Mathematica Proving Math Induction for S1-S3: 1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2

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The discussion revolves around proving the formula 1 + 3 + 5 + ... + (2n - 1) = n^2 using specific instances S1, S2, and S3. S1 and S3 are correctly identified as true, while S2 is initially misunderstood. The confusion arises from incorrectly interpreting the formula's application to S2. The correct interpretation shows that S2 should be evaluated as 1 + 3 = 2^2, which equals 4, thus confirming its truth. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying the formula and understanding the role of the nth term in the series. Additionally, it emphasizes that verifying specific cases does not constitute a complete proof by induction, which requires demonstrating the general case through k + 1 substitution.
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Prove that S1, S2, S3 are true statements
1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2


S1=1= (2(1)-1) = 1^2 True
S2=1+3 = (2(3)-1) = 5 which cannot= to the sum of our first 2 integers, which will make it false!
S3=1+3+5 = (2(5)-1) = 3^2 True

The problem is with S2 the book gave me an answer of 4=4 which is 2^2!
It also shows a different formula (n-1) = n^2

In my understanding of The mathematical induction a formula is usually given to prove an x number of integers, all those integers being proven true does not mean will be the same to all integers from the sequence. Thats when K+1 substitution comes in.

Can someone help me i know is a simple mistake but i can't just see why s2 is coming that way!

Thanx
 
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1+3+5+...+(2n-1)=n^2

the (2n-1) gives the nth term.
So the second term is 2(2)-1=3 (as seen in the series)

and so S2=1+3=4 (LHS)
and S2=2^2 (RHS)

LHS=RHS so it's true
 
That's an odd "proof" of induction. You've verified it for S1, S2, S3, but these are just particular instances of the problem you're purportedly trying to prove by induction, not the general "k+1" case.
 
Defennder said:
That's an odd "proof" of induction. You've verified it for S1, S2, S3, but these are just particular instances of the problem you're purportedly trying to prove by induction, not the general "k+1" case.

I don't believe he is claiming that as a "proof". He was asserting that the statement was not true. It is true, of course, he simply did not understand what the formula said:

S1=1= (2(1)-1) = 1^2 True
S2=1+3 = (2(3)-1) = 5 which cannot= to the sum of our first 2 integers, which will make it false!
S3=1+3+5 = (2(5)-1) = 3^2 True
No, the statement does NOT say 1+ 3= 2(3)- 1, it says 1+ 3= 1+ (2(2)-1)= 2^2. It is the last integer that is "2n- 1", not the sum.

In fact, your statement about S3 is incorrect: 1+ 3+ 5= 1+ [2(2)- 1]+ [2(3)-1]= 3^2 is what it says.
 
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