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Math Induction Notes

A brief note of math induction

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3 views

Math Induction Notes

A brief note of math induction

Uploaded by

hl69962731
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mathematical induction is a fundamental proof technique used in mathematics to

establish the truth of an infinite number of statements, typically those concerning


natural numbers. This method is particularly useful for proving formulas, theorems,
and identities that are believed to hold for all integers
n
≥
a
n≥a.
Overview of Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction consists of two main steps:
Base Case: Verify that the statement is true for the initial value, usually
n
=
1
n=1. This step serves as the foundation for the induction process.
Inductive Step: Assume that the statement holds true for some arbitrary integer
k
k (this assumption is called the inductive hypothesis). Then, demonstrate that if
the statement is true for
k
k, it must also be true for
k
+
1
k+1.
By completing these two steps, one can conclude that the statement is true for all
integers greater than or equal to the base case.
Example of Mathematical Induction
A classic example of mathematical induction is proving the formula for the sum of
the first
n
n natural numbers:
P
(
n
)
:
1
+
2
+
3
+
⋯
+
n
=
n
(
n
+
1
)
2
P(n):1+2+3+⋯+n=
2
n(n+1)
Proof Steps
Base Case: For
n
=
1
n=1:
Left-hand side (LHS):
1
1
Right-hand side (RHS):
1
(
1
+
1
)
2
=
1
2
1(1+1)

=1
Thus,
P
(
1
)
P(1) holds true.
Inductive Step: Assume
P
(
k
)
P(k) is true for some integer
k
k:
Assume
1
+
2
+
3
+
⋯
+
k
=
k
(
k
+
1
)
2
1+2+3+⋯+k=
2
k(k+1)
.
Now prove it for
k
+
1
k+1:
LHS:
1
+
2
+
3
+
⋯
+
k
+
(
k
+
1
)
=
k
(
k
+
1
)
2
+
(
k
+
1
)
1+2+3+⋯+k+(k+1)=
2
k(k+1)

+(k+1)
Simplifying gives:
=
k
(
k
+
1
)
+
2
(
k
+
1
)
2
=
(
k
+
1
)
(
k
+
2
)
2
=
2
k(k+1)+2(k+1)

=
2
(k+1)(k+2)

Therefore,
P
(
k
+
1
)
P(k+1) holds true.
Since both steps are verified, by the principle of mathematical induction, the
formula is proven for all integers
n
≥
1
n≥1 .
Applications of Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction is widely used in various fields such as:
Algebra: Proving identities and formulas.
Computer Science: Analyzing algorithms and data structures.
Combinatorics: Establishing counting principles and combinatorial identities.
Number Theory: Proving properties of integers and divisibility.
In summary, mathematical induction provides a systematic approach to prove
statements about natural numbers by leveraging their sequential nature. This
technique not only simplifies proofs but also enhances our understanding of
mathematical concepts.

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