Proof by induction of the sum of 2 squares

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The discussion revolves around proving by induction that the product of integers, each of which can be expressed as a sum of two squares, is itself a sum of two squares. The algebraic identity (a^2 + b^2)(c^2 + d^2) = (ac - bd)^2 + (ad + bc)^2 is central to the proof, demonstrating that the product of two sums of squares results in another sum of squares. Participants express confusion about the notation and the setup for the induction proof, particularly how to define the terms and transition from n to n+1. Clarifications emphasize that the proof should start with the base case for n=2 and build upon that assumption to show it holds for n=k+1. The thread highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the terms involved in the proof.
  • #31
so I've gone along with

assume: rk=(a2+b2)
if, rk+1=(a2+b2)(c2+d2)=(ac-bd)2)+(ad+bc)2
 
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  • #32
aporter1 said:
so I've gone along with

assume: rk=(a2+b2)
if, rk+1=(a2+b2)(c2+d2)

Then rk+1=(ac-bd)2)+(ad+bc)2
Is more like it.
 
  • #33
so I'm on the right track for the right side then?
 
  • #34
aporter1 said:
so I'm on the right track for the right side then?
What do you mean by "the right side" ?
 
  • #35
(ac−bd)2+(ad+bc)2
 
  • #36
Mod note: Moved this thread to Precalculus section.
 
  • #37
aporter1 said:
so I've gone along with

assume: rk=(a2+b2)
if, rk+1=(a2+b2)(c2+d2)=(ac-bd)2)+(ad+bc)2
Let me answer this post of yours again.

It makes sense to usea subscript with r. Did your teacher give you that idea?

You should really define rn somewhere.

Like: Let rn = a1a2a3a4...an where each ai is the sum of two integers.

Now, let's redo what you have above with some changes that I will put in RED.
aporter1 said:
so I've gone along with

Assume: rk=(a2+b2), for two integers, a and b.

If ak+1 = c2+d2, for two integers, c and d,

[STRIKE]if,[/STRIKE] then rk+1=(a2+b2)(c2+d2)=(ac-bd)2)+(ad+bc)2

Therefore, rk+1 is the sum of the squares of two integers.
 
  • #38
aporter1 said:
I've taken history of math discrete math
Is that two different classes or one? If it's one class, what are the prerequisites for the class you're currently in, and if there are any, did you take them and get a reasonably good grade? I get the sense that you're way over your head in this class.
aporter1 said:
, but its been a while. Its a 400 level course, its an independent study class. I've gone to my teacher for help but I don't understand
 
  • #39
Mark44 said:
Is that two different classes or one? If it's one class, what are the prerequisites for the class you're currently in, and if there are any, did you take them and get a reasonably good grade? I get the sense that you're way over your head in this class.

its one class, and i got good grades in the pre requisites. but see its an independent study class where its a special topics class, so my teacher just randomly picked a book
 
  • #40
aporter1 said:
its one class, and i got good grades in the pre requisites. but see its an independent study class where its a special topics class, so my teacher just randomly picked a book
I doubt that it was a random pick !
 

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