Prove by induction the sum of complex numbers is complex number

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving by induction that the sum of complex numbers is itself a complex number. Participants are examining the structure and clarity of the inductive proof presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the steps of the inductive proof, questioning the clarity of notation, and considering the implications of complex numbers in the context of the proof. There are mentions of ensuring proper distinction between sums and addressing potential gaps in reasoning.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and feedback on the proof structure. Some guidance has been offered regarding notation and clarity, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the proof as it stands.

Contextual Notes

Participants are noting issues with notation and the need for clearer definitions within the proof. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the properties of complex numbers are correctly applied throughout the discussion.

cbarker1
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Homework Statement
Prove by induction that for ##z## is a complex then ##\sum_{i=1}^{n}z_i##
Relevant Equations
##P(0)## is true.
If ##P(k)## is true, then ##P(k+1)## is true
See the work below:

I feel like it that I did it correctly. I feel like I skip a step in my induction. Please point any errors.
 

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cbarker1 said:
Homework Statement:: Prove by induction that for #z# is a complex then #\sum_{i=1}^{n}z_i#
Relevant Equations:: P(0) is true.
If P(k) is true, then P(k+1) is true

See the work below:

I feel like it that I did it correctly. I feel like I skip a step in my induction. Please point any errors.
Hint: Enclose your code in ##, not #.

The steps in your induction are correct. I must ask, though: You know that if y = 0 that z is still a complex number, right?

-Dan
 
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topsquark said:
Hint: Enclose your code in ##, not #.

The steps in your induction are correct. I must ask, though: You know that if y = 0 that z is still a complex number, right?

-Dan
yes. I do.
 
The steps are all there, but your notation is bad. You are using ##z## for too many different things. You should distinguish between the sum of n versus the sum of n+1. Call the sum of n ##s_n## and the sum of n+1 ##s_{n+1}##.
Also, it would be a little more clear if, before the last line, you said that ##s_n + z_{n+1}## is the sum of two complex numbers so it is complex.
 
Last edited:
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In general:

If $$a, b \in S \implies a + b \in S$$ then:$$a_1, \dots a_n \in S \implies \sum_{i=1}^{n}a_i \in S$$
 
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