Proving Math Induction for S1-S3: 1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the mathematical induction statement for the series of odd numbers, specifically the claim that the sum of the first n odd numbers, represented as 1 + 3 + 5 + ... + (2n - 1), equals n^2. Participants explore the validity of this statement for specific cases (S1, S2, S3) and the implications of mathematical induction.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that S1, S2, and S3 are true statements but expresses confusion regarding S2, where they believe the formula does not hold.
  • Another participant clarifies that the nth term of the series is given by (2n - 1) and confirms that for S2, the left-hand side (LHS) equals the right-hand side (RHS), thus supporting the claim.
  • A participant critiques the initial proof approach, stating that verifying specific instances does not constitute a complete proof by induction, which requires addressing the general case of k + 1.
  • Another participant agrees with the critique and elaborates that the misunderstanding lies in interpreting the formula, emphasizing that the last integer in the series corresponds to (2n - 1) rather than the sum of the first two integers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of S2 and the validity of the proof method used. There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial claims or the proof approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight that the initial claims may stem from a misunderstanding of the formula's application, particularly in distinguishing between the sum of terms and the nth term itself.

Blank101
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Prove that S1, S2, S3 are true statements
1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2


S1=1= (2(1)-1) = 1^2 True
S2=1+3 = (2(3)-1) = 5 which cannot= to the sum of our first 2 integers, which will make it false!
S3=1+3+5 = (2(5)-1) = 3^2 True

The problem is with S2 the book gave me an answer of 4=4 which is 2^2!
It also shows a different formula (n-1) = n^2

In my understanding of The mathematical induction a formula is usually given to prove an x number of integers, all those integers being proven true does not mean will be the same to all integers from the sequence. Thats when K+1 substitution comes in.

Can someone help me i know is a simple mistake but i can't just see why s2 is coming that way!

Thanx
 
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1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2

the (2n-1) gives the nth term.
So the second term is 2(2)-1=3 (as seen in the series)

and so S2=1+3=4 (LHS)
and S2=2^2 (RHS)

LHS=RHS so it's true
 
That's an odd "proof" of induction. You've verified it for S1, S2, S3, but these are just particular instances of the problem you're purportedly trying to prove by induction, not the general "k+1" case.
 
Defennder said:
That's an odd "proof" of induction. You've verified it for S1, S2, S3, but these are just particular instances of the problem you're purportedly trying to prove by induction, not the general "k+1" case.

I don't believe he is claiming that as a "proof". He was asserting that the statement was not true. It is true, of course, he simply did not understand what the formula said:

S1=1= (2(1)-1) = 1^2 True
S2=1+3 = (2(3)-1) = 5 which cannot= to the sum of our first 2 integers, which will make it false!
S3=1+3+5 = (2(5)-1) = 3^2 True
No, the statement does NOT say 1+ 3= 2(3)- 1, it says 1+ 3= 1+ (2(2)-1)= 2^2. It is the last integer that is "2n- 1", not the sum.

In fact, your statement about S3 is incorrect: 1+ 3+ 5= 1+ [2(2)- 1]+ [2(3)-1]= 3^2 is what it says.
 

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