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

4487 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A block mass m lies on an incline rough plane, with coefficient of friction µ. The angle of the block is increased slowly, calculate the maximum angle of the slope that can be achieved without the block slipping.


Integrate (x)(e^x) with respect to x and then integrate (x)(e^x) with respect to y.


7x+5y-3z =16, 3x-5y+2z=-8, 5x+3y-7z=0. Solve for x,y and z.


Differentiate y = lnx + 4x^2 + 3e^4x with respect to x


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