Can mathematical induction prove this proposition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the use of mathematical induction to prove a proposition involving a summation of products of consecutive integers. The participants explore the steps of the induction process, including base cases and inductive steps, while seeking clarity on the correctness of their manipulations and reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a proposition involving a summation of products of consecutive integers and attempts to establish its validity through induction.
  • Another participant questions the validity of an equality presented in the inductive step, seeking clarification on its correctness.
  • Multiple participants express uncertainty about their algebraic manipulations and seek guidance on how to proceed with the proof.
  • One participant attempts to factor expressions and reformulate terms to simplify the proof process, indicating a struggle with the algebra involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the steps taken in the proof. There is uncertainty and confusion regarding the algebraic manipulations and the overall approach to proving the proposition.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their algebraic skills and understanding of the induction process, which may affect their ability to prove the proposition. The discussion includes corrections and clarifications of earlier statements without resolving the overall 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.
 
Last edited:
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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 [tex]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}[/tex]. 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?!
 
Last edited:

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