Mathematical Induction: Power Rule for Differentiation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the Power Rule for differentiation using mathematical induction. The proof demonstrates that the derivative of \( z^n \) is \( nz^{n-1} \) for all \( n \in \mathbb{N} \). The proof starts with the base case of \( n = 1 \) and assumes the rule holds for \( n = k \), then shows it holds for \( n = k + 1 \) using the Product Rule for differentiation. The proof is confirmed to be correctly structured and valid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with mathematical induction
  • Knowledge of the Product Rule for differentiation
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formal definition of differentiation using limits
  • Explore advanced applications of the Product Rule in calculus
  • Learn about other differentiation rules such as the Quotient Rule and Chain Rule
  • Practice additional proofs using mathematical induction in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching differentiation methods, and anyone interested in mastering mathematical proofs in calculus.

BrianMath
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Homework Statement


Prove that
[tex]\frac{d}{dz}z^n = nz^{n-1}\;\;\; \forall n\in\mathbb{N}[/tex]
using the Product Rule for differentiation and mathematical induction.

Homework Equations


[tex]\frac{d}{dz} f(z) = \lim_{\Delta z\to 0} \frac{f(z+\Delta z) - f(z)}{\Delta z}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d}{dz}[f(z)g(z)] = f\,'(z)g(z) + g'(z)f(z)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Let n = 1:
[tex]\frac{d}{dz} z = \lim_{\Delta z \to 0} \frac{z + \Delta z - z}{\Delta z} = \lim_{\Delta z \to 0} \frac{\Delta z}{\Delta z} = \lim_{\Delta z \to 0} 1 = 1[/tex]

Assume true for n = k:
[tex]\frac{d}{dz} z^k = kz^{k-1}[/tex]

Let n = k + 1:
[tex]\frac{d}{dz} z^{k+1} = \frac{d}{dz}[z^k\cdot z] = \frac{d}{dz} (z^k) \cdot z + \frac{d}{dz} (z) \cdot z^k = kz^{k-1}\cdot z + z^k = kz^k + z^k = (k+1)z^k = (k+1)z^{(k+1)-1}[/tex]

Like my previous topic, I'm pretty sure I have the proof correct, but I need to make sure that it is written out correctly. I don't want to be teaching myself the wrong way to lay out proofs.
 
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