Using Mathematical Induction to Prove a Summation Formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using mathematical induction to prove the summation formula \( S_k = 5 \cdot 6 + 5 \cdot 6^2 + 5 \cdot 6^3 + \ldots + 5 \cdot 6^k = 6(6^k - 1) \). The user seeks assistance in proving the case for \( S_{k+1} \) and transforming the right-hand side to \( 6(6^{k+1} - 1) \). Through algebraic manipulation, they combine like terms and factor to arrive at the correct expression, confirming the validity of the induction step.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical induction
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation and factoring
  • Knowledge of summation notation and series
  • Basic experience with exponential functions
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  • Study the principles of mathematical induction in detail
  • Practice algebraic manipulation techniques for simplifying expressions
  • Explore more complex summation formulas and their proofs
  • Learn about geometric series and their applications in proofs
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on algebra and precalculus, as well as anyone interested in mastering mathematical proofs through induction.

ineedhelpnow
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$S_k:5\cdot 6 +5\cdot 6^2+5\cdot 6^3+ ...+5\cdot 6^k=6(6^k-1)$$S_k:5\cdot 6 +5\cdot 6^2+5\cdot 6^3+ ...+5\cdot 6^k+ 5\cdot 6^{k+1}=6(6^k-1)+5\cdot 6^{k+1}$

what do i do now? to prove $S_{k+1}$
 
Last edited:
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The second statement should be labeled as $S_{k+1}$ and you want the right side to be:

$$6\left(6^{k+1}-1\right)$$

Can you get from what you have to there algebraically?

By the way, I am going to move this thread to the Pre-Calculus subforum and retitle it to remove the abbreviation.
 
i don't know how to get there
 
here's all I've done so far:

RHS
$6^{k+1}-6+5\cdot 6^{k+1}$
 
ineedhelpnow said:
here's all I've done so far:

RHS
$6^{k+1}-6+5\cdot 6^{k+1}$

Okay, combine like terms and then factor...
 
$6^{k+1}-6+5\cdot 6^{k+1}$

$[6^{k+1}+5\cdot 6^{k+1}-6$

$[6^{k+1}(1+5)]-6$

$6[6^k(6)-1]$

$6(6^{k+1}-1)$
 
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