Proof by induction - fractions

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on proving the equation $$\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{i(i+1)}=1-\frac{1}{(n+1)}$$ and transforming it to $$1-\frac{1}{k+2}$$ using mathematical induction. The user struggles with the algebraic manipulation, particularly in simplifying the expression $$1-\frac{1}{k+1}+\frac{1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$. A key insight provided is the identification of a sign error in the user's calculations, suggesting that expanding the expression $$1-\frac{(k+2)+1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$ will clarify the mistake.

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  • Understanding of mathematical induction
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  • Learn about common algebraic errors in proofs
  • Explore techniques for expanding and simplifying fractions
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Students studying mathematics, particularly those focusing on proofs and algebra, as well as educators looking for examples of common pitfalls in mathematical reasoning.

mikky05v
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Homework Statement


I have been working on this proof for a few hours and I can not make it work out.

$$\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{i(i+1)}=1-\frac{1}{(n+1)}$$

i need to get to $$1-\frac{1}{k+2}$$

I get as far as $$1-\frac{1}{k+1}+\frac{1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$
then I have tried $$1-\frac{(k+2)+1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$ bu multiplying the left fraction by (k+2) which got me nowhere.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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mikky05v said:

Homework Statement


I have been working on this proof for a few hours and I can not make it work out.

$$\sum_{i=1}^{n}\frac{1}{i(i+1)}=1-\frac{1}{(n+1)}$$

i need to get to $$1-\frac{1}{k+2}$$

I get as far as $$1-\frac{1}{k+1}+\frac{1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$
then I have tried $$1-\frac{(k+2)+1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$ bu multiplying the left fraction by (k+2) which got me nowhere.

What am I doing wrong?
You have a sign error. If you can't find it, try expanding
$$1-\frac{(k+2)+1}{(k+1)(k+2)}$$ and compare it to what you started with.
 

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