Proof Question: Using Mathematical Induction

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on proving the mathematical statement that for all integers n ≥ 1, the sum \(\frac{1}{1*2} + \frac{1}{2*3} + \frac{1}{3*4} + ... + \frac{1}{n+1} = 1 - \frac{1}{n+1}\). Participants suggest using partial fractions to express the left-hand side as a telescoping series, which simplifies the proof. The discussion emphasizes the importance of naming the sum (e.g., \(a_{n+1}\)) and applying mathematical induction to establish the proof effectively. Key insights include the manipulation of fractions and the simplification of terms to reach the desired conclusion.

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  • #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)}?
 
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  • #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 … !

Schrödinger'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:

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