Prove this problem that involves Mathematical induction

In summary: True, i meant under 'multiplication' not 'addition modulo' then that would be ##5^n \pmod 4 = (5 \pmod 4)^n=1^n=1##
  • #1
chwala
Gold Member
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Homework Statement
See attached
Relevant Equations
Mathematical induction
1653775300627.png


1653775339005.png


Ok, would i be correct to approach it this way,
Let ##n=1##. If ##n=1##, then ##5^1+3## is divisible by ##4##, the statement is true for ##n=1##.
Assume its true for ##n=k## ∀ ##kε\mathbb{z}^{+}.## Then ##5^k+3## is divisible by ##4.##
i.e ##5^k+3=4m## ∀ ##m ε\mathbb{z}^{+}##
Let ##n=k+1.## Then,
##5^{k+1} +3=5^{k+1} -5^k +5^k +3##
##=5^k(5-1)+5^k+3##
##=5^k(4)+5^k+3##
##=5^k(4)+m##
 
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  • #2
chwala said:
Homework Statement:: See attached
Relevant Equations:: Mathematical induction

View attachment 302050

View attachment 302051

Ok, would i be correct to approach it this way,
Let ##n=1##. If ##n=1##, then ##5^1+3## is divisible by ##4##, the statement is true for ##n=1##.
Assume its true for ##n=k## ∀ ##kε\mathbb{z}^{+}.## Then ##5^k+3## is divisible by ##4##
i.e ##5^k+3=4m## ∀ ##m ε\mathbb{z}^{+}##
Let ##n=k+1##
##5^{k+1} +3=5^{k+1} -5^k +5^k +3##
##=5^k(5-1)+5^k+3##
##=5^k(4)+5^k+3##
##=5^k(4)+m##
Looks good, except that the induction base should be ##n=0##.

And of course, it is easier to prove it by the fact that ##\mathbb{Z}\longrightarrow \mathbb{Z}/4\mathbb{Z}## given by ##n\longmapsto n \pmod 4## is a ring homomorphism, i.e. modulo respects addition and multiplication.
 
  • #3
fresh_42 said:
Looks good, except that the induction base should be ##n=0##.

And of course, it is easier to prove it by the fact that ##\mathbb{Z}\longrightarrow \mathbb{Z}/4\mathbb{Z}## given by ##n\longmapsto n \pmod 4## is a ring homomorphism, i.e. modulo respects addition and multiplication.
For addition, i can see that ##1+4=4+1=1##
and multiplication, ##1⋅4=4⋅1=0##
 
  • #4
chwala said:
For addition, i can see that ##1+4=4+1=1##
and multiplication, ##1⋅4=4⋅1=0##
It is ##(5^n+3) \pmod 4 = 5^n \pmod 4 +3 \pmod 4= (5 \pmod 4)^n+ 3\pmod 4= 1^n \pmod 4 +3 \pmod 4=0 \pmod 4.##
 
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  • #5
fresh_42 said:
It is ##(5^n+3) \pmod 4 = 5^n \pmod 4 +3 \pmod 4= (5 \pmod 4)^n+ 3\pmod 4= 1^n \pmod 4 +3 \pmod 4=0 \pmod 4.##
Implying that for multiplication we shall end up with...

##1^n \pmod 4 ⋅3 \pmod 4=3⋅3=1 \pmod 4.##
 
  • #6
chwala said:
Implying that for multiplication we shall end up with...

##1^n \pmod 4 ⋅3 \pmod 4=3⋅3=1 \pmod 4.##
No. ##1\cdot 1= 1##. Not ##3##.
 
  • #7
fresh_42 said:
No. ##1\cdot 1= 1##. Not ##3##.
Sorry let me get this right,
##1^n \pmod 4=3##
##3 \pmod 4=3## Correct? and ##3⋅3## in##\mod 4=1##
 
  • #8
chwala said:
Sorry let me get this right,
##1^n \pmod 4=3##
##3 \pmod 4=3## Correct? and ##3⋅3## in##\mod 4=1##
No.
\begin{align*}
1 \pmod 4 &= 1\\
1\cdot 1 \pmod 4 &= 1\\
1\cdot 1 \cdot 1 \pmod 4&=1\\
\ldots &\ldots \\
1^n \pmod 4 &=1
\end{align*}

Where do you get the three from?
$$
\underbrace{\underbrace{1^n\pmod 4}_{=1}+\underbrace{3\pmod 4}_{=3}}_{=4 \pmod 4 =0}
$$
 
  • #9
fresh_42 said:
No.
\begin{align*}
1 \pmod 4 &= 1\\
1\cdot 1 \pmod 4 &= 1\\
1\cdot 1 \cdot 1 \pmod 4&=1\\
\ldots &\ldots \\
1^n \pmod 4 &=1
\end{align*}

Where do you get the three from?
$$
\underbrace{\underbrace{1^n\pmod 4}_{=1}+\underbrace{3\pmod 4}_{=3}}_{=4 \pmod 4 =0}
$$
True, i meant under 'multiplication' not 'addition modulo'
 

1. What is mathematical induction?

Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to prove statements about natural numbers or integers. It follows the principle that if a statement is true for the first natural number (usually 1), and if it can be shown that whenever the statement is true for some natural number, it is also true for the next natural number, then the statement is true for all natural numbers.

2. How does mathematical induction work?

Mathematical induction works by breaking down a problem into smaller, simpler cases. The base case, usually the first natural number, is proven to be true. Then, the inductive step is used to show that if the statement is true for some natural number, it is also true for the next natural number. This process is repeated until the statement is proven to be true for all natural numbers.

3. When should mathematical induction be used?

Mathematical induction should be used when trying to prove statements about natural numbers or integers that follow a pattern or recurrence relation. It is particularly useful for proving theorems involving sums, products, divisibility, and inequalities.

4. What are the steps for using mathematical induction?

The steps for using mathematical induction are as follows:

  • Step 1: State the statement to be proven in terms of the natural numbers.
  • Step 2: Prove the base case, usually for n = 1.
  • Step 3: Assume the statement is true for some natural number k.
  • Step 4: Use the inductive hypothesis to prove that the statement is also true for k + 1.
  • Step 5: Conclude that the statement is true for all natural numbers by the principle of mathematical induction.

5. What are some common mistakes when using mathematical induction?

Some common mistakes when using mathematical induction include:

  • Not proving the base case or assuming it to be true without proof.
  • Using the wrong variable in the inductive step.
  • Assuming the statement is true for all natural numbers without explicitly stating it.
  • Using the inductive hypothesis incorrectly in the inductive step.
  • Not clearly stating the statement to be proven in terms of the natural numbers.

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