Can You Prove the Inequality in This Week's Math Challenge?

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    2017
In summary, the purpose of solving POTW #248 is to prove the inequality |a1+2a2+...+na_n|<1 for a given function g(x) under the condition that |g(x)|<|sin x|. The notation |a1+2a2+...+na_n| represents the absolute value of the sum of the first n terms of a sequence (a1, a2, ..., a_n). The inequality |a1+2a2+...+na_n|<1 is related to the function g(x) as a condition that must be satisfied by its coefficients. The condition |g(x)|<|sin x| is significant as it allows us to make conclusions about
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week New Year's POTW::)

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Let $g(x)=a_1\sin x+a_2\sin 2x+\cdots+a_n\sin nx$, where $a_1,\,a_2,\,\cdots,\,a_n$ are real numbers. Suppose that $|g(x)|<|\sin x|$ for all real $x$.

Prove $|a_1+2a_2+\cdots+na_n|<1$.

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  • #2
Congratulations to vidyarth for his correct solution.:)

You can find the suggested solution below:

Suggested solution:

Observe that $g(0)=0$ and $g'(0)=a_1+2a_2+\cdots+na_n$.

On the other hand,

\(\displaystyle \begin{align*}\left| g'(0) \right|&=\left|\lim_{{x}\to{0}}\frac{g(x)-g(0)}{x-0} \right|\\&=\left|\lim_{{x}\to{0}}\frac{g(x)}{x} \right|\\&<\left|\lim_{{x}\to{0}}\frac{\sin x}{x} \right|\\&=1\,\,\text{Q.E.D.}\end{align*}\)
 

FAQ: Can You Prove the Inequality in This Week's Math Challenge?

What is the purpose of solving POTW #248?

The purpose of solving POTW #248 is to prove the inequality |a1+2a2+...+na_n|<1 for a given function g(x) under the condition that |g(x)|<|sin x|.

What does the notation |a1+2a2+...+na_n| mean?

The notation |a1+2a2+...+na_n| represents the absolute value of the sum of the first n terms of a sequence (a1, a2, ..., a_n).

How is the inequality |a1+2a2+...+na_n|<1 related to the function g(x)?

The inequality |a1+2a2+...+na_n|<1 is a condition that must be satisfied by the coefficients of the function g(x) in order for the given function to have a smaller absolute value than the sine function.

What is the significance of the condition |g(x)|<|sin x| in this problem?

The condition |g(x)|<|sin x| ensures that the given function g(x) does not exceed the absolute value of the sine function, which allows us to make conclusions about the coefficients of g(x) and prove the desired inequality.

How can this problem be solved?

This problem can be solved by using mathematical reasoning and techniques such as induction and trigonometric identities to manipulate the given inequality and prove its validity.

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