Solve Problem with Proof by Induction

In summary, the conversation is about using induction to prove an equation involving a sum of terms with a given pattern. The steps for the proof are provided and the speaker asks for help in completing the rest. They also discuss the format of the proof and the use of a word document.
  • #1
smh745
7
0
I need help to solve this problem

Use induction to prove that, for n>=0:

3*5^0 + 3*5^1 + 3*5^2 + 3*5^3 + ...+ 3*5^n = 3*(5^(n+1)-1)/4

in other word


n

[tex]\sum[/tex] 3*5 k= 3*(5 n+1-1) / 4
k= 0
 
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  • #2
Assume true for n=N and now prove true for n=N+1.
Do you know how to do a proof by induction?
 
  • #3
I did these steps and I tried to complete the rest but I don't know some of the steps

and what I is in the attached doc.
 

Attachments

  • template.doc
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  • #4
Try not to upload word documents as these usually contain viruses. Can you type out the steps you did?
 
  • #5
Basis: n= 0
0
[tex]\sum [/tex]3*5^ 0 = 3

k= 0




3*(5 0+1-1) / 4 = 3




Assume:

n

[tex]\sum[/tex] 3*5^k= 3*(5 n+1-1) / 4
k= 0



Prove:

n+1

[tex]\sum[/tex] 3*5 ^k= 3*(5 (n+1)-1) / 4
k= 0


________________________________________
Proof:

n+1
[tex]\sum[/tex] 3*5^ k =

k= 0
 
  • #6
As you have the base case, think about the sum:

3*5^0 + 3*5^1 + 3*5^2 + 3*5^3 + ...+ 3*5^n + 3*5^(n+1)

which is now your inductive step, as rock.freak667 suggested.

What are the two ways in which this can also be written with the information you already have?

The Bob
 

1. What is the process of proof by induction?

The process of proof by induction is a mathematical technique used to prove that a statement or property holds for all natural numbers. It involves three steps: the base case, the inductive hypothesis, and the inductive step.

2. Why is proof by induction used?

Proof by induction is used because it provides a systematic and rigorous way to prove that a statement holds for all natural numbers. It is especially useful for proving properties of recursive or iterative algorithms.

3. What is the difference between strong and weak induction?

Strong induction is a variant of proof by induction that allows for the inductive hypothesis to apply to more than just the previous natural number. In weak induction, the inductive hypothesis only applies to the previous natural number. Strong induction is often used when the inductive step cannot be proven using just the previous natural number.

4. How is proof by induction related to mathematical induction?

Proof by induction is a specific application of mathematical induction, which is a general proof technique used in mathematics. Mathematical induction states that if a statement holds for a base case and also holds for the next natural number assuming it holds for the previous natural number, then the statement holds for all natural numbers.

5. Can proof by induction be used to prove any statement?

No, proof by induction can only be used to prove statements that hold for all natural numbers. It cannot be used for statements that involve real numbers or other types of mathematical objects.

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