Use mathematical induction to prove that the statement is true for every positive integer n. 1 + 4 + 4^2 + ... + 4^(n-1) = ((4^n)-1)/3

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem. We are tasked with proving the given formula using mathematical induction. Mathematical induction involves two main steps: the base case and the inductive step. The formula to prove is: 1 + 4 + 4^2 + ... + 4^(n-1) = ((4^n)-1)/3.
2. Step 2: Prove the base case. Substitute n = 1 into the formula. The left-hand side (LHS) becomes 4^(1-1) = 1. The right-hand side (RHS) becomes ((4^1)-1)/3 = (4-1)/3 = 1. Since LHS = RHS, the base case holds true.
3. Step 3: Assume the formula is true for some positive integer k. This is the inductive hypothesis. Assume 1 + 4 + 4^2 + ... + 4^(k-1) = ((4^k)-1)/3.
4. Step 4: Prove the formula for n = k + 1. Add the next term, 4^k, to both sides of the inductive hypothesis: (1 + 4 + 4^2 + ... + 4^(k-1)) + 4^k = ((4^k)-1)/3 + 4^k. Simplify the RHS to show it equals ((4^(k+1))-1)/3.
5. Step 5: Verify the simplification. Combine the terms on the RHS: ((4^k)-1)/3 + 4^k = ((4^(k+1))-1)/3. This confirms the formula holds for n = k + 1. Since the base case is true and the inductive step is proven, the formula is valid for all positive integers n.

Key Concepts

Mathematical Induction

Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to establish the truth of an infinite number of statements, typically concerning positive integers. It involves two main steps: the base case, where the statement is verified for the initial value (usually n=1), and the inductive step, where one assumes the statement holds for n=k and then proves it for n=k+1. This method is essential for proving formulas or properties that apply to all integers in a specified range.

Geometric Series

A geometric series is a series of terms where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant called the common ratio. In the given statement, the series 1 + 4 + 4^2 + ... + 4^(n-1) is a geometric series with a first term of 1 and a common ratio of 4. Understanding the formula for the sum of a geometric series is crucial for simplifying and proving the statement in question.

Formula for the Sum of a Geometric Series

The formula for the sum of the first n terms of a geometric series is S_n = a(1 - r^n) / (1 - r), where 'a' is the first term and 'r' is the common ratio. For the series in the question, this formula can be applied to derive the expression ((4^n) - 1) / 3. Recognizing how to manipulate this formula is key to completing the proof by induction.