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

5895 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the determinant of a 3x3 square matrix


Compute the derivative of arcsin(x).


What is the polar form of the equation: x^2+y^2 =xy+1


How do i figure out if integrals are improper or not and how do i know which limit is undefined?


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