Use mathematical induction to prove:

In summary, the conversation discusses using mathematical induction to prove a statement and correcting mistakes in the induction hypothesis. The conversation also includes a request for help with starting the algebra required to finish the proof.
  • #1
nddewaters
6
0
Please help! Use mathematical induction to prove.
 

Attachments

  • equation.png
    equation.png
    1.1 KB · Views: 450
  • equation (2).png
    equation (2).png
    996 bytes · Views: 454
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Mark44 said:
What have you tried?

This is as far as I can go. Not totally sure if the Induction Hypothesis is used the right way. Any help is appreciated...

ND
 

Attachments

  • MathInduc.gif
    MathInduc.gif
    2.3 KB · Views: 520
  • #4
You are using induction correctly, but you have a mistake.
Your induction hypothesis for n = k is
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^k \frac{1}{i(i + 1)} = \frac{k}{k + 1}[/tex]

For n = k + 1 we have
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^{k + 1} \frac{1}{i(i + 1)} = \sum_{i = 1}^k \frac{1}{i(i + 1)} + \frac{1}{(k + 1)(k + 2)}[/tex]

The last expression on the right is where you made your mistake. You have k + 1. What you should have is the value of 1/(i(i + 1)) when i = k + 1.

BTW, the font size in your attachment is very small, almost too small for my old eyes to read.

Also, if you click either of my equations above, you can see my LaTeX script.
 
  • #5
nddewaters said:
Please help! Use mathematical induction to prove.

For the second question I have ried the following... please correct me if I'm wrong or some help as to how to proceed further. Thank You

PS- I am sorry for the small images..
 

Attachments

  • Untitled 5.gif
    Untitled 5.gif
    2.1 KB · Views: 520
  • #6
For starters, you have a typo in your summation. It should be
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^n i\cdot i![/tex]

The index for your summation is i, not o or 0.

Your induction hypothesis is
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^k i\cdot i! = (k + 1)! - 1[/tex]
This is the statement when n = k

The statement you're trying to prove, when n = k + 1, is
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^{k + 1} i\cdot i! = (k + 2)! - 1[/tex]

and not what you have.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Mark44 said:
For starters, you have a typo in your summation. It should be
[tex]\sum_{o = 1}^n i\cdot i![/tex]

The index for your summation is i, not o or 0.

Your induction hypothesis is
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^k i\cdot i! = (k + 1)! - 1[/tex]
This is the statement when n = k

The statement you're trying to prove, when n = k + 1, is
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^{k + 1} i\cdot i! = (k + 2)! - 1[/tex]

and not what you have.

Could you now help me in getting the algebra started that is required to finish the proof?
Thank You
 
  • #8
[tex]\sum_{i = 1}^{k + 1} i\cdot i! = \sum_{i = 1}^{k} i\cdot i! + (k + 1)(k + 1)![/tex]
 

What is mathematical induction?

Mathematical induction is a method of mathematical proof used to prove that a statement is true for all natural numbers (positive integers). It involves proving a base case and then using a logical argument to show that if the statement is true for a particular number, it is also true for the next number.

How does mathematical induction work?

Mathematical induction works by proving the statement for a base case, usually the number 1 or 0. Then, using the fact that the statement is true for this base case, it is proven that the statement is also true for the next number in the sequence. This process is repeated until the statement is proven to be true for all natural numbers.

When is mathematical induction used?

Mathematical induction is used when trying to prove a statement that is true for all natural numbers. It is commonly used in algebra, number theory, and discrete mathematics.

Can mathematical induction be used to prove any statement?

No, mathematical induction can only be used to prove statements that are true for all natural numbers. It cannot be used to prove statements that are only true for a finite number of cases or for real numbers.

What are the key steps in a mathematical induction proof?

The key steps in a mathematical induction proof include proving the base case, assuming the statement is true for a particular number, using this assumption to prove the statement for the next number, and then repeating this process until the statement is proven to be true for all natural numbers.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
941
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
410
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
940
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top