Proof by Induction - "What's the point if we already know the answer?"

I'll try to use carefully chosen examples to explain the advantages/disadvantages of induction as a method of proof. My answer will go roughly as follows:
Advantages: Sometimes the only obvious method of proof; Sometimes direct proof is also available, but its trickier; To answer the question, until it's proved we don't "know" the answer, we only thing think we know.
Disadvantages: Need to have a guess for what the answer is; Induction is kind of uninformative - it doesn't give us much mathematical intuition about the result.

RH
Answered by Ruben H. Maths tutor

4486 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the chain rule? when do I have to use it?


Find the equation of the line through the following points: (-2, -3) and (1, 5)


Find all solutions to the trig equation 2sin(x)^2 + 3sin(x) - 2 = 0 in the range 0 <= x <= 360 degrees


If y=4x^3+3/x^2-3, what is dy/dx?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning