Mathematica Proof Question: Using Mathematical Induction

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around proving the equation \(\frac{1}{1*2} + \frac{1}{2*3} + \frac{1}{3*4}... + \frac{1}{n+1} = 1-\frac{1}{n+1}\) using mathematical induction. Participants suggest using partial fractions to simplify the left-hand side into a telescoping series, which can make the proof easier. There is confusion about the steps involved in the simplification and how to properly apply the induction hypothesis. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding polynomial fractions and the correct manipulation of terms to reach the desired conclusion. The thread illustrates the collaborative effort to clarify mathematical concepts and solve the problem at hand.
  • #31
So, what i need to do is:

\frac{n(n+2)}{(n+1)(n+2)} + \frac{1}{(n+1(n+2)}

Doesnt that just equal:

\frac{n(n+2)}{(n+1)(n+2)}?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
… attack of the clones …

Lococard2 said:
So, what i need to do is:

\frac{n(n+2)}{(n+1)(n+2)} + \frac{1}{(n+1(n+2)}

Doesnt that just equal:

\frac{n(n+2)}{(n+1)(n+2)}?

Hey … what happened to the original Lococard? :confused:

I liked him!

:redface: erm … just read what you've written … :redface:
 
  • #33
haha, Sorry i lost my password and this connection doesn't allow gmail.com to load.

But I am back now.

\frac{n(n+2)+1}{(n+1)(n+2)}

And from then i simplfy it?
 
  • #34
… long live lococard … !

Lococard said:
haha, Sorry i lost my password and this connection doesn't allow gmail.com to load.

But I am back now.

I can tell the difference! :biggrin:
\frac{n(n+2)+1}{(n+1)(n+2)}

And from then i simplfy it?

Yes! :smile:
 
  • #35
So that is the same as:

\frac{(n+1)(n+1)}{(n+1)(n+2)}?

yes? no?

Now I am not sure what to do :S
 
  • #36
Lococard said:
So that is the same as:

\frac{(n+1)(n+1)}{(n+1)(n+2)}?

yes? no?

Yes! :smile:

(You knew that, didn't you?)
Now I am not sure what to do :S

You really don't dig polynomial fractions, do you? :frown:

It's the same as \frac{(n+1)}{(n+1)}\,\frac{(n+1)}{(n+2)} , which is … ? :smile:
 
  • #37
Im really not sure.

You can cancel the (n+1) / (n+1)


Leaving (n+1) / (n+2)?



Im a little confused as the teacher suggested that i work my way to get 1 - [1 / (n+2)]
 
  • #38
Lococard said:
You can cancel the (n+1) / (n+1)

Leaving (n+1) / (n+2)?

Yes! :smile:
Im a little confused as the teacher suggested that i work my way to get 1 - [1 / (n+2)]

Well, maybe teacher is right …

What is 1 - [1 / (n+2)] ?

Hint: 1 = … ? :smile:
 
  • #39
(n+2) / (n+2) - [1/(n+2)]?

= [(n+2) - 1] / (n+2)?
 
  • #40
Yes!

= … ? :smile:
 
  • #41
… merveilleux … !

Schrodinger's Dog said:
= \frac{(n+2) - 1} {(n+2)}? = 1-\frac{1}{n+1} \equiv \sum_{k=1}^n \frac{1}{k(k+1)}​

erm …
:redface: … êtes-vous sûr …? :redface:
 
  • #42
tiny-tim said:
erm …
:redface: … êtes-vous sûr …? :redface:

Which of those equals the last one, I left the question marks in there for a good reason, writing which of these is correct in latex gets messy, Ie ?=. The point is that one of those = a third, or the summation given at the beginning of the thread with a telescoping series.

Ie you have your answer. Et voila...

Since obviously some people found this confusing I've edited it to clear that up.

I kept putting \neq in then removing it then putting it in again before I decided it looks better with the question marks. :smile:

If you don't believe me ask a mentor if I edited it about 219283927^34839 times. :-pEDIT: Actually sod it I might as well delete it, as it only makes sense, if you take on board the post about 1/k(k+1) being equivalent to the LHS. So nm.

I was trying to helpfully point out that what gib7 said was the same as what you eventually end up with, but it came out completely wrong.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K