Determine the least real number c, such that for any integer n≥1 and any positive real numbers a1,a2,…,an, the following holds k=1∑na11+a21+⋯+ak1k<ck=1∑nak.
Solution
We claim cmin=2. Taking aj=j1 for j=1,2,…,n, we have k=1∑na11+a21+⋯+ak1k=k=1∑n1+2+⋯+kk=2k=1∑nk+11, while ck=1∑nak=
We will now prove that c=2 is suitable. From the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality, 4k2(k+1)2=(j=1∑kj)2≤(j=1∑kj2aj)(j=1∑kaj1), hencea11+a21+⋯+ak1k≤k(k+1)24j=1∑kj2aj. Therefore k=1∑na11+a21+⋯+ak1kk=j∑nk2(k+1)22k+1hence k=1∑na11+a21+⋯+ak1k≤k=1∑n(k(k+1)24j=1∑kj2aj)==j=1∑nj2ajk=j∑nk(k+1)24=2j=1∑nj2ajk=j∑nk2(k+1)22k<<2j=1∑nj2ajk=j∑nk2(k+1)22k+1. But=k=j∑n(k21−(k+1)21)=j21−(n+1)21<j21,<2k=1∑nak.
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