In Exercises 11–24, use mathematical induction to prove that each statement is true for every positive integer n. 1/(1 · 2) + 1/(2 · 3) + 1/(3 · 4) + ... + 1/(n(n+1)) = n/(n + 1)
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- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
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- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction
Sequences
Problem 29
Textbook Question
In Exercises 25–34, use mathematical induction to prove that each statement is true for every positive integer n. n Σ (i = 1) 5 · 6i = 6(6n - 1)
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the statement to prove by induction. The statement is \( \sum_{i=1}^n 5 \cdot 6^i = 6(6^n - 1) \). We want to show this is true for every positive integer \( n \).
Step 2: Base Case: Verify the statement for \( n = 1 \). Substitute \( n = 1 \) into both sides of the equation and check if they are equal.
Step 3: Inductive Hypothesis: Assume the statement is true for some positive integer \( k \), that is, assume \( \sum_{i=1}^k 5 \cdot 6^i = 6(6^k - 1) \) holds.
Step 4: Inductive Step: Using the inductive hypothesis, prove the statement for \( n = k + 1 \). Start with \( \sum_{i=1}^{k+1} 5 \cdot 6^i = \left( \sum_{i=1}^k 5 \cdot 6^i \right) + 5 \cdot 6^{k+1} \), then substitute the inductive hypothesis into this expression.
Step 5: Simplify the right-hand side expression and show that it equals \( 6(6^{k+1} - 1) \), thus completing the inductive step and proving the statement for all positive integers \( n \).
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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 Notation and Properties
Summation notation (Σ) is a concise way to represent the sum of a sequence of terms. Understanding how to manipulate and simplify sums, especially geometric series, is essential. Recognizing patterns in sums helps in formulating and proving closed-form expressions.
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Geometric Series
A geometric series is a sum of terms where each term is a constant multiple (common ratio) of the previous one. The formula for the sum of the first n terms of a geometric series is crucial for simplifying expressions like Σ 5·6^i. Knowing this formula aids in verifying the closed-form expression given.
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