Proof by mathematical Induction: Divisibility

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving by mathematical induction that the expression f(n) = 2^{6n} + 3^{2n-2} is divisible by 5. Participants explore various approaches to establish the inductive step and clarify their understanding of mathematical induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines an initial approach to prove the statement for n=k and attempts to show it holds for n=k+1 but encounters difficulties in expressing the result in the required form.
  • Another participant suggests starting with a specific case, noting that the statement is true for n=1, and proposes manipulating the expression for n+1 to facilitate the proof.
  • A third participant acknowledges the first participant's progress and encourages them to consider a different expression to bridge the gap in their proof, suggesting the use of constants to relate the expressions.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of understanding the mathematical induction process and expresses a desire for further assistance in grasping the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to prove the statement. Multiple strategies are discussed, and some participants express uncertainty about the steps involved in the proof.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the challenge of expressing the inductive step in the required form, indicating potential gaps in their understanding of the algebraic manipulation needed for the proof.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning about mathematical induction, particularly those seeking help with homework or looking to deepen their understanding of the topic.

DeathKnight
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The question is: Prove by mathematical Induction that
[tex]f(n) \equiv 2^{6n}+3^{2n-2}[/tex] is divisible by 5. This is what I did:
Suppose that the given statement is true for [tex]n=k[/tex]
Since the[tex]f(k)[/tex] is divisible by 5,
[tex]f(k)=5A[/tex] (where A are is a constant.)
Also, from the given statement:
[tex]f(k)=2^{6k}+3^{2k-2}[/tex]
To prove that the given statement is also true for n=k+1:
[tex]f(k+1)-f(k)[/tex]
[tex]=2^{6k+6}+3^{2k} - (2^{6k}+3^{2k-2})[/tex]
[tex]=2^{6k}(63)+3^{2k-2}(8)[/tex]
After this I'm stuck! I know that I have to write it in the form of [tex]5B[/tex](where B is a constant) but I cant. This is because if I do take 5 common I get fractions in the above expression.
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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You should really start with a specific case. The statement is true for n = 1 since 2^6 + 3^0 = 65 is divisible by 5.
I find that the easiest approach for this problems is to start with the "n+1" expression where you replace n by n+1 and manipulate the expression to get it into the appropriate form.
[tex] f\left( {n + 1} \right) = 2^{6n + 6} + 3^{2n} [/tex]

We want something with 2^6n or 3^(2n-2). The former is clearly the easier of the two to incorporate into the above expression so try to get that in there first.
[tex] = 2^6 \left( {2^{6n} } \right) + 3^{2n} [/tex]

But you don't just want 2^6n in there somewhere do you? You'd much prefer to have 2^6n + 3^(2n-6) in there as well. So just add a 3^(2n-6) in the parenthesis with the 2^6n. Of course now you'll need to substract the relevant expression to maintain equality. From there it's just algebra, as with many questions of this type.
 
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DeathKnight said:
The question is: Prove by mathematical Induction that
[tex]f(n) \equiv 2^{6n}+3^{2n-2}[/tex] is divisible by 5. This is what I did:
Suppose that the given statement is true for [tex]n=k[/tex]
Since the[tex]f(k)[/tex] is divisible by 5,
[tex]f(k)=5A[/tex] (where A are is a constant.)
Also, from the given statement:
[tex]f(k)=2^{6k}+3^{2k-2}[/tex]
To prove that the given statement is also true for n=k+1:
[tex]f(k+1)-f(k)[/tex]
[tex]=2^{6k+6}+3^{2k} - (2^{6k}+3^{2k-2})[/tex]
[tex]=2^{6k}(63)+3^{2k-2}(8)[/tex]
After this I'm stuck! I know that I have to write it in the form of [tex]5B[/tex](where B is a constant).
You are almost there!
Benny is suggesting to use a very powerful solving technique: compare where you are to what result you need to get, and think of what would be nice to have as a stepping stone to close a gap.
Benny's solution mght be a little shorter, but since you've already come close to solution, let's continue.
Borrowing Benny's expression, you'd much prefer to see
[tex]2^{6k}+3^{2k-2}[/tex] in your
[tex]2^{6k}(63)+3^{2k-2}(8)[/tex].
Maybe, [tex]c(2^{6k}+3^{2k-2})[/tex], where c is a constant?
Say, [tex]c=63[/tex] (why?).
[tex]63(2^{6k}+3^{2k-2})=2^{6k}(63)+3^{2k-2}(63)[/tex].
It's not your [tex]2^{6k}(63)+3^{2k-2}(8)[/tex] yet, but you can make some adjustments.
[tex]f(k+1)-f(k)=63(2^{6k}+3^{2k-2})-?=63(5A)-?=5B[/tex]

Now, I am not sure why you started with
[tex]f(k+1)-f(k)[/tex].
You could:
[tex]f(k+1)=2^{6k+6}+3^{2k}=2^{6k}(64)+3^{2k-2}(9)= 64(2^{6k}+3^{2k-2}) - ? = 64(5A) - ? = 5B[/tex]
 
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