Mathematica Can mathematical induction prove this proposition?

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The discussion revolves around proving the proposition that the sum of the products of three consecutive integers from 1 to n equals a specific formula. The left-hand side (LHS) is established as valid for n=1, equating both sides to 6. The next step involves assuming the proposition holds for a general case k (induction hypothesis) and attempting to prove it for k+1. The participant details the algebraic manipulation needed to combine terms and find a common denominator, ultimately leading to a new expression that incorporates k+1. They express uncertainty about the next steps in the proof process, particularly in factoring and demonstrating that if the proposition holds for Pk and P1, it must also hold for P(k+1). The conversation highlights the challenges of mathematical induction and the need for clarity in each step of the proof.
L²Cc
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Proposition: 1*2*3+2*3*4+3*4*5+...+n(n+1)(n+2) = [n(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)]/4

Step (1): If n=1 then LHS (left hand side) = 6, and RHS = 6
Thus, P1 is true.

Step (2): If Pk is true then
k(k+1)(k+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4

Now,
k(k+1)(k+2) + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2)

k(k+1)(k+2) +[k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 + (k+1)(k+2)(k+3)

[k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3) + 4(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 ---> Common denominator - 4.

Then...what do i do? any clues? I have not proven my proposition, yet.
 
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L²Cc said:
...

Now,
[k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2)

Think about this equality. Does it make sense?
 
oopsies i meant to write
k(k+1)(k+2) + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2)
 
L²Cc said:
oopsies i meant to write
k(k+1)(k+2) + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2) = [k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)]/4 + [k+1]([k+1]+1)([k+1]+2)

Right, and that implies k(k+1)(k+2) + (k+1)(k+2)(k+3) = \frac{k(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)+4(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)}{4}. The rest is pretty obvious.
 
im not very good at factoring, but ill give it a try and you see whether I am on the right track:
let k+1= A, k+2= B, k+3= C
k(A)(B)(C) + 4(A)(B)(C)/4
A(K+4)B(K+4)C(K+4)
Then,
(K+4)(ABC)
am i on the right track?
Then,
(k+4)(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)/4
Then? How do i prove that P(k+1) is true whenever Pk and P1 are true?!
 
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