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Coolmath Algebra
Sequences & Series Lesson 9 - Mathematical Induction (page 3 of 5)
---- This algebra lesson explains mathematical inducation.

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OK, Let's do one!

Prove

P( n ): 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = n( n +1 ) / 2

Show

is true:

Stick a 1 in for all the n's and show it works.

P( 1 ): 1 = 1( 1 + 1 ) / 2 = 2 / 2 = 1 ... 1 is the left side ... 1( 1 + 1 ) / 2 is the right side

So,

is true.

Assume

is true:

Stick a k in for all the n's and say it's true.

P( k ): 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + k = k( k + 1 ) / 2
is true.

Show

Use P( k ) to show that P( k + 1 ) is true.

Write out your goal by sticking ( k + 1 ) in for all the n's... Leave on the left side.

GOAL: P( k + 1 ): 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + k + ( k + 1 ) = ( k + 1 )[( k + 1 ) + 1 ] / 2

Start with the left side of the P( k + 1 ) and slowly turn it into how the right side looks.

$P( k + 1 ): 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + k + ( k + 1 ) ... Remember to use P( k )! ... = k( k + 1 ) / 2 + ( k + 1 ) ... Let your goal guide you! ... = k( k + 1 ) / 2 + 2( k + 1 ) / 2 = k( k + 1 ) + 2( k +1 ) / 2 ... ned a 2 on the bottom ... make one fraction$

Notice that there is a ( k + 1 ) in the front of your goal, so factor that out.

= ( k + 1 ) + ( k + 2 ) / 2 = ( k + 1 )[( k + 1 ) + 1 ] / 2 ... just a little rewrite here

So,

Thus,

is true.

Whew, that looks like one big mess! When doing a problem like this,
you need to show ALL the work I did except for my
comments. And, yes, you have to show each of the little steps in
part 3... Don't want to confuse the monkey!

Before we do another one, I want you to rewrite this last one out again -- but, without my comments. Think through each step as you go.

Continued on the next page

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