Does the Inequality Involving Sums of Consecutive Twin Prime Pairs Always Hold?

In summary, the conversation discusses the nth prime number and presents an inequality that may or may not hold for all positive integers. The inequality is eventually proven to hold, but there are counter examples for smaller values of n. The question of whether the inequality holds for all n is raised.
  • #1
checkitagain
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[tex]Let \ \ p_n \ \ = \ \ the \ \ nth \ \ prime \ \ number.[/tex]Examples:[tex]p_1 \ = \ 2[/tex]

[tex]p_2 \ = \ 3[/tex]

[tex]p_3 \ = \ 5[/tex]

[tex]p_4 \ = \ 7[/tex]- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [tex]Let \ \ n \ \ belong \ \ to \ \ the \ \ set \ \ of \ \ positive \ \ integers.[/tex]
Prove (or disprove) the following:[tex]p_n \ + \ p_{n + 1} \ \ \ge \ \ p_{n + 2} \ + \ p_{n - 2}, \ \ \ for \ \ all \ \ n \ \ge \ 4.[/tex]Examples:[tex] \ \ 7 \ + \ 11 \ \ > \ \ 13 \ + \ \ 3[/tex]

[tex]19 \ + \ 23 \ \ = \ \ 29 \ + \ 13[/tex]
 
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  • #2
checkittwice said:
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[tex]Let \ \ p_n \ \ = \ \ the \ \ nth \ \ prime \ \ number.[/tex]Examples:[tex]p_1 \ = \ 2[/tex]

[tex]p_2 \ = \ 3[/tex]

[tex]p_3 \ = \ 5[/tex]

[tex]p_4 \ = \ 7[/tex]- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [tex]Let \ \ n \ \ belong \ \ to \ \ the \ \ set \ \ of \ \ positive \ \ integers.[/tex]
Prove (or disprove) the following:[tex]p_n \ + \ p_{n + 1} \ \ \ge \ \ p_{n + 2} \ + \ p_{n - 2}, \ \ \ for \ \ all \ \ n \ \ge \ 4.[/tex][/tex]Examples:[tex] \ \ 7 \ + \ 11 \ \ > \ \ 13 \ + \ \ 3[/tex]

[tex]19 \ + \ 23 \ \ = \ \ 29 \ + \ 13[/tex]

Asymtotically \(p_n+p_{n+1} \sim (2n+1)\log(x)\) and \(p_{n-2}+p_{n+2} \sim 2n\log(n)\).

so the inequality eventually holds, and how many terms we need to check explicitly before we can rely on the asymtotics can probably be determined from (on second thoughts it can't, the inequalities have too wide a spread):

\(n\log(n)+n\log(\log(n))-n<p_n<n\log(n)+n\log(\log(n)), \ \ n\ge 6\)

It appears to fail for \(n=29\), when \(p_n=109,\ p_{n+1}=113,\ p_{n-2}=103,\ p_{n+2}=127\)

There are also plenty of other counter examples for primes less than \(10^6\).

So, the new question is: Is there a \(n_0\) such that for all \(n>n_0\) the inequality holds? I would guess the answer is no.

CB
 
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FAQ: Does the Inequality Involving Sums of Consecutive Twin Prime Pairs Always Hold?

What is an inequality involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs?

An inequality involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs is a mathematical statement that compares the sum of prime numbers that are 2 digits apart (known as twin primes) to another number or value. For example, the inequality could state that the sum of 3 and 5 (the first pair of twin primes) is less than 10.

How do you prove or disprove this inequality?

In order to prove or disprove an inequality involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs, you would need to use mathematical techniques such as induction, contradiction, or direct proof. These methods involve using logical reasoning and mathematical operations to show that the inequality is either true or false.

Are there any known inequalities involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs?

Yes, there are several known inequalities involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs. One example is the Bertrand's postulate, which states that for any positive integer n, there exists at least one prime number between n and 2n. This can be used to prove that the sum of any two consecutive twin primes is always greater than or equal to the next odd number.

Can you give an example of disproving an inequality involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs?

Sure, let's take the inequality that states the sum of 41 and 43 (the sixth pair of twin primes) is less than 90. Using direct proof, we can show that this is false by adding 41 and 43, which equals 84. Since 84 is less than 90, the inequality holds true and is therefore disproved.

Why are inequalities involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs important?

Inequalities involving sums of consecutive twin prime pairs are important because they provide insight into the distribution and behavior of prime numbers. They also have applications in various fields such as number theory and cryptography. Proving or disproving these inequalities can lead to new discoveries and advancements in mathematics.

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