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
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9. Sequences, Series, & Induction
Sequences
Problem 21
Textbook Question
In Exercises 11–24, use mathematical induction to prove that each statement is true for every positive integer n. 1 · 2 + 2 · 3 + 3 · 4 + ... + n(n + 1) = n(n + 1)(n + 2)/3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Define the statement P(n) to be proved by induction: P(n): 1·2 + 2·3 + 3·4 + ... + n(n + 1) = \(\frac{n(n + 1)(n + 2)}{3}\).
Step 2: Verify the base case P(1): Substitute n = 1 into both sides. Left side is 1·2 = 2. Right side is \(\frac{1 \cdot 2 \cdot 3}{3} = 2\). Since both sides are equal, the base case holds.
Step 3: Assume the induction hypothesis P(k) is true for some positive integer k, that is, assume \(1 \cdot 2 + 2 \cdot 3 + ... + k(k + 1) = \frac{k(k + 1)(k + 2)}{3}\).
Step 4: Prove P(k + 1) is true using the induction hypothesis. Start with the left side of P(k + 1): \(1 \cdot 2 + 2 \cdot 3 + ... + k(k + 1) + (k + 1)(k + 2)\). Substitute the induction hypothesis for the sum up to k:
Step 5: Simplify the expression \(\frac{k(k + 1)(k + 2)}{3} + (k + 1)(k + 2)\) by factoring and algebraic manipulation to show it equals \(\frac{(k + 1)(k + 2)(k + 3)}{3}\), which completes the induction step.
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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 establish that a statement holds 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 an arbitrary integer k, it also holds for k+1. This creates a chain of truth for all n.
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Summation of Sequences
Summation of sequences involves adding terms that follow a specific pattern or formula. In this problem, the sum is of products of consecutive integers, which can be expressed in a closed form. Understanding how to manipulate and simplify such sums is key to verifying the formula.
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Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation refers to the process of simplifying, expanding, and rearranging expressions to facilitate comparison or proof. In this problem, it is essential to correctly expand and factor expressions like n(n+1)(n+2)/3 and the sum terms to verify equality during the induction step.
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