In Exercises 5–10, a statement Sn about the positive integers is given. Write statements Sk and Sk+1 simplifying statement Sk+1 completely. Sn: 2 is a factor of n2 - n + 2.
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- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
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- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
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9. Sequences, Series, & Induction
Sequences
Problem 1
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–4, a statement Sn about the positive integers is given. Write statements S1, S2 and S3 and show that each of these statements is true. Sn: 1 + 3 + 5 + ... + (2n - 1) = n2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Write out the statements S1, S2, and S3 by substituting n = 1, 2, and 3 into the given formula. For example, S1 corresponds to n = 1, so the sum is 1, and the right side is .
Step 2: For S1, verify that the sum of the first 1 odd number, which is just 1, equals . This confirms S1 is true.
Step 3: For S2, write the sum of the first 2 odd numbers: 1 + 3. Then calculate the right side as . Show that both sides are equal to confirm S2 is true.
Step 4: For S3, write the sum of the first 3 odd numbers: 1 + 3 + 5. Then calculate the right side as . Show that both sides are equal to confirm S3 is true.
Step 5: Summarize that by checking these initial cases, you have verified the base cases of the statement for n = 1, 2, and 3.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mathematical Induction
Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to verify statements for all positive integers. It involves two steps: proving the base case (usually n=1) is true, and then proving that if the statement holds for n=k, it also holds for n=k+1. This method confirms the statement for all natural numbers.
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Arithmetic Series and Sequences
An arithmetic sequence is a list of numbers with a constant difference between consecutive terms. The given series 1 + 3 + 5 + ... + (2n - 1) is an arithmetic sequence of odd numbers with a common difference of 2. Understanding this helps in recognizing patterns and summing the terms.
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Sum of the First n Odd Numbers
The sum of the first n odd numbers is equal to n squared (n^2). This is a well-known formula that can be proven by induction or visualized geometrically. It shows a direct relationship between odd numbers and perfect squares, which is the core of the given statement.
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