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It is obvious that if $x \geq 3 $ the LHS will always be bigger. But how can I prove this by induction. I have tried using the binomial theorem for $(x+1)^x$ but I couldn't complete it. The result is always bigger than $2x^2$ but I can't determine an upper bound.

Lion Heart
  • 7,073

1 Answers1

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$$(x+1)^{x+2}=x^{x+1}\cdot\left(1+\frac1x\right)^{x+1}\cdot(x+1)=x^{x+1}\cdot\left(1+\frac1x\right)^x\cdot\frac{(x+1)^2}x$$$$(x+2)^{x+1}=(x+1)^x\cdot\left(1+\frac1{x+1}\right)^x\cdot(x+2)$$

Note that $1+\frac1x>1+\frac1{x+1}$ and $(x+1)^2>x\cdot(x+2)$, so we are done by induction (assuming you prove the base case $x=3$).

Rushabh Mehta
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