Proving Sn=(-1)^n(n+1) for Induction | Homework Solution

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Homework Statement



Sn=1-3+5-7...+(-1)^n(2n+1)

Homework Equations



Show that Sn=(-1)^n(n+1)

The Attempt at a Solution



S(n+1)=Sn+(-1)^(n+1)*(2n+3) = (-1)^n*(n+1)+ (-1)^(n+1)*(2n+3)
S(n+1)= (-1)^(n+1)*[(2n+3)-(n+1)] (because (-1)^(n+1)= - (-1)^n )
S(n+1)=(-1)^(n+1)*(n+2)

is that correct proof
 
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Well, you haven't shown that it is true for n= 1, so, no. But that is easily fixed.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Well, you haven't shown that it is true for n= 1, so, no. But that is easily fixed.

i did that before doing the work and for n=1 it came out to equal -3 and i also had to count S2 and S3 and i got 5 for S2 and -7 for S3.

But my proof is fine right?
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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