A set A of n elements has n(n-1)/2 subsets of 2 elements

[dpesios]

I would very much like some help to the following problem.

Homework Statement

Using mathematical induction, prove that a finite set A of n elements has n(n-1)/2 subsets of two elements.

The Attempt at a Solution

* Base step n=2: 2(2-1)/2= 1 subset of two elements.
* Inductive step: assuming the statement holds for n=k, that is a set A of k elements has k(k-1)/2 (hypothesis)
We want to show that it also holds for n=k+1, that is a set A of k+1 has (k+1)(k+1-1)/2 elements.
How can we infer from the hypothesis ? I have no idea ...

I have an engineering background so be as descriptive as you can.
Thank you in advance.

 

[eumyang]

* Base step n=2: 2(2-1)/2= 1 subset of two elements.
* Inductive step: assuming the statement holds for n=k, that is a set A of k elements has k(k-1)/2 (hypothesis)
We want to show that it also holds for n=k+1, that is a set A of k+1 has (k+1)(k+1-1)/2 elements.

A set A of k elements has k(k-1)/2 subsets of two elements, as you said.
Suppose you add a new element to set A. How many new subsets can be created where one of the elements of these subsets is the new element?

 

[dpesios]

if we add an element to the set which previously had k elements (that is now has k+1 elements) the new subsets that include the new element will be :

(k+1)k/2 - k(k-1)/2 = k

So, how can we argue that this will solve the problem ?