Prove by induction that 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + . . . + n^2 = (1/6)n(n+1)(2n+1)

Base case - First let us consider the base case where n=1. Then the left hand side of the equation becomes 1 and the right hand side is (1/6)12*3=6/6=1. Thus LHS=RHS and we are done.Induction hypothesis - Now let us assume 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + . . . + k^2 = (1/6)k(k+1)(2k+1) is true for some integer value of k.Induction step - Consider the case where n=k+1. Then LHS becomes 1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2 + . . . + k^2 +(k+1)^2 = (1/6)k(k+1)(2k+1) + (k+1)^2 =(k+1)((1/6)k(2k+1)+(k+1))=(1/6)(k+1)(k(2k+1)+6(k+1))=(1/6)(k+1)(2k^2+k+6k+6)=(1/6)(k+1)(k+2)(2k+3) by induction hypothesis. But this is the equation above with k replaced with (k+1).Thus, if the statement is true for some integer k, it must also be true for k+1, k+2, ..., that is for all integers greater than it.But since it is true for 1, it must be true for all integers by mathematical induction,

AR
Answered by Anna R. Further Mathematics tutor

4755 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the set of values for which: 3/(x+3) >(x-4)/x


Using a Suitable substitution or otherwise, find the differential of y= arctan(sinxcosx), in terms of y and x.


A line has Cartesian equations x−p = (y+2)/q = 3−z and a plane has equation r ∙ [1,−1,−2] = −3. In the case where the angle θ between the line and the plane satisfies sin⁡θ=1/√6 and the line intersects the plane at z = 0. Find p and q.


Find the determinant of a 3x3 square matrix


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