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

4020 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using the result: ∫(2xsin(x)cos(x))dx = -1⁄2[xcos(2x)-1⁄2sin(2x)] calculate ∫sin²(x) dx using integration by parts


Integrate by parts x2^x


Why is the derivative of the exponential function itself?


Point P on the curve, x = 2tan( y+ π/12), has a y-coordinate of π/4. Find an equation for the normal to the curve at P.


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences