Show using mathematical induction that 8^n - 1 is divisible by 7 for n=1,2,3,...

First step: n=1 we have 81 -1=7 which is divisible by 7. Assumption step: 8k-1 is divisible by 7. Induction step: Using the previous step we have that 8k-1=7x. So 8k = 7x+1. Therefore, 8k+1- 1=8(8k)-1=8(7x+1)-1 = 56x + 8 -1 = 56x+7 = 7(8x+1) which is divisible by 7. Hence, since it is true for n=1, n = k and for n=k+1 then it is true for all positive integers

MC
Answered by Mike C. Maths tutor

5848 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do i differentiate the equation y = x^2 + 6x + 2 with respect to x.


Use integration by parts to find ∫x e^(x)


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


Prove by induction that, for n ∈ Z⁺ , [3 , -2 ; 2 , -1]ⁿ = [2n+1 , -2n ; 2n , 1-2n]


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