How do I construct a proof by induction?

There are typically 4 steps: proving the base case, making an assumption, making the inductive step and finally concluding the proof.

The base case consists of proving that a statement is true for n = 1, the assumption to make is that the statement holds true for n = k, the trickiest part is the inductive step which is proving that the statement is true for n = k + 1 as long as it is true for n = k, and finally the simplest part is wrapping up the proof with a concise statement.

An example of a statement to prove is that n^3 + 2n is always divisible by 3 which I can go through using the whiteboard if needed.

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show, using de Moivre's theorem, that sin 5x = 16 sin^(5) x - 20 sin^(3) x + 5 sin x 


How do you find the square roots of a complex number?


Find the 4th roots 6


How would you show the equation f(x) = 2x – 10 sin x – 2 has a root between 2 and 3 (where x is measured in radians)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy