A sequence a0,a1,a2,… of real numbers is defined recursively by a0=−1,k=0∑nk+1an−k=0 for n≥1. Prove that an>0 holds for all n≥1.
Solution
Solution:
For n=1 we have a1+21a0=0, so a1=21>0.
Now suppose ai>0 for 1≤i<n. From what is given it follows that k=1∑n−1k+1an−k+1an+n+1a0=0⇔an=n+11−k=1∑n−1k+1an−k(∗) and likewise 0=k=0∑n−1k+1a(n−1)−k=k=1∑nkan−k=k=1∑n−1kan−k+na0⇔n1=k=1∑n−1kan−k. This leads to n+11=k=1∑n−1(kan−k⋅n+1n) and, because of n>k⇔n+1n>k+1k⇔k(n+1)n>k+11, to n+11>k=1∑n−1k+1an−k. With (∗) this gives an>k=1∑n−1k+1an−k−k=1∑n−1k+1an−k=0. By complete induction it therefore holds that an>0 for all n≥1.
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