Proving Induction Problem: 5|(7^k-2^k) for all k∈R

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So, the next step is to add 7.7^k-7.2^k which gives 7(7^k-2^k). Then, they add 7.2^k-2.2^k which gives (7-2)2^k, since 7.2^k=7*2^k and 2.2^k=2*2^k. This gives 7(7^k-2^k)+(7-2)2^k. Finally, they factor out a 5, since 7^k-2^k=5x. This gives 5(7x+2^k), which is divisible by 5. Therefore
  • #1
skiing4free
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Homework Statement


Prove the following statement by induction

5|(7^k-2^k) for all k[tex]\in[/tex]R


2. The attempt at a solution
Started by proving P(k)=5|(7^k-2^k) where k=0
which gives 5|0=7^0-2^0 =>0

Then when P(k+1)=5|(7^k-2^k) it gets more complicated and I get stuck.
Proving this induction: 7^(k+1)-2^(k+1)=7.7^k-2.2^k
But this is as far as a get and I cannot seem to get the nest step.

The answers show that the next steps are:
=> 7.7^k-7.2^k+7.2^k-2.2^k
=> 7(7^k-2^k)+(7-2)2^k
=> 5(7x+2^k)

Which apparently is the proof.

I'm confused as to how they get from the 1st step to the second and also where the variable x comes from in the final step.

Any help on this question would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
The induction assumption is that 7^k-2^k is divisible by 5. So it's equal to 5*x, where x is some integer. That means 7^k-2^k=5x. That's the x they are talking about.
 

1. What is the "Proving Induction Problem"?

The Proving Induction Problem is a mathematical concept that involves using mathematical induction to prove a statement or formula for all values of a variable. In this case, the statement being proven is that 5 divides the difference of two powers, specifically (7^k-2^k), for all values of k in the set of real numbers.

2. What is mathematical induction?

Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to prove statements or formulas that involve a variable with infinitely many values. It involves proving that the statement is true for a base case, and then showing that if the statement is true for a particular value of the variable, it is also true for the next value. This process is repeated until the statement has been shown to be true for all values of the variable.

3. How is mathematical induction used to prove the statement (7^k-2^k) for all k∈R?

In this case, we start by proving the statement for the base case of k=1. Then, we assume that the statement is true for some arbitrary value of k, and use this assumption to prove that the statement is also true for the next value of k. This process is repeated until the statement has been shown to be true for all values of k in the set of real numbers.

4. What does it mean for 5 to divide (7^k-2^k)?

If 5 divides (7^k-2^k), it means that the result of (7^k-2^k) is a multiple of 5, with no remainder. In other words, when (7^k-2^k) is divided by 5, the result is a whole number.

5. Why is it important to prove (7^k-2^k) for all values of k∈R?

Proving a statement or formula for all values of a variable is important because it ensures that the statement is true for all possible cases. This allows us to confidently use the statement in other mathematical proofs or applications, knowing that it holds true for all values of the variable.

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