Proof Error: Missing Link at n^4 Term

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In summary, the conversation is about a proof that involves a polynomial with a long expansion. The proof is attempting to show that for any positive number n, the polynomial equals n^4 + 6n^3 + 11n^2 + 6n. However, there seems to be a missing link in the n^4 term and values of n up to 134 have been tested and found to be true. The person asking the question also notes that the last line of the proof does not make sense. The person attempting the proof explains that they are trying to prove the polynomial by induction and have checked and rechecked for errors, but cannot find one.
  • #1
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What is wrong with this proof? There seems to be a missing link at the n^4 term, even though values of n up to 134 are true!

http://www.geocities.com/jake_lloyd007/ind.jpg
 
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  • #2
without seeing it all souldn't the answers to each line read as follows:

n+6n+11n+6n

n+10n+35n+50n+24n

n+11n+41n+61n+30n (if you add the two lines above together)
 
  • #3
1. You haven't told us what you are trying to prove!

2. What you posted makes no sense! In the last line, there appears to be no n on the left side, yet the right side depends on n.
 
  • #4
I am trying to preform a proof by induction that for any positive number n,

1 x 2 x 3 x 4 + 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 + ...+ n (n+1)(n+2)(n+3)(n+4)

= n^4 + 6n^3 + 11n^2 + 6n

So in the image just consider the k as n.

It's a polynomial with a pretty long expansion, but I have checked and rechecked and if there is an error, I can't find one. Yet it can't be proven?
 

What does "Proof Error: Missing Link at n^4 Term" mean?

The phrase "Proof Error: Missing Link at n^4 Term" indicates that there is an error in the proof of a mathematical statement, specifically at the n^4 term. This means that there is a mistake in the reasoning or calculation that leads to the incorrect conclusion at the fourth power of n.

What is a proof in mathematics?

A proof in mathematics is a logical argument that demonstrates the validity of a mathematical statement or theorem. It is a step-by-step process that shows how the given assumptions and definitions lead to the desired conclusion.

What is a missing link in a proof?

A missing link in a proof refers to a step or piece of information that is necessary to complete the logical argument and support the conclusion, but has been omitted or overlooked. This can result in an incorrect proof or an incomplete proof.

How can a proof error be identified?

A proof error can be identified by carefully examining each step of the proof and checking for any mistakes in logic or calculation. It is also helpful to try to find a counterexample, or a specific case that does not follow the given proof, to identify where the error may be.

What are the consequences of a proof error?

A proof error can have significant consequences in mathematics, as it can lead to incorrect conclusions and potentially impact other areas of mathematics that rely on the faulty proof. It is important to identify and correct proof errors to ensure the accuracy of mathematical statements and theories.

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