Understanding Mathematical Induction: Clarifying Starting Points and Examples

[LikeMath]

Hi,

Some times the starting point in MA confuses me, for example

$(\sum_{i=1}^ni)^2=\sum_{i=1}^ni^3$

have we start with 2 or it is enough to show it when n=1

Thanks in advance.

 

[mathman]

Starting with n = 1 is perfectly fine.