22nd Putnam 1961

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Problem B1

an is a sequence of positive reals. h = lim (a1 + a2 + ... + an)/n and k = lim (1/a1 + 1/a2 + ... + 1/an)/n exist. Show that h k ≥ 1.

 

Solution

Apply the arithmetic-geometric mean theorem to each sum. We get that (a1 + a2 + ... + an)/n ≥ (a1a2 ... an)1/n, (1/a1 + 1/a2 + ... + 1/an)/n = 1/(a1a2 ... an)1/n. Hence their product is at least 1. Hence the product of the limits also.

 


 

22nd Putnam 1961

© John Scholes
jscholes@kalva.demon.co.uk
15 Feb 2002