}} > \sqrt{n} for all nN,n>1n \in \mathbb{N}, n > 1.

Proof (by induction):

We will use mathematical induction to prove this inequality.

Step 1: Base case for n=2n = 2

For n=2n = 2, we calculate both sides of the inequality.

The left-hand side (LHS) is:

11+12=1+121+0.7071.707\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = 1 + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \approx 1 + 0.707 \approx 1.707

The right-hand side (RHS) is:

21.414\sqrt{2} \approx 1.414

Clearly, 1.707>1.4141.707 > 1.414, so the inequality holds for n=2n = 2.

Step 2: Inductive hypothesis

Assume the inequality holds for some n=kn = k, i.e.,

11+12++1k>k.\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \dots + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}} > \sqrt{k}.

Step 3: Inductive step

We need to prove that the inequality holds for n=k+1n = k+1, i.e.,

11+12++1k+1k+1>k+1.\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \dots + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} > \sqrt{k+1}.

From the inductive hypothesis, we know:

11+12++1k>k.\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \dots + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}} > \sqrt{k}.

Adding 1k+1\frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} to both sides gives:

11+12++1k+1k+1>k+1k+1.\frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} + \dots + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} > \sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}}.

Now, we need to show that:

k+1k+1>k+1.\sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} > \sqrt{k+1}.

We can analyze this by examining the approximation:

For large kk, k+1\sqrt{k+1} is approximately k+12k\sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}, meaning:

k+1k+12k.\sqrt{k+1} \approx \sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}.

Since 1k+1\frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} is greater than 12k\frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}, we have:

k+1k+1>k+1.\sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} > \sqrt{k+1}.

Thus, the inequality holds for n=k+1n = k+1.

By the principle of mathematical induction, the inequality is true for all n2n \geq 2.


Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How does the approximation k+1k+12k\sqrt{k+1} \approx \sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}} work?
  2. What other methods could be used to prove this inequality?
  3. Can we explore how the sum behaves for very large nn?
  4. How do we rigorously prove that 1k+1>12k\frac{1}{\sqrt{k+1}} > \frac{1}{2\sqrt{k}}?
  5. Can this inequality be applied in any practical scenario, such as estimating large sums?

Tip: Induction proofs often require establishing a clear and correct inductive step. Always verify your assumptions hold throughout the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Induction
Inequalities
Algebra
Series

Formulas

Sum of series: 1/√1 + 1/√2 + ... + 1/√n
Square root approximation: √(n+1) ≈ √n + 1/(2√n)

Theorems

Principle of Mathematical Induction

Suitable Grade Level

High School (Grades 11-12) or early college level