How to Resolve Errors in Proof by Induction for a Factorial Ratio?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion addresses the proof by induction for the factorial ratio \(\frac{(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)...(2n)}{1*3*5...*(2n-1)} = 2n^2\). The initial base case for \(n=1\) is confirmed as true. The user encounters an error when transitioning from \(n=k\) to \(n=k+1\), failing to account for the additional terms in the numerator. The correct approach involves adjusting the numerator by including the factors \((2k+1)(2k+2)\) and dividing by \((k+1)\) to maintain equality.

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Homework Statement



So we have to prove that [itex]\frac{(n+1)(n+2)(n+3)...(2n)}{1*3*5...*(2n-1)}[/itex] = 2n2. The attempt at a solution

I. For n=1, obviously the proposition is true. (2*1/(2-1) = 2^1 = 2)

II. Let n=k and assume [itex]\frac{(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)...(2k)}{1*3*5...*(2k-1)}[/itex] = 2k.

Now, for n=k+1 we have: 2k * [itex]\frac{(2k +2)}{2k+1)}[/itex] = 2k+1 → 2(k+1)*[itex]\frac{(k+1)}{2k+1)}[/itex] = 2k+1. Which is not true.

So, I cannot figure out what am I doing wrong.
Thanks in advance...
 
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You forgot that in the nominator, you're starting at n+1. So, by doing the transition k->k+1, you need to divide by k+1 also to take that into account. Also, you need to multiply by (2k+1)*(2k+2), since in the nominator you have the product over all numbers between k+1 and 2k.
So, what you get is: (2k+1)*(2k+2)/(k+1)/(2k+1)=2
 

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