Induction Questions: Proving Statements and Solving Problems

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The discussion revolves around two specific induction questions from a homework assignment. The user expresses confusion regarding the application of mathematical induction methods, particularly strong induction and well-ordering, while they feel more comfortable with simple induction. For Question 2, they struggle to initiate the proof, having only provided examples without a clear starting point. In Question 5, they demonstrate progress in proving that the numerator is positive and less than n, but they seek further guidance on the next steps. The user is encouraged to focus on one question at a time for more effective assistance.
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2 Induction Questions

Homework Statement


I have quite a few questions and so i just made it an image. Also attached.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1002/inductionforlife.jpg"
Only need help with questions 2 and 5 now

Oh and so far my lecturer has taught well-ordering, strong induction and simple induction. But I could only follow simple induction... the other two I'm quite clueless about >< Though tell me which method is best for each question.

Homework Equations


Refer to image

3. The Attempt at a Solution s
Question 2
I have no clue to how to start it..
All i have done is
24 = 7 + 7 + 5 + 5
25 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5
26 = 7 + 7 + 7 + 5
27 = 7 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5
28 = 7 + 7 + 7 + 7
29 = 7 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 5
no idea what to do now

[STRIKE]Question 3
I'm not sure if my method is correct but I've proved that when x = 0 and n = 1, x = 1 n = 2 are true. But I get stuck whilst proving n = k + 1

Let Sn be (1 + x)n >= 1 + nx
For n = 1 and x = 0, S1 =
LHS = (1+0)1 = 1
RHS = 1 + (1)(0) = 1
Therfore LHS >= RHS Hence n = 1 is true.

Assume n = k is true
Sk --> (1 + x)k >= 1 + kx

For n = k + 1, Sk+1 =

I know that I need to get to
(1 + x)k+1 >= 1 + (k+1)x

(1 + x)k >= 1 + kx
(1 + x)k(1 + x)1 >= (1 + kx)(1 + x)1 (multiplied both sides by (x + 1)
(1 + x)k+1 >= 1 + x + kx + kx2

I can see that on the RHS there is 1 + x + kx I'm not sure what to do with it... hints/help?

Question 4 (Just needs checking)

Let Sn be ƒ1 + ƒ2 + ... + ƒn = ƒn+2 -1
For n = 1, S1
LHS = ƒ1 = 1
RHS = ƒ1+2 - 1 = 2 - 1 = 1
LHS = RHS
Therefore n = 1 is true

Assume true for n = k
Sk --> ƒ1 + ƒ2 + ... + ƒk = ƒk+2 -1

For n = k + 1, Sk+1 =
RHS = ƒk+3 - 1
LHS = ƒ1 + ƒ2 + ... + ƒk + ƒk+1
= ƒk+2 -1 + ƒk+1
= ƒk+2 + ƒk+1 - 1
= ƒk+3 - 1 (should I write any reason here? if yes..what should i write?)
= RHS
Hence n = k + 1 is true
By mathematical induction Sn is true for all positive integers n.
[/STRIKE]
Question 5
Show that n/t - 1/(q+1) is positive and numerator is less than n
where t = nq + r with 0 < r < n

(get common denominator then expand and simplify)
n/t - 1/(q+1)
= n(q + 1)/[t(q+1)] - t/[t(q+1)]
= [n(q+1) - t] / [t(q+1)]
= [nq - t + n] / [t(q+1)]

t = nq + r
nq - t = -r

hence n/t - 1/(q+1)
= [n-r] / [t(q+1)]

from 0 < r < n
n > r therefore n - r > 0 (proved that numerator is positive)
and since r > 0 then n - r < n (proved that numerator is < n)

I'm not sure where to go from here

Please someone help me however you can..
Thank you in advance!
 

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Bump (updated)
 
It's better to post one question at a time rather than post a whole slew of them.
 
Mark44 said:
It's better to post one question at a time rather than post a whole slew of them.

Its only two questions now ><
and they don't have to answer them all...just whichever ones they can ><
 
Last edited:
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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