Proving by Mathematical Induction

So n(2n+1)+ 4n+ 3= (n+ 3)(2n+ 1). But n+ 1= 1, so (n+ 1)(2n+ 3)= (n+ 3)(2n+ 1). We have shown that if 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1), then 3+7+11+15+...+(4(n+1)-1)= (n+ 1)(2(n+ 1)+
  • #1
Phyzwizz
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so the problem is 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1)

so I know that step 1 is to plug in 1 for the right side and check that it equals three...
3=1(2(1)+1) and yes it equals 3

Then I know that you assume that 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1)

The next step is where I get confused I know that you can change 3+7+11+15 into n(2n+1) so that on the left side you get n(2n+1)+(4n-1), but I know that you have to do something with the right side in this step as well please help me figure this out, I'm sure its something really easy that I'll feel stupid for not remembering but help would be great.
 
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  • #2
Phyzwizz said:
so the problem is 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1)

so I know that step 1 is to plug in 1 for the right side and check that it equals three...
3=1(2(1)+1) and yes it equals 3

Then I know that you assume that 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1)
...

Then assuming that, you must show that it's true for n+1.

In other words:
Assume that 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1)

Show that this leads to 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1)+(4(n+1)-1) = (n+1)(2(n+1)+1)​
 
  • #3
If, for a particular n, 3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1) = n(2n+1), then
3+7+11+15+...+(4n-1)+ [4(n+ 1)- 1] = n(2n+1)+ 4n+ 3= 2n^2+ 5n+ 3
See how you can factor that.
 

Related to Proving by Mathematical Induction

1. What is mathematical induction?

Mathematical induction is a method of proof used to show that a statement is true for all natural numbers. It involves proving a base case, typically when n=1, and then showing that if the statement is true for n, it is also true for n+1.

2. Why is mathematical induction used?

Mathematical induction is a powerful tool that allows us to prove statements that hold for an infinite number of cases. It is widely used in mathematics to prove theorems and to establish properties of mathematical objects.

3. How does mathematical induction work?

Mathematical induction works by breaking down a statement into smaller, easier-to-prove cases. First, we prove that the statement is true for some base case. Then, we assume that the statement is true for some arbitrary value of n, and use this assumption to prove that the statement is also true for n+1. This creates a chain of logical reasoning that proves the statement for all natural numbers.

4. What are the steps for using mathematical induction?

The steps for using mathematical induction are as follows:

  1. Prove the base case, typically when n=1.
  2. Assume that the statement is true for some arbitrary value of n.
  3. Use this assumption to prove that the statement is also true for n+1.
  4. Conclude that the statement is true for all natural numbers by the principle of mathematical induction.

5. What are some common mistakes when using mathematical induction?

Some common mistakes when using mathematical induction include:

  • Forgetting to prove the base case.
  • Assuming that the statement is true for n+1 without properly showing that it is true for n.
  • Using circular reasoning by assuming the statement is true in the proof.
  • Not considering all possible cases.

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