Use Mathematical Induction to Prove That the Statements are true for Every Positive Integer n. 1*3+2*4+3*5+⋯+n(n+2)=n(n+1)(2n+7)/6

Solution:

First, let’s make sure we understand what we mean by “mathematical induction”: “Mathematical induction is a method of mathematical proof typically used to establish that a given statement is true of all natural numbers. It is done by proving that the first statement in the infinite sequence of statements is true, and then proving that if any one statement in the infinite sequence of statements is true, then so is the next one.” (Wikipedia) We have pasted below another more detailed explanation of how to create a proof using mathematical induction (see “Appendix” below).

Let’s now take the equation you provided: 1*3+2*4+3*5+…+n(n+2)=

We can show that this is true for n=1:         1*3 = = = 3

Now let us assume that the statement is true for n = k. If it is, then we will prove that it has to be true for n=k+1:

WTS è =       +

=    + 

= 

=

=

=

=       QED

In the above proof, WTS means “want to show” and QED means “quod erat demonstratum” (“which was to be demonstrated”).

Appendix

Here’s another more detailed explanation of how to create a proof using mathematical induction:

This entry was posted on Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 8:36 am and is filed under College, Homework Answers, Math Answers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.