A sequence is defined by an = n3 – 6n2 + 11n – 6, n ∈ N. Show that the first three terms of the sequence are zero and all other terms are positive.
A sequence is defined by an = n3 – 6n2 + 11n – 6, n ∈ N. Show that the first three terms of the sequence are zero and all other terms are positive.

Answer:

Using n = 1, 2, 3, the first three terms can be calculated.

If n = 1,

a1 = (1)3 – 6(1)2 + 11(1) – 6

a1 = 1 – 6 + 11 – 6

a1 = 12 – 12

a1 = 0

If n = 2,

a2 = (2)3 – 6(2)2 + 11(2) – 6

a2 = 8 – 6(4) + 22 – 6

a2 = 8 – 24 + 22 – 6

a2 = 30 – 30

a2 = 0

If n = 3,

a3 = (3)3 – 6(3)2 + 11(3) – 6

a3 = 27 – 6(9) + 33 – 6

a3 = 27 – 54 + 33 – 6

a3 = 60 – 60

a3 = 0

First three terms of the sequence is zero.

If n = n,

an = n3 – 6n2 + 11n – 6

an = n3 – 6n2 + 11n – 6 – n + n – 2 + 2

an = n3 – 6n2 + 12n – 8 – n + 2

an = (n)3 – 3×2n(n – 2) – (2)3 – n + 2

Using the formula, {(a – b)3 = (a)3 – (b)3 – 3ab(a – b)}

an = (n – 2)3 – (n – 2)

n – 2 will always be positive for n > 3

∴ an is always positive for n > 3