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.

AF
Answered by Alex F. Further Mathematics tutor

3258 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Two planes have eqns r.(3i – 4j + 2k) = 5 and r = λ (2i + j + 5k) + μ(i – j – 2k), where λ and μ are scalar parameters. Find the acute angle between the planes, giving your answer to the nearest degree.


(FP1) Given k = q + 3i and z = w^2 - 8w* - 18q^2 i, and if w is purely imaginary, show that there is only one possible non-zero value of z


Write the Maclaurin’s series for f(x)=sin(3x)+e^x up to the third order


Evaluate the following product of two complex numbers: (3+4i)*(2-5i)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning