Calculus: Early Transcendentals
Calculus: Early Transcendentals
8th Edition
ISBN: 9781285741550
Author: James Stewart
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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### Mathematical Induction Problem

**Problem Statement:**

Suppose \( a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n, \ldots \) is a list of positive real numbers, and assume \( a_{n+1} \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right) a_n \) for all \( n \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \). Use induction to show that \( a_n \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n a_1 \) for all \( n \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \).

**Explanation:**

To solve this problem, you need to use mathematical induction. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. **Base Case:**
   - Verify the statement for \( n = 1 \).

2. **Induction Hypothesis:**
   - Assume the statement is true for some \( k \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \). That is, assume \( a_k \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^k a_1 \).

3. **Inductive Step:**
   - Prove the statement for \( k + 1 \). That is, show that \( a_{k+1} \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{k+1} a_1 \).

By following these steps, the given inequality can be proven true for all positive integers \( n \). This use of induction demonstrates the power of this mathematical technique in proving statements related to sequences and series.
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Transcribed Image Text:### Mathematical Induction Problem **Problem Statement:** Suppose \( a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n, \ldots \) is a list of positive real numbers, and assume \( a_{n+1} \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right) a_n \) for all \( n \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \). Use induction to show that \( a_n \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^n a_1 \) for all \( n \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \). **Explanation:** To solve this problem, you need to use mathematical induction. Here's a step-by-step approach: 1. **Base Case:** - Verify the statement for \( n = 1 \). 2. **Induction Hypothesis:** - Assume the statement is true for some \( k \in \mathbb{Z}^+ \). That is, assume \( a_k \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^k a_1 \). 3. **Inductive Step:** - Prove the statement for \( k + 1 \). That is, show that \( a_{k+1} \leq \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{k+1} a_1 \). By following these steps, the given inequality can be proven true for all positive integers \( n \). This use of induction demonstrates the power of this mathematical technique in proving statements related to sequences and series.
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